GATRA to use Decas School on temporary basis

Many have wondered what will become of the Decas School at 760 Main Street since it was left vacant in January 2022 for the new Wareham Elementary School on Minot Avenue. 

Studies done on the property have shown it would best be used to attract businesses needing laboratory and office space, but a local group has been advocating for its use as a community center.

While the permanent use of the school is yet to be decided, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan has entered into an inter-municipal agreement with the bus company, GATRA, which will allow the business to use the property on a temporary basis for 18 months. 

Use of the property will include the building and a portion of the parking lot. According to Sullivan, during this time, GATRA will assume all the costs associated with operating the building as well as any liabilities. 

Sullivan said, “I think while we work on the future of this site, it's frankly what we would call a no brainer.”

The Select Board solidified this agreement in a vote at their Tuesday, Dec. 19 meeting.

Select Board member Alan Slavin said GATRA is working on “putting in a terminal storage bus area” that he believes will expand the company's service over time, making it “a lot easier for us.”

He added the company is also working on instituting alternative energy.

“This is all a plus,” he said.

There is no official start date set, said Sullivan, adding he is assuming mid-January.