By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Aside from housing a few files moved from the cluttered, overcrowded hallways of the town hall, the Hooksett Village School has remained largely unused since its doors closed in June of 2004.

Since then, several plans – hatched both by the town and some private entities – have fallen by the wayside.

Most notably, a $1.5 million bond that would have turned the building into half town offices and half community center was narrowly rejected by voters in March.

At a recent workshop, sponsored by the New Hampshire Municipal Association, several town officials gathered to consider, or reconsider, the fate of the historic building, which was deeded to the town for $1 after functioning as a school for nearly 70 years.

Town Councilor Philip Fitanides said constituents have approached him about cars parked in the Village School parking lot, asking him why the town isn't making use of the building.

Town Councilor Stuart Werksman said he thinks voters may be confused about the future of the building since the last Town Meeting.

Town Administrator David Jodoin said people have asked him why the building can't again be used as a school.

"My take in the community is that they're sick of seeing that building empty," he said.

During a workshop guided by consultant David Provan, of RightRoad Development Advisors, several town officials seemed clear on two points - they'd like the building to be preserved, and they'd like it used as at least a temporary solution to the overcrowding that has afflicted the town offices for several years.

"I think it would be very successful if we could get our town employees into a nice town hall," said Town Councilor Pat Rueppel, "having a nice place for people to work."

Several councilors suggested the town's oversight of the building may have been compromised before the last vote by advocates of a community center.

The plan presented to voters, essentially dividing the building in half for town use and community use, was spearheaded by the Community Economic Development Corporation of Hooksett (CEDCOH).

Rueppell said the final price tag may have discouraged voters.

"They thought the $1.5 million was a little outlandish," she said.

Rueppel suggested voters may be more likely to approve a smaller plan, one more focused on improving conditions for the town hall employees.

Several officials likened the Village School project to the recent school construction/renovation and the Route 3 safety complex - each of those projects got voter approval only after being originally rejected and revised.

Provan said deciding a clear set of goals for such a project is paramount as so many parties - including elected officials, town staff, architects, contractors, community organizations, etc. - inevitably get involved.