Whitman: Old church may become new apartments

It’s been in the center of Whitman since the 1820s.

Now the First Baptist Church, whose dwindling congregation forced a closure a few years ago, is on track to be turned into housing.

That’s if a local real estate broker’s plan passes muster.

Richard Rosen wants to build 15 one-bedroom apartments in the three-story building.

The zoning board will take up the proposal in January.

Whitman turned down on a chance to buy the property for $425,000 and turn it to a senior center.

Because of asbestos and old plumbing and wiring, residents feared the renovation costs would exceed a one-million dollar estimate.

Rosen bought the church for $200,000 last year, about $100,000 below its current value.