The Hudson Community Food Pantry is expected to appear before the Hudson Zoning Board of Adjustment later this month as it continues to pursue plans to relocate to the former Recreation Center at 2 Oakwood St.
The Hudson Board of Selectmen received an update on the proposal during its most recent meeting.
The food pantry previously expressed interest in making the town-owned building its new permanent location after learning that its current home is being sold.
“The Hudson Community Food Pantry has expressed interest in establishing a new permanent location at the Town-owned former Recreation Center property located at 2 Oakwood Street,” Town Administrator Roy Sorenson said during a previous meeting. “The Pantry’s current location is being sold, requiring the organization to identify an alternative facility in order to continue providing food assistance to Hudson residents.”
Sorenson said the proposal presents an opportunity to make use of an existing town-owned property while officials continue broader discussions regarding municipal facilities.
“Town Counsel has been requested to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Hudson Community Food Pantry establishing a framework for the parties to continue evaluating the potential use of the Oakwood Street property,” Sorenson previously explained. “The MOU is intended to memorialize the parties’ present understanding and establish a process for moving forward while necessary due diligence, land-use approvals, property considerations and legal requirements are addressed.”
The Board of Selectmen previously approved authorizing the execution of the memorandum, allowing the pantry to move forward with due diligence and the required land-use review process.
Sorenson also noted that the building is currently being used for storage.
“We store our records there. We have miscellaneous furniture in there and some stuff,” he said. “And quite honestly, there’s probably a lot of stuff in there that doesn’t need to be in there.”
Selectman Chair Dillon Dumont previously expressed support for the proposal.
“I think it’s a good use of an underutilized property. I think what you guys do adds a tremendous value to Hudson in general, so I’m happy to try to come to terms that’s favorable for both the Town of Hudson and, obviously, the food pantry as a whole,” Dumont said. “So, I’m obviously in full support of this.”
At the board’s most recent meeting, Sorenson said the memorandum established a framework for the pantry to continue its due diligence efforts and seek the approvals necessary for the proposed use.
“The Food Pantry has since submitted an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and anticipates appearing before the board on Oct. 22,” Sorenson said.
Prior to that hearing, the pantry requested permission to hold an informational meeting for neighbors and abutters at the Oakwood Street property.
According to Sorenson, the meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and will give pantry representatives an opportunity to explain their mission, discuss the proposed day-to-day use of the property, and address questions or concerns from nearby residents.
The Board of Selectmen approved the request.
