Canton Land Conservation Trust President Expresses Interest in Grange Building for Storage, Gathering Space

Should the town accept the Cherry Brook Grange Hall, Canton Land Conservation Trust president Barry Deutsch is hopeful the organization could utilize a portion of the space and in turn help maintain the building.

The grange is disbanding and has offered the town its building at 534 Cherry Brook Road. At a previous meeting selectmen were excited with the idea of a community space in North Canton but worried about the financial burden of some needed repairs and ongoing maintenance.

At the board’s meeting Wednesday, Deutsch said that while he would need to speak to the organization’s board before any action was taken, he felt the hall would be a great place for the organization to gather and establish a small office.

The trust has conserved nearly 2,000 acres in its 40-year history and right now, important documents are generally kept in people's houses or passed from president to president, he said.

I’m sure we would be willing to help out in taking care of the facility,” Deutsch said.

Deutsch said he would have to consult the trust directors to see if the organization would be in a position to make any financial commitment but said it could easily handle such tasks as basic maintenance and mowing.

Selectmen made no immediate decision but First Selectman Richard Barlow spoke in favor of the concept.

“To me that kind of partnership makes sense,” he said.