Developers ask Lakeville to submit nonbinding expression of interest for state brownfields funds to clean former hospital site

Rhino Capital representatives sought Select Board permission to have the town submit a nonbinding expression of interest (EOI) to MassDevelopment’s Community One‑Stop for Growth program for brownfields remediation funding at the former Lakeville State Hospital.

John O’Leary of Rhino Capital presented supporting documents and said the EOI would allow the project to be screened for potential awards, including priority awards that could reach up to $2 million. “We provided several pieces of material, a draft memorandum of understanding, a draft expression of interest and fiscal impact studies,” O’Leary told the board.

Why it matters: The former hospital site includes landfill and contamination issues that have blocked redevelopment. State brownfields funds could pay for demolition and remediation steps that the developer says are necessary before redevelopment can proceed; however, those grants usually require municipal involvement and sometimes municipal applicant status, which can raise concerns about care‑and‑custody and long‑term liability.

Key issues discussed: Town staff and board members pressed the developer and MassDevelopment representatives on whether the town would need to own the property or be placed in “care and custody” to be eligible, and whether taking that status would create…