City Council to Discuss Brooks Estate, Springstep

On Tuesday the Medford City Council will discuss a proposed capital improvement plan for the Brooks Estate and a resolution to purchase Springstep’s building.

The proposed capital improvement plan for the Brooks Estate includes two phases- a $2.3 million plan for phase one that would restore the mansion and carriage house into facilities for community use and to generate income; and a $900,000 phase two for better road access to the Brooks Estate, which is located in a heavily wooded area. According to information on the city’s capital improvement plan released by Mayor Michael McGlynn, phase one would be funded with a bond and phase two would use Chapter 90 funding.

The Brooks Estate plan is part of a larger “Chart the Course” capital improvement plan for the city proposed by Mayor McGlynn in January.

The Council has asked the Mayor, City Budget Director Stephanie Muccini Burke, and members of the Brooks Estate Land Trust to attend the Committee of the whole meeting, which is taking place at 5:30PM in Room 207 at Medford City Hall.

During the Council’s regular 7PM meeting councilors will discuss a resolution by City Council President Robert Maiocco for the city to explore the possibility of purchasing Springstep’s building, which recently came up for sale. Maiocco has proposed the building, located right next to City Hall, be used for a new police headquarters. Springstep, a non-profit organization, opened in 2003 as a center featuring cultural events and courses in dance, music, art, and fitness.

– InsideMedford.com