To the Editor:

As the recently appointed citizen-at-large member of the Wareham Redevelopment Authority, I have had the opportunity to talk to many Wareham residents about the Tremont Nail Factory, and heard opinions that span a wide range of positions.  

One of the positions I have heard multiple times is “why can’t we just put local crafts people, or museums, or educational exhibits into the Tremont now?” The reason is that none of the many Tremont buildings are in any condition to support activities or uses of this kind.  

There are structural, electrical, plumbing, fire, and fire safety issues that all have to be addressed. Parking and handicap access issues must be addressed. There are no bathrooms.  Estimates to rehabilitate the “freight building,” the historical building in probably the best shape, approach $1 million.  

While there is some limited funding available now to get started, it is nowhere near what is required in the short or long term. Per the Tremont Nail Vision Plan, renting the ”steel building” and using 100 percent of that rent income for Tremont rehabilitation effort is an opportunity our Redevelopment Authority has chosen to pursue.

Fortunately for Wareham, an established manufacturing and distribution company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, wants to expand into New England and make Wareham the center of its regional presence. This company exceeds $100 million of annual revenue. This company has been highlighted by Forbes Magazine, and named as one of Denver’s best places to work. This company wants to sign a five year, renewable agreement to rent the Tremont “steel building” for its manufacturing operations. This company will be responsible for all rehabilitation costs for the steel building. This company will generate money annually for the Tremont rehabilitation through rent payments, as well as paying property taxes and host community agreement fees that will go directly into the Wareham general fund. This company will employ 25 local people initially, which is expect to grow to 50 employees or even more over the next few years. These jobs will range from laborers to engineers, and all jobs will include full benefits and retirement savings plans.  

It sounds almost too good to be true. So, what is the catch? This company, Organa Brands, is in the cannabis industry. Even though cannabis is now legal, there are still strong feelings by some of our residents, and they don’t want it at the Tremont. Some folks don’t want it in Wareham. This is completely understandable, and presents an interesting dilemma.  

Some folks suggest letting Organa Brands set up shop in Wareham, just not at the Tremont. While that strategy is good for Wareham, it does nothing for the Tremont.

Wareham needs to make a decision. Do we approve the new zoning overlay article at town meeting which will allow Organa Brands to set up shop and start a revenue stream into the Tremont rehabilitation effort? Or do we reject the zoning overlay article and Organa Brands, and go back to square one on trying to generate funds to rehabilitate the historic buildings of Tremont?  

For me, it is a no-brainer. The jobs, the general fund revenue, and most importantly the Tremont rehabilitation revenue completely outweigh any cannabis concerns.

This opportunity is like none other the town has in regard to the Tremont site. The Tremont site has sat empty for almost 15 years, and without this overlay zoning article approval, could go another 15 years waiting for an opportunity like this.  

In my opinion, if our voters choose to reject the zoning overlay article that would let Organa Brands into the Tremont “steel building,” it will send a loud and clear message that the town isn’t committed to the Tremont site, and we should all stop wasting our time and resources.

I encourage all Wareham registered voters to come to town meeting October 22, and vote.

Richard Swenson

Wareham Redevelopment Authority Member