Temple study

Public funding of a feasibility study on private property in advance of ownership is not normally advisable. But the Watertown Local Development Corp.'s decision to do one for the Masonic Temple in Watertown is warranted in the long run.

The massive Washington Street structure has sat empty for years after proving too costly for the dwindling Masonic Lodge membership to afford. Disuse contributes to its deteriorating condition. Pieces of the cornice have crashed to the ground. The property is fencedoff for safety reasons. Fortunately, no has been injured.

To encourage interest, the Masons have lowered the sale price from $499,000 to $125,000, but that may not be enough. What would be done with the building? Demolition costs would be tremendous. Renovating the 36,000-square-foot building to current health and safety standards for offices or other uses while complying with historic preservation requirements will be a deterrent to prospective buyers.

The risk is that the city will eventually take possession of the property if the Masons stop paying the annual $7,034 tax bill. Officials pointed out that future development of the property may become a public-private partnership that would require a study. So it becomes a matter of doing an architectural and engineering assessment of the building now or waiting until the property falls into city hands in even worse condition.

However, the study should also be a public-private venture. The Local Development Corp. should recoup a portion of the cost from a private investor. The Masons should also contribute since the sale or other disposition of the property would relieve them of costly maintenance and upkeep to prevent the building from becoming an unmarketable and dangerous eyesore.

The site offers a prime spot for development if the right purpose can be found.