NORTHBOROUGH – A developer plans to file an application with the Historic District Commission to demolish the former Northborough Fire Station at 13 Church St.
In November, the Select Board accepted a bid from Millie Milton to purchase the former station.
The property had served as the Northborough Fire Station between 1926 to 1976, and the site was abandoned after the fire department moved to the Pierce Street location. The building hasn’t been occupied since the mid-2000s when it was used for storage space. In 2020, Town Meeting gave the Select Board the authority to dispose of the property.
LAK Northborough Realty LLC, of which Milton is the president, was the only respondent to a request for proposals for the development and disposition of the site.
According to a press release from the town, Milton, who owns C’est la Vie Bistro, plans to combine 13 Church St. with two other properties that she owns at 40 West Main St. and 9 Church St. to construct a mixed-use development
Her plans are in the early stages.
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“I am really excited to start on this project and start working with the town and hearing from residents to see what we can do. I would like this to be something the whole town can benefit from and enjoy being part of,” Milton said.
Planning Director Laurie Connors called it a “catalyst opportunity” as the town recently completed its Downtown Revitalization Plan.
“As I prepare to launch a year-long design effort to reimagine the streetscape of Blake and a portion of Pierce Streets, I am encouraged that the Town’s investment in improving the public realm will be matched by a property owner’s investment in her property,” Connors said. “It is through public/private partnership and a joint commitment to transformative change that Northborough’s downtown will become the attractive, walkable, central gathering place that Northborough’s residents yearn for.”
In the coming weeks, Milton plans to file an application with the Historic District Commission to demolish the station and an abutting home that was built in 1880. Once the due diligence is completed, she will proceed with the design of her development.
The Select Board is scheduled to vote on the quitclaim deed and land development agreement for the property on Aug. 12.
