Selectmen Tuesday endorsed a citizens group's plans to establish a nonprofit organization to support renovation of the Lillian Gregerman Bandshell in Onset.

The group, known as Cultural Connection, Inc., is headed by co-founder Paul Ciccotelli, who is also the Onset Bay Association's secretary.

Ciccotelli presented the Board with a draft "memorandum of understanding" Tuesday night to establish the group as a 501c3 non-profit. By registering as a non-profit, the group gains federal tax-exempt status.

Ciccotelli, who founded the Bandshell Alliance in 2014, explained that, because the bandshell is town property, the group cannot refurbish it on its own and would need to use town funds to do it. The intent of the Alliance would be to defray government costs.

“It's in bad shape because people use it all the time,” Ciccotelli explained after the meeting. He said his long-term goal is to establish Onset as a cultural historical district. The more community coalitions that exist, he said, the easier it will be to apply for historical district designation and subsequently receive grants.

“Economic recovery plans don't work,” said Ciccotelli. “It's necessary to create creative partnerships.”

Selectmen's approval of the memorandum sends it to town counsel for final approval.