The preliminary results of the needs study indicate that another 20,000 square feet will be needed to meet the existing and anticipated space requirements into the future. The expansion opportunities on the existing grounds are limited, as preservation of the Town Green is deemed important, but there are some large buildings abutting the green that could come into play. Town Manager Jim Tinsley said that he received word through Congressman William Delahunt's office that the post office has no immediate capital plans for the Hyannis Post Office, but that's not to say it wouldn't entertain discussions. Post office officials have indicated in the past a desire to relocate some of the central processing functions of the Hyannis office to a more remote location, while maintaining a downtown presence for customer pick-up and service. He even went a step further and suggested the old Stop and Shop building on North Street could be an ideal location.
Nothing is dead, but nothing is in the works.
The only thing concrete at this time is the town's office space need and its desire to maintain a central campus. Other buildings that would be investigated after completion of the study include the BellAtlantic building on Ocean Street and the former Masonic Hall on Main Street, which is now home to Box Lunch, the Christian Science Reading Room and several apartments. Nothing much is likely to happen with the Hinckley building until the final draft of the needs assessment study is delivered. If no other alternatives can be found, renovation of that property, originally slated for the new senior citizens center, might make it more attractive for that use. If not, Tinsley said the town might post a for sale sign on it.