ROCKPORT — The owner of the Cape Ann Tool Company site said Tuesday he has no intention of developing the site himself, and said he's told the Rockport town administrator that he remains willing to sell it, including to the town.
Though Christopher Kaneb has permits that would allow him to develop the site, Kaneb told the Gloucester Daily Times on Tuesday that he is focusing more on other projects under way at his company, Old Colony Maritime LLC.
"We are focusing on larger developments that are closer to the city (Boston) and that take more of our resources," said Kaneb.
Kaneb spoke with Town Administrator Linda Sanders late last week and told her about his plans. Sanders and Kaneb had been "playing telephone tag" for several days, according to Kaneb, before they managed to speak with one another.
Though the first meeting of the Tool Company Task Force, charged with coming up with a plan for the site, was held in December, town officials indicated as recently as last week they had not spoken with Kaneb to determine his plans.
According to Selectman Erin Batistelli, a task force member, Kaneb had said he planned to assess his plans by January, so town officials did not plan to speak with him until he had time to do so.
Batistelli said Tuesday she had been told that Kaneb was still considering developing the property himself, but according to Kaneb "our primary interest is to sell it."
Sanders declined to comment Tuesday, but did refer the matter to Batistelli.
Kaneb said he told Sanders that he is planning to sell the property, and spent much of the conversation "catching her up on where we are with marketing the property."
Kaneb said that the property, now priced at $2.9 million, hasn't drawn any offers lately, but added that he's open to all prospective bidders, including the town itself.
"We don't discriminate against buyers," Kaneb said when asked if he would consider selling to the town.
Kaneb has permits that would allow him to build residential condominiums on the site, along with some commercial buildings.
Stephanie Bergman can contacted at 978-283-7000 x3451 or sbergman@gloucestertimes.com
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