Trust requests Select Board transfer of 45 High Street Extension for affordable housing

Unidentified Speaker 2 read a proposed motion asking the Westborough Select Board to transfer the property at 45 High Street Extension (Parcel 27‑171‑0) to the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust “for low and moderate income housing purposes” and outlined terms including transfer at no cost to the Trust, select board reclaim rights if necessary permits or funding are not secured within two years, and limitations on conveyance to nonaffordable uses.

The chair (Unidentified Speaker 1) asked legal and insurance questions about the Trust taking title. Trustees agreed to contact town counsel Sharon Everett for guidance about deed restrictions and whether the previously executed deed rider or LDA creates continuing obligations. Unidentified Speaker 3 recommended the Trust confirm whether any deed rider or deed restriction language requires ongoing Trust involvement for future sales.

Trustees discussed site condition, vegetation, maintenance and possible liability insurance needs. Unidentified Speaker 2 said the Trust expects to take title and to record it; trustees estimated a closing timeline of roughly 120 days (estimates varied in discussion and could be shorter) and discussed preliminary site access for testing.

The chair moved that the Trust send the request to the Select Board; trustees voted in favor and the chair said the request will be sent. Trustees also agreed to follow up with town counsel and to confirm insurance prior to final title transfer.

Next steps: chair to send the request to the Select Board via the town manager, consult town counsel (Sharon Everett) on deed-rider obligations and confirm required liability insurance before closing.