Scituate Select Board Approves Affordable Housing Development Agreement
Community-raised funds for small dog park addition also accepted
SCITUATE - May 13 - The Scituate Select Board approves a development agreement with Grantham Group LLC to create affordable housing at the Old Gates Intermediate School site. The project, which could take five to six years to complete, aims to address the town's housing needs while repurposing the existing property.
"This is just for us to start the process. This is just the agreement as to what we talked about at the last meeting," explains Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich.
The agreement establishes a framework for the town to work with the developer over the coming years to determine if the project is feasible. It includes provisions for at least two public meetings separate from the permitting process to gather community input.
Select Board member Karen Connolly emphasizes the importance of ensuring the housing remains affordable permanently, requesting specific language in the agreement.
"I would like the issue of affordability in perpetuity to be in a foundation document in every document the town has with the Grantham Group, that these are affordable units in perpetuity," says Connolly.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau notes that the town already has experience working with the Grantham Group on a previous successful affordable housing project.
The board acknowledges that additional costs will be necessary for the project, including separating the HVAC systems for the A-Wing and gym portions of the building, as well as potential traffic improvements.
"If you develop this, you have to do something about the traffic," Boudreau states.
Several residents express concerns about traffic issues in the area, particularly regarding visibility and safety at nearby intersections.
The board emphasizes that the agreement is just the beginning of a lengthy process that will include multiple opportunities for public input and thorough studies of potential impacts.
"We're talking five, six years to make sure that things work," Goodrich notes.
In another significant development, the Friends of the Scituate Dog Park present the town with a check for $164,944.25 to construct a small dog park as an addition to the existing facility built in 2017.
"We are here after a very long struggle to raise money to build the small dog park as an addition to what was put there in 2017," says a representative from the Friends group.
Combined with $18,055.75 in Community Preservation Committee funds, the total project budget of $183,000 will create a half-acre space for dogs weighing 30 pounds or less.
The board unanimously accepts the donation and awards the construction contract to Dans Company of Quincy. Construction is expected to be completed by September.
"We've had a lot of very generous donors," the Friends representative explains. "We've literally collected 50 cents at a time from people at the transfer station by staying up all day."
The dog park serves as more than just a recreational space for pets, becoming a social hub for residents.
"It's a very social place for people," the representative adds. "I think more so since COVID. That was one of the few places that they could sort of get out and about and socialize."
Select Board member James Gilmore notes the dog park's value as a community asset that attracts visitors to the town.
"I've talked to people who aren't from this area... It really does bring people in. I'm amazed how many people are like, 'This is amazing,'" Gilmore says.
Other notable items from the meeting include:
* The board approves a 10% increase in rental rates for town-owned historical properties effective January 1, 2026, with additional 10% increases for the following two years. After that, rates will increase annually by 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less.
* Memorial Day observance plans are confirmed, with retired Coast Guard Commander Kathy Kane serving as the keynote speaker for the May 26 parade and ceremony.
* The board allocates $2,199.30 received from ride-share company fees for roadway improvements.
* The board reappoints numerous volunteers to various town committees and commissions.
* The Town Administrator reports recent vandalism at the golf course, reminding residents that the course is only open to golfers and not for walking, biking, or dog walking.
The meeting concludes with the board entering executive session to discuss shellfish aquaculture litigation and contract negotiations with non-union personnel.