Norwell Select Board Authorizes Foreclosure Process on Atlantic Towing Property to Advance Affordable Housing Efforts
NORWELL - August 20 - The Norwell Select Board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to move forward with the foreclosure process on the Atlantic Towing property, located at 271 Washington Street. The decision came during a discussion with the Community Housing Trust, which is exploring the site as a potential location for new affordable housing units. The vote gives the town the ability to acquire the property and pursue development while maintaining a "safety valve" to abandon the effort if environmental or other issues prove insurmountable.
The Full Story
The decision was prompted by a presentation from Gregg McBride, representing the Community Housing Trust, who discussed the history and goals of the trust. McBride explained that the trust's mission is to create and preserve affordable housing and that it is funded by the Community Preservation Committee. The trust's past successes include the development of the Herringbrook Hill housing at the former police station on 40 River Street, which created 18 affordable units. However, other projects, like those at Carleton and Wildcat, have faced significant neighborhood opposition.
McBride and other members of the trust expressed interest in exploring the Atlantic Towing property as a new site. They noted that the trust has already funded a paper-based environmental assessment of the property, which is currently undergoing the foreclosure process for unpaid taxes. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan confirmed that a hold had been placed on the foreclosure process, which the select board's vote will now lift. She added that the process has changed and the town can no longer "make a profit" by selling foreclosed properties, but must hold any surplus funds in a reserve account.
Select Board member Andrew Reardon highlighted the importance of supporting the Community Housing Trust's efforts. "If we're going to ask these people to do it, we're either going to tell them at the very beginning, 'go away, leave us alone,' or we're going to say, 'we're behind you. We're going to work it through,'" he said. He also voiced concern that dedicated volunteers in the past have felt like a "redheaded stepchild" and have been "kicked in the teeth" after putting in a lot of time and effort.
Another item of discussion was the town's inventory of publicly owned properties. The Community Housing Trust requested a more comprehensible list of all town-owned land to identify parcels that could be sold to fund affordable housing projects or be used directly for development. Robin Daniels of the trust suggested a strategy of selling market-rate properties to a developer and directing the proceeds to the trust. This money could then be used to subsidize the purchase and resale of existing homes as affordable units.
The board also approved the appointment of Mike Clancy as the alternate building commissioner, a position that is not new and is "just as needed," without causing a "budgetary strain". This role is critical as only a commissioner can issue an occupancy permit. Additionally, the board unanimously adopted a new social media policy and approved a reverse easement for a reserve strip of land between May Elm and Main Street. This easement prevents a future road from being built in the area, a solution supported by the planning board.
Why It Matters
The decision to proceed with the foreclosure process on the Atlantic Towing lot is a significant step toward adding new units to Norwell's affordable housing inventory. If successful, it could provide a model for how the town can use existing, underutilized properties to address housing needs. The board's expressed support for the Community Housing Trust and its willingness to "lean into some of these things" signals a new phase of cooperation that could lead to more efficient and less controversial development projects in the future.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint Mike Clancy as the alternate building commissioner with a term expiring on June 30, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 8:19)
Motion: To authorize the town administrator and treasurer/collector to move forward with the foreclosure process for the property at 271 Washington Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 58:56)
Motion: To accept the August 18, 2025 easement agreement for the reserve strip between May Elm Lane and Main Street, subject to specific conditions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:02:33)
Motion: To adopt the new social media policy for town employees, boards, and commissions, subject to impact bargaining for union employees. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:04:38)
Motion: To approve the Select Board's updated focus areas. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:07:10)