YMCA to Use Former Berry School

MANSFIELD, MA — The Hockomock YMCA now has a new home in Mansfield.

Last week, the selectmen voted to lease the former John Berry School to the Y for $12,000 a year for 10 years. The YMCA will be responsible for insurance on the property and all maintenance.

Town Manager Bill Ross said the group was one of two to respond to a request for proposal for the property. The other group to respond was the Faith Fellowship United Methodist Church of Mansfield with a lease offer of $500 a year. Ross said the market rent price for the building was between $30-35,000 but the request for proposal was restricted to community and non-profit groups.

“They both provide excellent services,” Ross said. “We felt that the proposal from the Hockomock YMCA was the best of the two proposals, both from an overall standpoint and return to the town.”

The Hockomock YMCA has locations in Foxborough, North Attleboro, Franklin, and an arts and education center on 40 Balcom Street in Mansfield.