City Attorney Sean Surrisi confirmed Monday afternoon that the City of Plymouth is investigating the possibility of submitting a proposal for the next Community Development Block Grant round for an E-Hub at the Old Firehouse.
Last Thursday the state announced the CBDG projects awarded and the REES project didn’t make the list. That determination now allows the REES project to be included in the Stellar application. They are looking for additional funds to complete phase four of the project, the interior portion.
Earlier this month the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety approved another one year contract with HIS Small Wonders Preschool to use of the Old Firehouse. The contract was amended to include a 90 day written notice clause to terminate the contract. It was also noted that the $650 monthly rent was expected to cover the expenses of the building such as utilities and taxes and it’s not. Surrisi said he would meet with the renter to let them know an adjustment may be needed to cover those costs.
Surrisi said the Entrepreneur Hub in the Old Firehouse has been on the drawing board for a several years and the city feels like this is the time to start working on making it a reality.
Conceptual drawings of what renovation might be made to the Old Firehouse were done by Scott Savan’s company, the developer of the South Gateway Apartments and shown during the board meeting on August 12th. The city attorney told the board the drawings show a more modern space with a roof top gathering space. He also noted that Marshall County Economic Development Center would eventually relocate into the space.
Councilman Gary Cook questioned if the changes would affect the historical designation of the building and Surrisi said they are looking into that.
No action was taken by the Board of Public Works and Safety on the E-Hub although they did approve the one year lease with HIS Small Wonders Preschool.
