Selectmen Consider Free Land to Promote Development

Selectmen are interested in boosting the prospects for development of town-owned property, including the former middle school, by donating the land up front in exchange for payment once the property is developed.

Selectman Barry Greenfield proposed the public/private partnership on Tuesday.

Two town-owned properties being contemplated for this kind of arrangement are the former middle school and the temple property.

Greenfield said his intent is to promote development so the town can start generating tax revenue from units.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said the business arrangement might appeal to developers who are reluctant to pay for the property and development costs before selling the units.

Selectmen took no action on Greenfield's idea.

The board will wait until the Building Oversight Committee completes its review of requests for proposals on the two properties.

Town Meeting recently lifted protection for the 1895 portion of the former middle school.

Now the entire building can be demolished.