ROYALSTON — In the wake of the demolition of an imposing building that once overlooked the hamlet and the loss of a popular eatery that attracted patrons from around the region, some residents have banded together to see what can be done to reinvigorate South Royalston. Despite the fact that vacant lots are now all that occupy 1 School Street and the former site of Pete & Henry’s Restaurant, the group is optimistic that much can be done to breathe new life into the community.
To that end, the South Village Revitalization Committee Wednesday night introduced itself to the Royalston Select Board to discuss potential strategies for a rejuvenation of the area.
“We are in the process of looking at some ways we can increase visibility there,” said committee member Nancy Monette, “and to beautify it in some way. We all like to do some work on the (King Street) bridge. We all know the Bridge of Flowers (in Shelburne Falls). So, we’re focusing on something we could possibly do with the bridge, given the limitations, because of the fact that it is closed to the public.”
“It’s condemned; it’s beyond closed to the public,” interjected Select Board Chair Christine Long.
“I’m still hopeful there are some possibilities there,” Monette responded, “just to make it look better, like it’s not an abandoned piece of property. Maybe we can’t have people on there. That might be the final outcome of the situation.”
“We also want to help the people in the General Store,” said Monette. “We’d like to help them promote their business and make it successful, as it is like a hub. It’s the only hub in town where people can really go and visit with their neighbors.”
Monette said the group has also talked about getting a discussion going on Whitney Hall, and its restoration. ” We’ve had some good ideas put out there,” she said, noting committee member Mark Shoul had an idea of turning it into an artists’ space. “We’d like to get the community involved in trying to save that building.”
“So, we want to take advantage of all the beautiful things we have in South Royalston,” Monette said. “We like the idea of a river walk. I know when the DPW cleaned along the river there it just made it so beautiful. And there are trails. There are people that like to bike, and there are tons of kayakers who use that area. We want to make it a destination for people. We want to get the village going again.”
There was also some discussion on what to do with the vacant lot that was once home to Pete and Henry’s. Committee member Linda Alger pointed out that it was too small to be a buildable lot.
“The only people who could build on that lot are the Cloutiers (owners of the former restaurant that was leveled by fire),” said Select Board member Roland Hamel. “They’re grandfathered, but they only have two years from the date of the fire to do something there. But I notice there is a for sale sign on it. I’m not sure who would want it since you can’t do anything with it.”
Monette raised the possibility of the town obtaining the property for use as a public park.
Long also noted that when 1 School Street was demolished, “It was actually part of the plan to have a park go in there.”
“We want to serve like the Common Restoration Committee did,” said member Linda Alger. “I think we’re pointed in the right direction. I think our ideas are big but I think, to start out, maybe we should do something more focused. We have to start small.”