Town Could Lease School Lot to Pantry

Summary#

House No. 5701, titled An Act authorizing the town of Scituate to dispose of a portion of the Cushing Elementary School property to the Scituate Food Pantry, Inc., is a proposed special law; it does not amend an existing Act. It would give Scituate’s select board the option to sell or lease part of the property to the pantry, with the stated aim of providing premises to house and operate the food pantry. The bill has not become law.

  • The select board may sell or lease one or more portions of the property for up to 50 years.
  • The property is identified as part of the Cushing Elementary School site at 1 Aberdeen Drive, shown on assessor’s map 32-9-A.
  • The pantry may use the property to house and operate its food pantry. The bill does not require the town to make a transfer.
  • The board would set the terms it considers to be in the town’s best interest. The authorization applies despite Chapter 30B and any conflicting general or special law or bylaw.
  • The bill would take effect upon passage.

What it means for you#

  • Scituate select board: It would gain authority to make this sale or long-term lease, but would not be required to do so.
  • Scituate Food Pantry, Inc.: It could receive a site for its pantry if the town proceeds with a transaction. The bill does not provide funding or guarantee a transfer.
  • Residents and taxpayers: The bill does not directly change taxes, food-pantry eligibility, or public services. If the town acts, part of the school property could be sold or leased for pantry use.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

  • The bill gives no sale price, rent, or other financial terms. A sale or lease could bring money to the town, but the amount is not specified.
  • It contains no appropriation or cost estimate.

What is unclear#

  • The bill does not give the exact size or boundaries of the portion or portions that could be transferred.
  • It does not set a minimum price or rent, or explain how the board would assess the town’s financial interest.
  • It does not specify a public decision process, conditions for the pantry’s use, or what happens if the pantry stops operating there.
  • The bill says the authorization takes effect upon passage, but passage is uncertain; it is currently referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.

Case for#

  • The bill appears intended to make a location available for the Scituate Food Pantry to house and operate its services.
  • Allowing either a sale or a lease gives the town flexibility over the form of the arrangement.
  • The select board could set terms it considers in the town’s best interest.

Case against#

  • The bill does not set a minimum payment or other specific financial protections for the town.
  • A lease could last up to 50 years, while the bill does not explain what terms would apply if the pantry’s use changes or ends.
  • The exact area of school property that could be transferred is not specified in the bill.