Melrose Council Tables Genio Deal, Approves Park Restroom Contract and Liquor License

MELROSE — March 19, 2026 — Melrose tables downtown Genio donation agreement over environmental liability concerns. The City Council voted unanimously on a range of action items at its March 19 meeting but held back on approving a revised donation agreement for the Genio building — the centerpiece of the city's downtown redevelopment project — after a council member raised concerns about the cost of acquiring a property carrying significant remediation liability, noting that even with a newly announced $669,700 state demolition grant, an additional $600,000 to $700,000 in city funds would be needed to raze the structure. Community Development Director Sheila reported the Department of Employment and Economic Development grant was confirmed Monday. A separate purchase agreement for the Leadstone property was delivered by City Attorney Joe Krueger the night before the meeting, and the council agreed to address both real estate matters at a dedicated special session. The council also awarded a $113,000 restroom construction contract for Railroad West Park to Kremer Lumber, approved an on-sale liquor license for True North Marketplace, and heard the farewell address of the outgoing City Administrator, who credited six years of work with generating $89 million in private investment in Melrose.