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Committee hears concerns that tenants were displaced as parcel is returned to School Committee
Summary
Public commenters and committee members raised concerns that several residents were displaced when tenants vacated Stephen Palmer; staff said the town will pursue an MOA with the School Committee to manage immediate tenant transitions and identify needed maintenance funding for FY28.
A committee member warned that relocations tied to the Stephen Palmer process left people without housing and urged the town to take responsibility.
"I just think something else to recognize is that we unhoused several people, and now the building is gonna sit empty," said a staff/committee participant. Town staff responded that the town and School Committee must coordinate tenant transition planning and that the town lacks capacity to act as a long-term landlord; staff said ongoing work will try to assist current residents seeking new housing arrangements.
Staff emphasized the MOA under discussion will focus on immediate transition planning and that funding for short-term maintenance and insurance of the building will be considered in the FY28 budget process. Committee members asked for clear timelines and assurances that displaced tenants are being helped during the transition; staff said outreach and casework with residents is continuing.
