By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Westborough – At the Feb. 28 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Jim Malloy requested the board approve the final purchase and sale agreement between the town of Westborough and Pulte Homes of New England, LLC.
Malloy recognized the contributions of town counsel on the great work that was done in negotiating the agreement. He said it was a “fine job in looking after the town’s interest.”
Malloy also relayed that approval and signage was critical at this time to get the process moving.
Selectman Ian Johnson noted that the closing of this sale is 18 months out and inquired about the duration. Malloy explained that the sale is contingent upon [Pulte] obtaining permits from the town and relocation of the easements from the state. Another challenge rests with Verizon and where their lines are located.
Selectman Leigh Emery asked how the renaming of Hospital Road will work into the sale.
“This is something that we’ve had a discussion about dating back to the State Hospital Re-use Committee…The Board of Selectmen has discretion on this so it’s up to the board,” Malloy said.
There have been some suggestions already made and Malloy said that possibly there could be a naming contest. The board thought something historical would be appropriate.
Reid Blute from Pulte Homes thanked the board for their cooperation and he echoed Malloy’s praise of town counsel and the work done in preparing the agreement.
“It’s a firm contract but a fair one,” he said, assuring the board that it is Pulte’s intention to move through the process as quickly as possible.
The board unanimously approved the agreement for the sale at $7 million.
