For Immediate Release: 8/6/2012 3:22 pm
Worcester, MA (August 6, 2012) - Last week the state legislature passed a bill to allow the revitalization and renovation efforts of Worcester's historic Fire Alarm and Telegraph Building to proceed. The City of Worcester was granted authority to convey, lease and change the use of certain park lands in Worcester, including the Fire Alarm & Telegraph building located in Elm Park.
The bill's sponsors, Representatives John J. Mahoney (D-Worcester), John J. Binienda (D-Worcester) and Senator Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester), carried the local measure in the legislature so the city could, among other measures, preserve the historic 6,735 square foot fire alarm station building.
"I thank my colleagues in the legislature for recognizing the importance of this project and working to pass this legislation before the end of formal session," Rep. Mahoney said. "I commend Worcester City Manager Mike O'Brien, and his entire team, for their vision of economic development in the city and their dedication to make it happen."
The measure solidified an agreement between the city, Spencer Savings Bank and Preservation Worcester for the adaptive reuse of the Fire Alarm & Telegraph building as a retail banking facility with a community room and other public amenities.
"The passage of this bill will preserve this important piece of our city's history that was in eminent threat of complete loss," Manager O'Brien said. "The short-term and long-term needs for this facility are great and through a unique private/public partnership we will now be able to achieve our goals, maintain public use, and minimize any direct costs to the city. I am grateful to our state delegation, in particular Rep. Mahoney, Rep. Binienda and Sen. Chandler for their efforts to ensure this measure was signed into law by Governor Patrick."
