Scituate Considers 63-Unit Senior Housing Development at Old Gates School Site
Proposal would demolish existing building, construct new three-story facility while preserving historic appearance
SCITUATE - March 25 - The Scituate Select Board is reviewing a proposal from the Grantham Group to build a 63-unit senior housing development on the site of the Old Gates School. The project would involve demolishing the existing building and constructing a new three-story facility designed to replicate the appearance of the historic school.
Michael Cucchiara and architect Clay Smook from the Grantham Group presented their vision for the property at the March 25 Select Board meeting, emphasizing that rehabilitating the existing structure would be prohibitively expensive.
"The existing layout of the building is basically three different areas of construction, three different levels, with an immense amount of environmental remediation needed," Cucchiara explains. "We had our guys go in there and take a look, and put about a million free on the remediation costs if we're going to rehab it."
According to Cucchiara, the maximum number of units possible in the existing building would be about 32, with several units located on the ground floor next to the boiler room, which he described as "really unappealing."
The proposed new building would be approximately 64,000 square feet with 63 one-bedroom units. The design would replicate the appearance of the original school building, particularly its landmark pediment, pilasters, and pitch group.
"We're proposing to replicate that building in a much more efficient, energy-efficient manner," Smook says. "We're talking about a three-story building clad in brick."
The project would be age-restricted to residents 62 and older, with units available to seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans. Eight units would be designated at 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), eight at 50% of AMI, and the majority below 80% of AMI.
Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich emphasizes that no vote would take place at the meeting and that additional public hearings would be scheduled.
"This is not the one and only time we're going to talk about this proposal," Goodrich says. "We're going to have other public meetings and other talks about this topic moving forward. It's such a big issue in the heart of our community."
Several board members express support for the concept, noting that previous studies have consistently shown rehabilitation of the existing building is not financially viable.
"I am 100 percent a proponent of we can't afford to reuse this building for any use,'" says board member Karen Canfield. "So we need a partner, and this is a very strong proposal for that site."
Board member Susan Harrison agrees, adding, "I think your plan is really good."
Community members raise concerns about traffic, parking, and the loss of a historic building. The site currently houses multiple facilities including a senior center, recreation department, and food pantry, with athletic fields nearby.
Susannah Green attending the meeting notes potential issues with traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and the relocation of the soccer field.
"The whole area around recreation, we can tell, it's a complete nightmare," Green says. "People park wherever they want. They park on the grass, they park over covered roads, and when the public fields and central fields are in use, it's just everywhere there's parking."
Resident Richard Perry expresses disappointment about the potential loss of the historic building.
"The Old Gates School is a piece of history in Scituate and it should be respected, shouldn't just be torn down and disregarded," Perry says. "I understand the need for housing, but I think there are ways that you can work around that."
Dan Ouellette from the Scituate Housing Authority voices support for the proposal, noting the significant need for senior housing in town.
"We do have a large number of need for housing," Ouellette says. "I'm here to voice support for housing of any kind, but I do want to stress this town does need handicap, ADA housing units."
Cucchiara notes that Lawson Green, another Grantham Group property in Scituate, has a waiting list of over 300 names for just 30 units, demonstrating the demand for senior housing.
The project would be developed as a "friendly 40B," giving the town maximum input through the comprehensive permit process. The Grantham Group anticipates a timeline of approximately five years from planning to completion.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau confirms the project would help the town meet affordable housing requirements, providing "two or three years of safe harbor" from unwanted 40B developments.
The Select Board plans to schedule additional public meetings to gather more community input before making any decisions on the proposal.
## Other Business
* The board approved a new hawker and peddler license for Robert Tuzik, owner of Temperance LLC, a food truck making Neapolitan-style pizza in a wood-fired oven.
* The board approved a special event for a Patriots' Day 250-year celebration on April 21, 2025, commemorating Scituate's role in the American Revolution.
* The board approved new signage for the Beautification Commission's Adopt-a-Lot program, with 35 to 40 signs to be purchased at a cost between $1,440 and $1,950.
* The board awarded a contract to John G. Waite Associates for historical planning development of the Mordecai Lincoln property in the amount of $70,060.
* The board renewed seasonal alcohol and entertainment licenses for several businesses, including the Scituate Beach Association, with a commitment to send a letter addressing neighborhood concerns.