In Norwell, a community forum was held to discuss the St. Helen’s church property.
Select Board members Andy Reardon and Peter Smellie hosted the forum.
Reardon says he spoke with representatives from the Archdiocese of Boston, who are planning to sell the church at 383 Washington Street.
He said the Archdiocese is planning to sell St. Thecla’s in Pembroke and St. Helen’s, and would build a new church in Hanover.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
“It’s a good piece of property, they think it has a value, and they’re hoping that and the other piece of property in Pembroke bring a reasonable amount of money, so they can move forward with their project,” said Reardon. “I admire their will to take on such a project, but it’s like here we are, trying to figure out how we can respond to the neighbors moving.”
Abutters made up most of the roughly 30 people in attendance at the meeting. If the town were to purchase the property, the majority of people were in favor of open space at the site. Other considerations included a senior center, or affordable housing.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Norwell is in the process of getting an appraisal to determine the next steps for the site which contains three parcels and about 7 to 11 acres.
“We have a signed agreement and we’re moving forward with having it appraised … once we have that appraisal, then we have a better idea of what we’re talking about,” said Reardon.
Planning Board and Community Housing Trust member Don Mauch reached out to WATD to clarify that the appraisal could be completed around September.
The discussion will continue on Wednesday at 7 p.m., when the Select Board meets.
“We’ll share our thoughts as to how things went. But I also hope that this isn’t a flash in the pan,” said Reardon. “I’m hoping to make this an ongoing project, where we continue to engage the community, all of the community – especially the neighbors – in the process.”
