$65M Mixed-Use Project Hits Roadblock

Middleborough officials claim National Development has not yet been approved to hook into the town's sewer system even though the $65-million, mixed-use project is set to break ground in the spring. Negotiations have been underway for two years. The Newton developer needs Middleborough's OK to tap into the sewer system because Lakeville, where the mixed-use project will be built, has no water or sewer system of its own.

A deal between the two parties was worked out several months ago, but collapsed after Middleborough officials upped its connection fee from $927,000 to nearly $1.3 million, Sherry Clancy, vice president of National Development tells GlobeSt.com. She says the irony is the former 72-acre Lakeville State Hospital site, where the project is to be built, not only has an existing connection to Middleborough's sewer system, but is projected to use less of the services than the former hospital required.

But, that hasn't deterred Middleborough officials from nixing National Development's sewer hookup plans. "We don't think we should give away our water and sewer resources unless we get something substantial for it," Middleborough town manager John Healey tells GlobeSt.com.

Clancy says the intent is to break ground on the Route 79 complex as planned in the spring, whether or not the company reaches an agreement with Middleborough officials. She says her firm could buy water from the neighboring city of Taunton and construct on-site septic systems to meet sewage needs. "This might slow me down," she says, "but it's not going to stop me."

Next month, the developer plans to begin demolishing nine former hospital buildings on the site near Route 495 and the Middleborough town line followed by construction of the first phase, a three-building retail complex that will house a Stop & Shop supermarket, Target and a Chili's restaurant. That phase is expected to be completed by early 2007, Clancy says. Plans also call for 100 units of senior housing and eventually two office buildings.

"This could have been a win-win for everybody," Clancy says. And, it still could be because National Development is planning a formal response to the town's concerns in the hope of settling the issue before the first shovel of dirt is turned on the project.