Dr. Chris Grier (left) and Washington County Public Health administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski present the preferred option for moving the public health department to the former McCleery Calendar Factory at the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Concerns regarding turning the former McCleery Calendar Factory into space for the Washington County Department of Public Health were voiced at Tuesday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting. Neighboring business owners had concerns regarding parking, noise, zoning and cost.The building is currently zoned light industrial. Regardless of whether the county has offices in the building, it will be rehabilitated. Hobart Historic Restoration has two weeks to decide if the building will be commercial or residential, and is waiting for the supervisors’ decision. The Washington County Board of Health recommended a rent to own option, where the

total investment for the county after five years would be $1.5 million and the building would be owned by the county in its entirety. Public Health would use approximately 11,000 square feet of the building and the second floor is open at this time for other offices. Chris Grier, board of health member, explained the department needs more space to better serve the public and it would cost less than a new building.

In 2015, a $2 million bond to fund a new building for the department failed.

The supervisors tabled the item.

To learn more about the Board of Health’s meeting and decision – click here.

To get more information about Hobart Historic Restoration and plans for the building – click here.