The Town of North Attleborough is exploring possibilities for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Allen Avenue Elementary School property at 290 Allen Avenue. Built in 1951 and closed in 2015, the school has remained vacant and deteriorated for years. Because the building contains asbestos, demolition costs are significantly higher, limiting interest in redevelopment under the current R-20 Residential zoning, which allows only single-family homes.
To attract new interest and creative redevelopment ideas, the Town proposes to rezone the site from Residential (R-20) to Commercial (C-60). This change will allow for a broader range of non-residential uses and make the property more attractive to potential developers. It will also benefit the community by bringing new services, jobs, and tax revenue while reducing the Town’s ongoing costs for maintaining the vacant building.
Tonight, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 6:30 PM in the JoAnn Cathcart Conference Room at Town Hall, 43 South Washington St. Those wishing to ask questions or provide comments are encouraged to attend.
The Town Council will host a subsequent public hearing on Monday, October 27, at 6:30 PM, in the JoAnn Cathcart Conference Room at Town Hall, 43 South Washington St. During this meeting, the Town Council will determine whether the Town will amend its Zoning Map and rezone 290 Allen Avenue from R20: Residential 20,000 sq. ft. to C60: Commercial 60,000 sq. ft.
