The Marion Board of Selectmen have some decisions to make regarding the now vacant “Endeco building,” located at 13 Atlantis Drive, which has some residents questioning the benefits of owning the property.

As of February 21 the building, which was formerly used by the Marconi Station for transmitting long-distance radio waves, was vacated by YSI, Inc. and donated to the town.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said the town would have to look into how best to use this 1.8-acre property.

It has been suggested that the facilities be used by the Harbormaster, Mike Cormier, for storage, or by the Department of Public Works for maintenance supplies storage.

Marion Capital Improvements and Planning Committee member Carol Sands said she was concerned if the town was spending more money than it should in keeping up with the maintenance on the building.

“The question here is, are we getting the best bang for our buck?” Sands said. “I don’t hear a firm plan for the use of it. We need to get some money coming in and not be putting it up on construction review.”

During the December 6 meeting with the Selectmen, Dawson said that the environmental studies of the facilities had been completed.

The building has passed inspection from engineers – barring an estimated $3,000 to $5,000 for asbestos clean up – the building is in good condition.

Planning Board member Ted North said he was concerned if that the town may be investing more money into the building than it’s worth.

“I would hate to see a lot of money spent converting a building that may or may not fit a specific need for the town,” North said. “Do we really need this building?”

Selectman Chair John Henry said he would like to arrange another visit to the building for the Selectmen.

The Capital Improvements and Planning Committee will visit the “Endeco building” this Saturday.

As far as uses for the building, Henry said the building should be used for industrial purposes.

“It’s an industrial building, and it was built as such,” Henry said. “I think it’ll remain as such.”

Another issue up for discussion is over which fuel source - oil or gas - would be the most cost-effective for the town.

The Selectmen are currently reviewing whether or not to convert the building from oil to gas use.

Dawson and Henry said the financial savings from converting to gas use would be high for the town.

The Selectmen will be looking into long-term uses for the building, Dawson said.

The Selectmen agreed to continue the discussion over what to do with the building once more information has been gathered.