More on Our Move

Early in the new year we should have a good indication of whether the registry of deeds will be moving to a new location. If the governor’s budget recommendation for the coming fiscal year (July 2005 to June 2006) gives us the money that would be necessary to rent space, we will probably proceed with advertising for proposals. Of course, the final version of the budget is up to the state legislature, but if the governor recommends funding this proposal, it will be easier for our legislators to try to keep the money in the budget than it would be to add it afterwards as a budget amendment. The registry will require 15,000 square feet of space somewhere in Lowell (as required by Massachusetts General Laws chapter 36, section 1). Right now, the placement of different registry functions is driven more by the space available than by the most efficient layout we could imagine. A new space would give us the flexibility to better organize our operations. When it comes to designing the new space, the state has certain criteria for what can and cannot go into a new registry. An area for title examiners and visitors to eat lunch (which was a comment to a previous blog entry on this topic) most likely won’t be allowed, but closing rooms will. Even though moving is by nature disruptive, this will be a great opportunity for us to improve our operations. Stay tuned.