On June 13, the Economic Development Committee discussed the potential acquisition of 14 West Plain St., a 5,300-square-foot two-story office building that’s available for sale for the first time in 27 years
The 1997 office building across from CVS in the Cochituate Village business district A on a half-acre lot is listed at $1.4 million. The current owners would prefer selling to the town and have shown williness to wait for a Town Meeting vote if there is a clear sign of municipal interest.
Tom Fay, a Select Board member and committee liaison, confirmed that the Select Board discussed the property on June 12 and agreed that the opportunity is worth exploring. No financial discussion occurred during the open session meeting. However, he said further analysis would follow in the executive session. Fay explained that Town Manager Michael McCall will review municipal space needs, including possible reuses for the site, such as relocating the school department, housing the Parks and Recreation Department, or converting the space into a small community facility.
EDC Chair Rebecca Stanizzi noted that the asking price of $283 per square foot compares favorably to recent municipal construction projects, including the new Council on Aging and Community Center building, which cost approximately $1,000 per square foot. She said the existing office tenants have offered to lease the upper floor, providing cash flow to offset financing costs. During that time, the town could conduct a public planning process for reuse. Committee members discussed the potential for the building to support nearby businesses by increasing foot traffic, particularly if used for offices, a library annex, or youth programming. Fay said the board may later ask the EDC for a formal memo that evaluates the potential contribution the building will make to economic development goals.
Jeff Vecchio, an EDC member and commercial real estate professional, recommended that the town conduct Phase II environmental testing because of the site’s proximity to a former gas station. Stanizzi indicated that the adjacent site had been fully remediated and documented with MassDEP but acknowledged that due diligence would be necessary.
Committee members discussed the possibility of improved pedestrian connections at the site to nearby businesses, the Liberty Plaza, and the playing fields. Karen Kelly suggested that reusing the building could reduce long-term costs associated with replacing the existing Town Building.
Regarding the Route 20 Master Plan, committee members and Hummel debated whether the existing master plan was complete and suitable as the basis for zoning changes. Hummel said the Planning Board considers the plan complete and is using it to draft a new redevelopment bylaw funded through an economic development grant.
Stanizzi and Kelly worried that the plan lacks sufficient public engagement and doesn’t clearly articulate preferred land uses. Fay acknowledged this and said discussions will continue among the Select and Planning Board.
