After UMass Dartmouth decided to vacate its arts programs from their historic Star Store location and cited a lack of state funding, Senator Mark Montigny criticized the University and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for failing to secure the building. 

Now, Montigny has requested that Governor Maura Healey intervene “to protect students and the public’s financial investment in the downtown facility,” according to a statement.

The senator alleges that the university and DCAMM did not exercise a $1 purchase option at the end of the building’s lease, despite a budget directive requiring it. 

“To date, the purchase option has not been implemented and DCAMM continued to provide monthly payments to a private developer without a lawful agreement in place or any planned acquisition as required by law,” the statement read.

Despite Montigny’s letter and calls from students to “Save the Star Store,” a Sep. 6 start date for UMass Dartmouth means preparations need to be made immediately for the school year. The sudden announcement and quick turnaround leaves students wondering where all of their equipment and artwork will go.