Boch automotive dealership expands operations into Shrewsbury

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Boch property on Route 9 in Shrewsbury
The Boch automotive dealership has purchased this property on Route 9.
Photo/Melanie Petrucci

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Shrewsbury — News broke just before the New Year holiday that more than 25 acres along Route 9 westbound had been purchased by Boch Shrewsbury — Worcester, for $8.35 million.

Worcester commercial real estate firm NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs handled the sale between the Lilly Attell Realty Trust who sold the property to Boch Shrewsbury — Worcester, an entity run by Ernest A. Boch, Jr. and Robert C. Weiss of 111 Morse St., Norwood, Mass. according to Massachusetts Secretary of State records. Boch is famed for his automotive empire.

The site, just past the Route 9 and South Street intersection, at 701 and 713 Boston Turnpike, is largely wooded and undeveloped. According to town records, the property includes a 1,600-square-foot, single-family home with an assessed value of $714,800.

Another half-acre property abutting the property at 713 Boston Turnpike was also purchased by the entity. The sellers were Tim and Eileen Samara and it includes a 1,100 square foot single family home assessed at $280,600, according to town 2021 property values.

Reaction from officials and residents

Social media comments ranged from concerns over increased traffic along the Route 9 corridor to questions over whether another auto dealership was warranted because the site is very near other dealerships along the Route 9 corridor.

However, other social media comments were positive citing support for new economic growth and additional tax revenue.

Beth Casavant, chair of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen, agreed.

She stated in an email, “Growing our economic bases is always a priority for the town, so we were pleased to learn that the parcel on Route 9 had been purchased by Boch.”

“We look forward to working with Boch as plans for developing the site become more clear and know of their reputation as good neighbors in the communities where they have businesses,” she added.

Kristen Las, assistant town manager/economic development coordinator, and Bernard Cahill, town planner, were contacted for their comments.

They said that they had no further information on the purchase nor plans for the property.

“The Planning Department had not been approached by Boch prior to the purchase of the land,” Cahill remarked in an email. “I would anticipate hearing from Boch in the coming months to discuss the planning process [of future development], etc.”

Michael C. Jacobs, principal realtor with NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs was also contacted for comment but declined.

 

 

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