Bridge Street School Property to be Discussed at Town Meeting Thursday

During a town forum set for Thursday, officials will give residents an update on the status of the plan to develop the Bridge Street School property.

Approximately 50 people attended an Aug. 5 hearing which detailed plans for selling the 3.4 acre property to investors who would renovate the beloved school as well as build a three-story apartment complex on the vacant land.

At that time, residents expressed concern over selling town-owned open space currently used as a baseball field and worn-down playground. The purchase price is listed at $975,000.

Thursday, residents will hear updates and changes to the plan by Lexington Partner's LLC, as well as have an opportunity to express additional concerns before the sale goes to a Town Meeting vote on Sept. 27.

The proposal calls for 65 units – six located in the renovated Bridge Street School and 59 units in a new three story, horseshoe shaped structure built on the open field. There would be a mix of one and two-bedroom units. The proposal also calls for 2,000 square feet of retail on the northside of the school building. 

According to the town, in December 2010 a $2.3 million plan to convert Bridge Street School into town offices received negative feedback from a town forum.

In 2011, the Bridge Street School site was chosen as a preferred location for a new library. A referendum was held in April of 2011 for a new library at $8 million but the measure was defeated.

In the summer of 2011, it was decided by the Board of Selectmen to seek Expressions of Interest from the private sector for the Bridge Street School property to test the market.