Committee tables surplus declaration for Summer Street parcel pending departmental needs assessment

Councilors tabled a proposal to declare a Summer Street parcel surplus after the planning director said the city intends to seek a developer to convert the property to housing.

Daniel McCarthy, the city’s planning director, told the committee the lot next to Holy Rosary School at 100 Summer Street is being offered in an RFP package so a real-estate developer could "make this into housing," while the city prefers preservation of the historic school building if possible. McCarthy said the adjacent paved lot has long served as the school’s parking area.

Several councilors said the packet lacked the required departmental needs-assessment and documentation showing whether any city department — notably the school department — has a continuing need for the property. One councilor said rehabilitating the building could require "millions of dollars" and urged the city to complete a formal evaluation before declaring the property surplus.

Madame Chair Vivian Marl moved to table the item so staff can obtain the department vetting and related materials; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Vice Chair Frank Miguel, Council President Javanni Rodriguez and Chair Vivian Marl. The item will return to committee after the requested documentation is provided.

What’s next: The committee asked staff to complete a departmental needs-assessment, collect any school-department interest forms, and return the item with supporting documents so members can evaluate preservation versus surplus sale.