Trahan Home Rule Petition Signed by Healey

RFP was recently reissued by Montuori

State Senator Barry R. Finegold’s office announced that Tewksbury’s Home Rule Petition regarding the Louise Davy Trahan School was signed by Governor Maura Healey. That formalizes a warrant article approved at last year’s October Special Town Meeting, where after some discussion, voters gave the Select Board authority to enter into an up to 99-year lease for the building.

Earlier this month, Town Manager Richard Montuori reported to the Select Board that there were no proposals in response to the first RFP for use of the Trahan property, though Montuori did say that Boston Hockey Academy still has an interest, as does the Tewksbury Housing Authority.

He recently reissued the RFP, which is very specific on what may be done with the land. Key points in the RFP: 

• The developer is expected to provide improvements as necessary to service the site. 
• Demolition of a portion of the school or the entire building is possible but needs to be specified in the proposal. The Town would still lease the property as part of a ground lease.
• For proposals seeking to redevelop the building for affordable housing, the town may consider using affordable housing trust and/or Community Preservation Act funds to assist, depending on the number of units and affordability levels. 
• The developer will be allowed to use only  a portion of the 6.5 acres of land for parking and/or other needs for the redevelopment. The land outlined below will be set aside for open space and recreation. In addition, the project must maintain the existing trees and buffer surrounding the property. 

“The unused Trahan school building will now be available to be leased and repurposed into a facility that will benefit residents of Tewksbury,” said Finegold. “This is a good thing for the Town, and I am grateful for the work of local and state partners on this issue.”

Tewksbury’s representatives also expressed appreciation.

“I’m very pleased to see that the Home Rule Petition regarding the Louise Davy Trahan Elementary school was signed by the Governor,” said Rep. Vanna Howard. “I’m hoping this will lead to the eventual repurposing of the building so it can continue to be used as a vital part of the Tewksbury community.”

The home rule allows the Town flexibility in determining how the property may be redeveloped.

“We are glad to have helped pass state legislation to allow Tewksbury to bring new opportunities and benefits to residents,” said Rep. Tram T. Nguyen. “We have a beautiful modern school with Center Elementary, and I am excited to see how the Trahan Elementary building will serve a new role in the community.”

The Tewksbury Home Rule Petition is S.2485, An Act authorizing the Town of Tewksbury to lease the Trahan Elementary School for a term of years not exceeding 99 years.

“I am happy that together with the town, Representatives Nguyen and Howard, and Senator Finegold that we were able to support the town’s decision, and look forward to continue doing so as the community moves forward on this project,” said Rep. David Robertson.