By Andrew Strecker, Contributing Reporter
Westborough – Downtown Westborough needs more parking. The town’s board of selectmen once considered razing an historic property just for that purpose.
That house has since been saved, and Town Manager Kristi Williams and the board believe they have found a viable alternative in a property located at 9 Grove St.
At the January 14 Board of Selectmen meeting, Williams said, “We know we don’t have enough dedicated parking for town employees.” The anticipated addition of bike lanes and outdoor café seating in the downtown area would further limit parking options downtown, she added.
The Grove Street property, adjacent to the Westborough Fire Department on Milk Street and in proximity to most of downtown, could add 24 parking spaces, said Williams.
The purchase, construction and required due diligence by town counsel would cost $500,000 to $600,000 for the entire project, estimated Williams. She said the town is currently working with the owner of the property on a purchase and sale agreement.
The board supported moving forward with a conditional purchase and sale agreement and adding the acquisition of the property and the appropriation of funds for the sale to the 2020 Annual Town Meeting warrant.
