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City says it will begin negotiations to lease or purchase St. Rose School for possible community center
Summary
The city manager told council staff that the administration will begin negotiations to lease or purchase the St. Rose School property and pursue appraisals and designs for a community center at the site; councilors praised the proposal and asked about next steps.
The Chelsea City Manager confirmed the administration will begin negotiations to lease or purchase the former St. Rose School site as a leading option for a long‑sought community center.
In a written communication the manager said St. Rose is centrally located near City Hall, the senior center, Chelsea Public Library and two middle schools, and that the city has the financial capacity to purchase and renovate the building. The memo noted the city will appraise the property and either issue an RFP or make an offer to the property owner.
Councilors welcomed the announcement. “A community center would provide a home to our teenagers, seniors, and our working families,” one councilor said during floor remarks, and several members recalled that youth asked for a center in earlier years. The city manager told the chamber the city has already received a state earmark and matching council support; a consultant is preparing survey results and potential designs that will come before the council.
Practical next steps include obtaining an appraisal, preparing a budget and negotiating with the property owner; the manager noted a private owner can decline to sell. Councilors urged timely community conversations about programming and said they want the facility to include space for recreation, classrooms and a gym.
The council accepted the communication and the administration will return to the council with appraisal results and any financial orders needed to complete the transaction.
