BOURNE – Bourne Town Meeting voters have given the thumbs up to a proposal to convert the vacant Hoxie School into a non-profit cultural arts center.
The measure on Tuesday night’s ballot to sell the school to the non-profit for $1 passed overwhelmingly 186 to 36.
Residents also approved $213,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to go toward the project. Community Preservation Act funds come from a surtax on property taxes and can be used for historic preservation, affordable housing or open space.
Scott Fitzmaurice, Vice President of Hoxie Center at Sagamore Beach for Arts, Science Education and Culture, said the goal is to now get working on the project.
Fitzmaurice says they a working toward opening the 24,000 square foot facility in the latter half of 2015.
He said, the approval of the project and the funding was gratifying as they ramp up fundraising efforts.
Fitzmaurice also says the organization will be applying for a state cultural facilities grant.
