Shrewsbury Considers Future Of Former Dry-Cleaning Site

Shrewsbury residents weighed in on what they hope will take over the town-owned property on Maple Avenue.

By Jessie Castellano, Patch Staff

Aug 28, 2026 11:35 AM EDT

Parking and recreation are residents' preferred option for the future of the town-owned property at 15 Maple Ave. Planning and Economic Development Director Chris McGoldrick presented the findings at the Shrewsbury Select Board's meeting on Tuesday. (Google Maps)

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury residents' preferences on the future of a former dry-cleaning property were presented at the town's Select Board meeting this week.

The board did not vote and is expected to consider the Planning and Economic Development Department's recommendations at a future meeting.

Public Survey Responses

The town received 1,015 responses to its public survey, including 96 percent from people who identified as Shrewsbury residents. Recreation received support from 32 percent of respondents, followed by public parking at 30 percent and green space at 17 percent, according to the town's March workshop presentation.

Written feedback included calls for free or time-limited parking to support town center businesses. Other respondents suggested a recreation or community center, teen gathering space, courts, playground or public area where middle and high school students could spend time after school, according to the presentation.

Residents also suggested a park, community garden or gathering area with benches, picnic tables and landscaping. Among respondents asked about paid parking, 49 percent opposed the idea and 43 percent supported it.

Former Dry Cleaning Site

The property is the former Empire Dry Cleaners site.

The Select Board voted unanimously in November 2025 to retain the tax-foreclosed property while the town studied possible uses. At the time, town staff said environmental conditions were subject to activity and use limitations but posed minimal risk.

The town is also seeking a contractor to perform asbestos abatement at the property. Quotes are due Sept. 4 and the work must be completed by Sept. 30, according to the town's request for quotes.

Planning officials will use the survey and workshop feedback to prepare the final report for the Select Board. The town did not announce a date for the board's next review.