A proposal to transform the shuttered former Marshall Middle School into the newest address for seniors moved a step closer on Tuesday night.
City Council President Darren Cyr told a subcommittee there’s consensus among neighbors of the Porter Street school for 100 units of over-62 housing with the possibility of a dozen townhomes that would not be age restricted, as well as ground floor retail to serve elders such as a beauty parlor, doctor’s office and small grocery shop.
“The neighborhood seems to be on board,” said Cyr. “There’s definitely a need for more senior housing across the city.”
Since the school closed in 2015, the neighborhood has suggested the 172,500-square-foot property be redeveloped.
The Council’s Request for Proposals Committee (RFP) voted to recommend a zoning change for the neighborhood that would allow for single- and multi-family homes, row houses, and apartment buildings.
School Committee member John Ford said he has mixed feelings about selling the property to a developer.
“I’m reluctant to let any property out of the city’s hands given the recent vote against two middle schools,” he said.
But senior housing for the site makes sense, he said.
Earlier this year, the School Committee added a provision to the sale of the facility. The city must get a minimum of $4 million for the property. The building, which would be demolished to make way for senior housing, is assessed at $8.6 million and the land has an assessed value of $1 million, according to city records.
Patrick McGrath, a commercial landlord and member of the
RFP Committee, said the panel needs to act soon because if a proposal is not approved by the council by next May, the property reverts back to the school department.
“The clock is ticking,” he said
