Pembroke Sets $475k Minimum Price for Old Fire Station Sale
Will Keep $109k/Year Cell Tower Revenue
PEMBROKE - January 7, 2026 - The Select Board voted unanimously to set a minimum bid of $475,000 for the sale of the former fire station property at 380 Washington Street. Crucially, the town will carve out and retain a small portion of the parcel housing a cell tower, which currently generates nearly $109,000 annually in lease revenue for the town.
The Full Story
With the construction of the new Public Safety Building underway, the town is moving forward with plans to offload the surplus fire station at 380 Washington Street. However, rather than selling the “whole kit and caboodle,” as member Dan Trabucco described it, the town has opted for a strategic subdivision to protect a significant revenue stream.
Town Manager Bill Chenard presented the financial rationale to the board. The property is currently assessed at roughly $875,000, but a massive chunk of that value is derived from the cell tower located on the site.
“We want to retain a portion of the parcel and not sell the entire parcel,” Chenard explained. “The reason we want to keep that portion... is because we receive a substantial amount of money for the lease of that tower.”
According to Chenard, the tower lease currently brings in $109,000 for this fiscal year. The agreement includes a 3% annual increase on the base amount, plus the town receives 30% of any sublease increases from the carriers using the tower.
“It compounds 3% plus all those sub lease increases it compounds quickly.” — [Bill Chenard, Town Manager] [29:46]
The Board voted to set the minimum sale price for the remaining building and land at $475,000. The town will now issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids for the property. Chenard noted that while $475,000 is the recommended floor based on market value without the tower, he anticipates the town may receive higher offers.
“We don’t need any more empty buildings,” Chair Tracy Marino said, expressing support for the sale.
New Business: “Uncommon Cafe” Coming to Center Street In local business news, the Board approved a Common Victualler license for a new establishment, “Uncommon Cafe,” located at 158 Center Street. Owner Tyler Doktor, a private chef and owner of the company Flavor Profile, told the board the cafe will focus on meal prep, grab-and-go options, local coffee, and baked goods.
“We hope to kind of be like a breath of fresh air in the Pembroke center with what we’re doing,” Doktor said. He aims to open by the second week of February, pending zoning approval.
Why It Matters
The decision to split the 380 Washington Street parcel represents a savvy fiscal move for Pembroke taxpayers. By selling the surplus building, the town eliminates the liability of maintaining an empty structure and gains a one-time cash infusion of at least $475,000. Simultaneously, by retaining the cell tower, the town secures a six-figure annual revenue stream that grows automatically each year, helping to offset the tax burden long-term.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To allow the pledge of the All Alcohol License held by Wolves Den Sports and Entertainment LLC to Rockland Trust Company.
Vote: Unanimous [08:48]
Motion: To approve the application for Common Victualler license for Uncommon Cafe at 158 Center Street.
Vote: Unanimous [11:15]
Motion: To appoint Caryn Flashman to the Board of Registrars (filling a Democratic vacancy).
Vote: Unanimous [23:51]
Motion: To set the minimum value for the sale of 380 Washington Street at $475,000.
Vote: Unanimous [30:14]
Public Comment
Resident Thomas Driscoll approached the board to inquire about the town’s protocols for sanding and salting roads. He shared that his daughter had recently been in a significant car accident involving a broken nose and concussion. He asked if protocols regarding when to treat roads were in writing. Town Manager Bill Chenard explained that the DPW uses a forecast service to decide when to pre-salt or plow, and coordinates with the police for unexpected freezing events. Chenard promised to check if a written protocol document exists for Mr. Driscoll. [39:15]
What’s Next
380 Washington Street: The town will issue an RFP for the sale of the property.
Grant Report: Town Manager Chenard will present a full report on grants applied for and received in 2025 at the next meeting.
Water Master Plan: A formal presentation by the consultant engineers is scheduled for an upcoming meeting.
Source Video: Pembroke Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel