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Uxbridge board approves 21E study, RFP to test-market rail-adjacent town parcel
Summary
The Select Board voted to authorize a 21E environmental investigation and issue a request-for-proposals to solicit bids on a town-owned industrial parcel (Map 30, Parcel 4543) after planning staff said a rail-construction company is under contract with the MBTA and wants a rail spur connection. The board discussed easements, conservation reviews and appraisal work before approving the measures.
The Town of Uxbridge Select Board on May 27 approved a 21E environmental investigation and a draft request for proposals for the sale of a town-owned industrial parcel on Noble Road (Assessor map 30, parcel 4543), planning staff said. The steps are intended to let the town determine environmental conditions and then solicit bids from prospective buyers.
Jack Hunter, who helped draft the RFP, described the site as an industrial subdivision parcel adjacent to the Providence & Worcester rail line that a rail-construction firm (out of New Jersey) wants to buy and connect to the rail via a spur. Hunter said the firm has entered a purchase-and-sale agreement for nearby privately owned property but needs the town parcel to accommodate a spur and buildings.
Planning and board members discussed potential impacts and process. Board members noted the parcel’s proximity to a proposed multi-use Greenway and reiterated that any development would still require planning-board site-plan review, conservation-commission stormwater review, and other local permits. The manager said an independent appraisal has been completed to establish current fair market value.
Select Board members voted to approve the 21E investigation and to release the RFP as drafted. The approved procedure is: post the RFP, accept responsible bids that meet the criteria, return any award to the Select Board for approval, and, if a sale is recommended, present the matter to Town Meeting for disposal of town-owned land.
Board members emphasized protections for town interests — including preserving an existing sewer easement and obtaining counsel input on railroad easement issues raised by abutters — and said documentation of anticipated tax and personal property impacts will be determined through the assessor’s process if an investor comes forward.
The town will now proceed with the environmental assessment and public posting of the RFP; the board’s votes do not authorize a sale, only the study and a competitive procurement process to solicit offers.
The Select Board’s action follows planning staff presentation and a request from a prospective industry buyer. Next steps include completing the 21E report, posting the RFP, receiving and evaluating bids, and returning the recommended award to the Select Board and, if required, Town Meeting for final disposition of the parcel.
