Town hall prospect may not be feasible

By Rose Hooper

Although Webster Town Board members would like to purchase and restore the Jim Rhinehart house, it might be more feasible to tear down the historic structure, they learned during their March meeting.

The historic house, built back when Webster was the county seat, would cost more to bring it up to code than it is worth, board member Raymond Ledford said.

Board members have expressed interest in purchasing the house and property adjacent to the post office for use as a town hall and mini park, and owner Jim Rhinehart has been agreeable to the proposition.

However, following an inspection for termites and an appraisal, board members now have second thoughts.

"We found termite damage to loose boards along the property, but not in the structure," said Ledford, who indicated the floor would have to be rebuilt.

"If we want to use the building for public use, it has to meet certain standards, and that includes reinforcing the foundation to increase the floor load," he continued. "Doing that, and making it handicap accessible, would cost $19,000."

A total renovation to meet regulations, including maintenance and liability insurance, would run close to $100,000, according to estimates Ledford received.

"And that's on top of the purchase price," he added.

Unless they can secure grant funding, board members agreed the cost was out of their price range and that it might be more feasible to tear down the house and convert the property to a town mini park.

Also during their March meeting, board members approved a non-exclusive franchise with Metrostat to provide high-speed internet access to Webster. All cables will be underground, Mayor Steve Gray said, and the service will be made available "based on request."

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