Melrose Select Board tables demolition of 406 Main Street, eyes renovation

MELROSE — September 19, 2024 — Melrose Select Board tables demolition of 406 Main Street East after local developer pitches renovation. The board voted unanimously Thursday to table a $250,000 demolition budget authorized September 3 after Nathan Hilner of Northstar Properties LLC presented a rough $400,000 renovation plan that would preserve the deteriorating downtown structure as ground-floor commercial space with two upstairs apartments. City Attorney Scott told the board the consent agreement with building owner Scott weof was drafted without obligating the city to proceed, keeping both options open. Hilner said demolition contractor Landwehr had no availability until October regardless, and asked for time to open interior walls for a structural engineer to verify that floor joists and brick bearing walls are sound. The board also approved the preliminary 2025 tax levy at $1,630,000 — a $140,000 increase over 2024 — with a tax rate of 47.67 percent, set to be revised downward before final adoption in November.