The New Milford Town Council has authorized town officials to apply for a $20,000 state Historic Preservation Office grant to study uses for the Lillis Building.  The East Street facility currently houses the school district’s central offices. 

The New Milford Town Council also received a letter of intent from Dakota Partners to transform the building into affordable housing.  The proposal is for a $1.6 million sale, with the company remediating asbestos and lead-based paint. 

The plan calls for restoring the building's facade, creating 15 to 20 apartments, a gym and a leasing office.  Two buildings would be constructed on the back of the property, another 55 to 60 units.  The Town Council, the school and finance boards and residents would have to approve the sale after engineering and architectural reports are done.