Upton believed they had reached an agreement with United Parish of Upton in regards to leasing parking spaces as part of the Town Hall Renovation Project. A few weeks ago the church lawyers had approached the Town with different terms, which was unexpected, wanting to have the option to renegotiate after 20 years. The Town had believed the agreement to be a 20 year lease with three town-option 10 year renewals which would not require renegotiating terms.
Upton attempted to bring the agreement back to what they believed was the original terms but was unsuccessful. The Church was uncomfortable with locking into an agreement of that length. Upton reminded the Church the reason they wanted to lock into an agreement of that length was for the benefit of the taxpayers.
Town Manager Blythe Robinson said, “We agreed that we couldn’t come to an understanding.” Robinson advised she told the church the Town was disappointed but appreciated the fact Upton has been able to use the lot up until now. “I wished them the best of luck and that if we were no longer going to be using it (the parking lot) we would no longer be maintaining it in the future. I think it ended on a friendly note and we agreed to keep the lines of communication open but that we wouldn’t try to pursue this any further.”
Selectman Brochu said, “It is unfortunate. The intent was to try and improve the infrastructure over there with the intent of the employees of the Town Hall to park over there. We do have another plan where if we don’t have another resolution employees could park over in the playground lot.”
Selectman Picard asked if the Town would put out a request for other proposals. Blythe Robinson said yes, after the move.
UPTON DAILY 
To clarify, the town and the church had not reached any final agreement. The lease had been in discussion and undergone several revisions – back and forth between the town and church – over the last several months. It is unfortunate that the reporting on this story continues to only quote town officials. The church asked to participate in the renewal discussions, and not be subject to unilateral renewals. If the town wanted fifty year lease without changes, why were they asking for 3 10-year renewals? So that if their needs changed they could withdraw from the lease. The church was asking for equal consideration. The town threatened to stop plowing the lot if we didn’t back down. The town has always used the lot for town center events. And it may continue to do so. We live here too. We are “the tax payers.”