Statement from Stanley on City Hall’s Banks School Property Update

Statement from Candidate Tom Stanley on City Hall’s update on the Banks School Property

“This morning the Mayor announced that the city has received no bids to purchase the Banks School property and the city would now move to sell the 24 individual condominium units as was outlined in their ‘original plan’.

If this was City Hall’s plan all along, why did it take ten years for the administration to execute? The Mayor has been sitting on the property for a decade, spending $5 million in renovations and an untold amount in utility costs and municipal employee wages. Now, the administration has finally decided to take action but continues to act irresponsibly by presenting an unrealistic bid to potential buyers. Where is the commitment and leadership to get the job done?

When the city initially had the opportunity ten years ago, I proposed selling the Banks School. Just this past December I was joined by my colleague Councilor Paul Brasco in once again calling upon the mayor to take action because it was the fiscally responsible thing to do. Waltham deserves better than this. Waltham deserves accountability and real leadership.”