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Natick trust moves to relaunch RFP for 299/301 Bacon Street, seeks Article 97 guidance for Wilson Gardens
Summary
At its May 12 meeting the Natick Affordable Housing Trust Fund approved a broker-engagement plan to support a relaunch of the RFP for 299/301 Bacon Street, discussed aligning the sale with the lease expiration, and agreed to seek Town Counsel guidance on an Article 97 land-exchange proposal for Wilson Gardens.
The Natick Affordable Housing Trust Fund on May 12 reviewed several property matters, including plans to relaunch the request-for-proposal process for 299/301 Bacon Street and a proposed Article 97 land exchange for Wilson Gardens. Reginald Leese, vice chair of the Trust, said Town procurement and the Town Council have approved engaging a professional property broker to support the RFP relaunch.
Leese said the subcommittee’s tentative timeline for 299/301 Bacon Street will include a Multiple Listing Service listing and requires a minimum of three broker solicitations as part of the procurement process. The Trust discussed timing the sale to coincide with the expiration of the property’s current lease to provide a smoother transition for tenants and the Trust’s disposition timeline.
The Trust also heard updates on other parcels. The body is awaiting an update from Metro West Collaborative Development on a Community One Stop for Growth application for 5 Auburn Street. Members Patrick Cavanagh and Patrick Duggan reported ongoing coordination with Habitat for Humanity on a property survey and outstanding questions for 246 North Main.
On Wilson Gardens, the Trust discussed an Article 97 proposal to exchange the Henry Wilson property for open space at the Johnson School site. The Trust agreed to follow up with Town Counsel through its Select Board representatives to obtain written confirmation about the legal process and requirements for an Article 97 exchange (Article 97 refers to the state conservation-law framework that governs certain transfers of protected land in Massachusetts). Trust members said they expect the counsel opinion will help secure additional support from other town committees.
The group also considered fiscal preparations tied to property dispositions. Brodie Thomas, representing Natick Bookkeeping, reported the budget is on track; members discussed options for allocating the remaining $15,000 in Town appropriation funds. Member Randy Johnson suggested using that balance to replace boilers at 299 and 301 Bacon Street before a sale.
The Trust approved the April 14 meeting minutes and adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Reginald Leese said he will provide updates to the Trust once broker solicitations are complete and when Town Counsel guidance on the Article 97 exchange is available.
