Michael Sullivan, Medfield's town administrator, tells GlobeSt.com that the property had been zoned for industrial use. He says that the original plan was to have the site developed for commercial use to help ease the tax burden on town residents. Medfield is currently 94% residential.
"The committee would like to see something that doesn't increase the tax base," says Sullivan. He points out that the state did not want commercial space developed at this location because of the current high vacancy rate for office space in the area and because the property's location is not in close proximity to any of the local highways.
The town is concerned that the state's plan for residential housing would increase the burden on its school system. "The highest percentage of our age groups is 18 and under," Sullivan points out. "The state doesn't do its fair share in paying for these kids' education. They don't mind bringing in more kids but then we have to pay for it." Sullivan says that the town continues to negotiate with the state's Division of Capital Asset Management, which oversees the sale of the property.
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