Scituate Considers Future Use of Cushing School Site
Select Board discusses housing, recreation options for property after 2027 demolition
SCITUATE - February 25 - The Select Board is beginning to consider what will happen to the Cushing Elementary School property once the building is demolished, with housing and recreational fields emerging as the leading options.
Finance Director Nancy Holt brought the issue before the board at its February 25 meeting, noting that planning needs to begin now for the site's future.
"The current Cushing Elementary School project only includes demolition of the school. So that'll leave you with basically green space and parking," Holt explains.
The demolition is expected to occur after the new school is built and operational, likely in 2027 or 2028.
Board members expressed different priorities for the site, which is located behind the High School and Gates Middle School.
Select Board member Karen Canfield suggests housing as her preferred option, given current financial constraints.
"At this point, given the world and our finances, I think some kind of housing would be my first choice, whether it's we donate the land to a SAIL organization, or it's we do an RFP for senior housing," Canfield says.
She notes that while selling the land for private development "probably wouldn't be my first choice," it might be "a fiscally prudent thing to pursue."
Board member Karen Connolly also expresses support for housing, referencing the Blossom Green Apartments as a successful model.
"I would like to think that a similar model could be used for this property without being too disruptive to the neighborhood," Connolly says.
However, board member Susan Harrison raises concerns about the site's location and its proximity to the school complex.
"What I struggle with is location, location, location. And it just seems very close to all the other [schools] and seems to me like a good place for fields," Harrison says.
She also expresses concern about starting a new project while the old Gates School redevelopment remains incomplete.
"We have old Gates sitting there for how many years now? Is it eight? And nothing's been done with that," Harrison notes.
Chair Andrew Goodrich indicates he is "intrigued by the housing option" but acknowledges that community feedback might favor recreational fields instead.
"My gut tells me that we're gonna get, you're gonna be saying, no way, Jose. I don't like that at all. And I think, let's say if my gut's right, that if we do this through the survey, folks are gonna say, let's just do fields," Goodrich says.
The board agrees to form a working group to explore options before conducting a community survey.
Holt notes that any recreational fields at the site would need to be artificial turf due to water limitations in the area. She also emphasizes that the site should not be left as "a war zone" after demolition.
"I just wouldn't want to see the Cushing School site look like a war zone," Holt says.
The board discusses potentially funding a feasibility study through the capital plan to determine the best use for the property.
"It doesn't have to be something that happens this year, but we can get it on the capital plan for a year or two. And that gives us time, depending on what the feeling that general consensus is, to start with the grants," Holt explains.
The board also discusses the potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood, particularly regarding traffic concerns if the site is developed.
Canfield points out that if the property is used for public recreation, it would need to be connected to the high school complex to limit neighborhood impact.
"If you wanna limit the impact on the neighborhood and it's gonna be a public use, it has to be connected to the high school somehow," she says.
The board plans to continue discussions about the property's future use as the demolition date approaches.
Other major items from the meeting:
- The board accepted a $54,353 donation from the Dunbar family for a Harbormaster Patrol Search and Rescue Boat in memory of Robert "Bob" Dunbar.
- The Community Preservation Committee presented several projects for town meeting approval, including basketball/pickleball courts, the SAIL (Supported Access for Independent Living) project, Bates House restoration, and a Cedar Point flagpole replacement.
- The board approved the Greg Shea Memorial Run scheduled for April 12, 2025, organized by the Greg and Bob Shea Food Foundation to raise awareness about fentanyl and opioid abuse.
- The board approved a change of manager for the Barker House by Wedgwood Weddings' liquor license.
- Town Administrator Jim Boudreau reported that the water treatment plant construction remains on schedule and within budget.