The Select Board of Walpole Massachusetts is currently considering possible uses for the $7.5 Million in ARPA funding that Walpole is going to receive as part of the $8.7 billion in aid to Massachusetts through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

Since Walpole moved the Police Station out of that historic building several years ago, the building has basically gone "dark"...a classic New England Town Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, seems to be in a situation where the town is unable to find the funds or the plan to re-use/revitalize the building.

Several years ago, a report was written by well-intentioned local citizens which outlined several possible business uses for the building. The report included architectural drawings, details on the building, etc. Unfortunately, nothing has come of that report. The building remains empty and dark.

My suggestion for the building: Renovate/restore/modernize the building to bring it back to its original intent: That of a Public Building. With careful renovations, the interior public hall within the structure could be restored. And several areas of office space could be updated to accomodate town offices...perhaps one office, ie: The building inspector.

Other nearby towns (Canton, Medfield, Hudson, etc.) have done exactly what I'm proposing.....to restore the building to its original usage, and they've done it quite successfully.

Considering the level of ARPA funding available, I would think this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Walpole to grasp this opportunity to finally come to a resolution on the future of this building....with the funds to do it.

I'm asking Walpole residents, former residents, or anyone who passes through Walpole or has a connection to Walpole (Including anyone in Massachusetts and beyond) to urge the Walpole Select Board to take advantage of this opportunity and to restore the building to its original use...that of a public facility.

Built by the Walpole generation that won the US Civil War and helped free from slavery nearly 4 million people, this building deserves complete restoration. Don't you agree? Please comment as well. Thank You sincerely

Michael E. Amaral

Walpole Historical Commission Chairman 2011-2015 (Member, 2007-2015)