FARMINGTON — Voters at Monday’s annual town meeting indicated the town should keep the property at 411 High St.

After having the property appraised last year, selectmen decided to place an article on the warrant asking for authority to sell it by bid or auction. The property, the former site of the municipal garage, is at the intersection of Route 2, also known as the Farmington Falls Road. 

Moderator Paul Mills had Roger Lambert of Strong lead the meeting temporarily so he could give an historical account of the property. By the early 19th century, the neighborhood was called Norton Flat and the site of the Norton Flat School. Farmington native and opera star Madame Lillian Nordica was a Norton, he said.

The Norton Flat School became the second most important one in town, schooling 88 students, he said. It was one of more than 20 school districts in town.

Between 1890 and 1920, the town sold off most of the schools. In 1924, the Norton Flat School was closed. Residents petitioned the town to reopen it in 1930 but officials declined, he said.

In the 1930s, the property became the headquarters for the town garage. A small piece of the garage still stands on the property.

A “Welcome to Farmington” sign on the property and pine trees greet visitors traveling west on Route 2 as they come into town.

It has potential use as a welcoming booth or an outdoor recreation center, Mills said.

“If sold by the town, the pine trees will be uprooted and the lawn paved” if it becomes a gas station or mini-mall, he said. “I hope this outcome is avoided.”

There’s no shortage of vacant commercial space now, he said.

Jon Bubier, owner Ron’s Market a short distance up High Street, agreed with Mills, saying the town should keep the property and “not sell an asset in this community.”

Asked what motivated the board to consider selling the property, Chairman Ryan Morgan said they discussed the potential for tax revenue. The appraised value was “significantly less” than anticipated and it’s been empty for awhile, he said.

The property was appraised at $53,000.

Others said it’s a nice piece of property for the town to keep. It’s the first thing people see and should be attractive, one resident said.

Voters agreed not to sell it.

abryant@sunjournal.com