Town manager seeks council direction on South Road School, Watson House and Wakefield Elementary properties

Town Manager Jim Mann told councilors the town needs direction on three town‑owned properties that have been evaluated as potential sites for affordable housing or other municipal uses: the South Road School parcel, the Oliver Watson House property (sometimes referenced as Alva Watson House), and the Wakefield Elementary School site.

Mann said demolishing the long‑vacant South Road School could make the parcel more competitive for grant funding to support infrastructure improvements, and the town currently has funds that could pay for abatement and demolition. On the Oliver Watson House parcel, staff asked whether the council wants to keep the house and land intact, demolish, or subdivide the lot to sell the house while reserving the remainder for development. Wakefield Elementary, Mann said, has experienced vandalism and broken windows; staff requested direction on whether to pursue interim uses, demolition, or other redevelopment approaches.

Mann provided a memo outlining options and potential funding sources and asked the council to consider the priorities before staff develops formal proposals. Councilors asked for time to study the memo and scheduled future consideration on the agenda so the public can weigh in.