The Henry T. Wing School was built in 1927.
SANDWICH – Sandwich residents have given their input on what they would like to see happen to the Henry T. Wing School.
A survey was drawn up by selectmen last month that asked residents what options they would consider for the school.
They included the demolition of the entire building and creating a green space, the demolition of all but the historic section of the school and replanting surrounding grounds, and the demolition of all but the auditorium of the 1927 building and adding restrooms and greenery.
Over 600 residents filled out the survey on the town’s website and 75 residents filled out the paper surveys that were located at the Sandwich Library.
“This was a pretty large number of people that have responded,” said selectmen chair Susan James. “It was really interesting to me to kind of look at the results.”
The demolition of the entire building and creating a green space came in with the highest number at 39 percent, with demolishing the building but not the 1927 building at 30 percent and demolishing the building but keeping the auditorium at 7 percent.
Over 22 percent of the residents voted for none of the suggestions, and instead, came up with ideas of a community/senior center or town offices/meeting space for community groups for the building.
Over 52 percent of residents said in the survey that they did not want the town to sell the building, with 45 percent of the residents wanting the town to sell.
Those that wanted the town to sell the building wanted to see it turned into senior housing, a senior/community center or a recreation center.
Selectman Peter Beauchemin said that the town needs to act based on what they are hearing from residents.
“I think the answer’s clear, the people have spoken twice,” said Beauchemin. “I think it’s time we take the voice of the people and started acting on it.”
The school is currently being used by the school district for administrative offices, but closed last June.
Selectmen said that they will talk with the school committee soon about their future in the building before they take action.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
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