The board approved the senior center generator replacement project because of the perceived need during an emergency. Selectman Joe Calsetta, who made the suggestion, brought documents showing the current state of the generator as well as the cost of the replacement.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $53,600, which includes construction and equipment costs. Removal of the current generator would be done by the Public Works Department of the town.
In addition to the generator, the board also approved the application to assist the Windsor Locks Preservation Association in their attempt to restore the historic Train Station on Main Street.
The request would not exceed $225,000 and would be used to begin the planning stages of the restoration effort. $30,000 was requested for legal assistance when the group begins its negotiations with Amtrak. Amtrak currently owns the station and the land surrounding it.
The station, which was built in the 1870s is most famous as the station where Windsor Locks' own Ella Grasso boarded the train to take to Hartford for her inauguration as the first female governor of the state elected in her own right.
McMahon told the board that in discussions with the Economic and Industrial Development Commission, the commission felt restoring the train station could be a catylyst for improving Main Street.
"What we have here is a group who has worked their tail off," McMahon said, referring to the Preservation Association. "This is just a bigger project than they expected."
In addition to legal fees, the money requested would also be used for design studies of the building, insurance, stabilization of the building and the surrounding land, as well as a market study to see what would be the best use for the building once it is fully restored, as well as other expenses.
McMahon stressed to the board this money would just cover the initial planning stages and they would have to request more assistance, once it is time to begin work on the restoration. The estimate of this portion is said to be somewhere between $450,000 and $475,000.
Selectman Denise Balboni said there are many other projects in town that need to be looked at, but with the short time frame this one seems to be a good bet because most of the work to apply for the grant is already done.
"Other worthwhile projects would lead to new plans and new estimates," Balboni said. "At this point, they are not viable options."
Balboni cautioned that there is risk involved with this project because it all depends on Amtrak's willingness to work with the town.
Joe Calsetta said he agreed there was risk involved, but he said the town has to take the risk.
The board said now they knew this money is available, they would be able to better prepare for future projects, and involve more of the other boards and commissions in town.
Barbara Schley, who serves as president of the Windsor Locks Preservation Association and was most recently appointed by Governor Rell for a seat on the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council, said the group was very excited to hear the result.
"We are very grateful to the board of selectmen for recognizing our hard work and dedication," Schley said. "We are also grateful for their efforts to bring the station back to life."
Schley said the group will be holding a meeting of members in the next two weeks to discuss where to go from here, but said "with this help from the board, and all of our work we have put in, it is apparent the Spirit of the Station is alive and well."
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