Groton – The Town Council on Tuesday opted not to enter into an agreement with the Noank Fire District, which was pursuing a lease with the town in order to repair and reuse the former Noank School.

Instead, the council said the town intends to retain the property.

The council voted 7-1 against entering into a memorandum of understanding. Councilor Dean Antipas was the sole dissenting vote of the councilors who voted. Councilor Harry Watson was not present. 

The fire district had requested an agreement with the town in order to seek funding to perform repairs and open up a portion for the school for community use. The district last month presented a plan with cost estimates of $300,000 to $450,000 to repair the exterior and open up one-third of the school for use. Without state funding, however, the district would have needed to turn to Noank taxpayers for the money.

Mayor Heather Bond Somers said the council discussed the matter during executive session and felt  the district did not have a viable financial plan. She also said she was presented with a petition with the names of more than 100 people opposed to the plans for reuse.