WHATELY — As town officials continue to take steps toward selling the former Whately Center School, they want to take a look at the 113-year-old building’s roof.

Members of the Selectboard, Historical Commission Chair Donna Wiley, and Highway and Building Superintendent Keith Bardwell discussed the school’s slate roof, which they say has served its functional lifespan, during a meeting last week.

Wiley suggested the town reach out to Mahan Slate Roofing Co., which she said may conduct a quick inspection of the roof at no cost.

“I think the situation is that everyone who’s looked at the building — none of us being specialists — believe the roof is the biggest wildcard,” Wiley explained. “We, as the owners, ought to have more information on that part of the building … and if we can get it at no cost, that’s good.”

Wiley said Mahan Slate Roofing Co. is “very reputable” and did not charge her to inspect her own roof.

“I like the price tag on that,” Selectboard Chair Joyce Palmer-Fortune replied. “I don’t see any reason to not get the information.”

In the Center School Visioning Committee’s final report, the committee stated “the status of the roof remains unknown.” Bardwell said there may be “some structural issues with the rafters and the roof.” If so, Wiley said roof repairs or a replacement may be eligible for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds.

“Whatever we do with this building,” Wiley said, “if we want to sell it, we should not allow it to deteriorate because there is water coming in the roof.”

The town has spent the last few years trying to determine the future of the former school on Chestnut Plain Road. At the beginning of the year, a request for proposals (RFP) to lease the building to a long-term renter, who would redevelop the building in exchange for reduced rent, received no interest. The building has been vacant since 2018.

Before issuing an RFP to sell the property, Whately is awaiting a decision from the Massachusetts Historical Commission on its draft preservation requirements for the building. The town submitted its draft requirements to the state in April, and such decisions can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.

Once the draft is approved and town counsel reviews it, Town Administrator Brian Domina said the town will issue the next RFP.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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