Northborough Select Board approves continued talks with two proposers for 4 West Main Street, pending town meeting approval

The Town of Northborough Select Board voted Friday to authorize continued consideration and potential discussions with both proposers for 4 West Main Street, pending approval of a related warrant article at town meeting.

Julianne Hirs, chair of the Select Board, said the board had reviewed submissions "including qualifications, proposed uses, and financial terms" and was prepared to state its intent to continue negotiations. The motion to authorize continued consideration was moved by Mike Tent and seconded by Jacob Jones; a roll-call vote approved the motion with four members voting yes (John: yes; Jones: yes; Tent: yes; Hirs: yes).

The board had earlier met in executive session under the exception to the Open Meeting Law cited on the record to discuss the negotiating position of the town with respect to a possible lease or sale of the property at 4 West Main Street. On the record, the chair cited the executive-session authority for discussing strategy in pending contract negotiations; the transcript referenced the statutory exception the board relied on for closing that portion of the meeting (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(6)).

Board members said they reviewed the two proposals’ qualifications, proposed uses and financial terms but did not disclose specific dollar amounts or identify a preferred proposer during the open session. The chair and members instructed staff to schedule a follow-up meeting with both proponents to confirm a date and time for further discussions; one proponent referenced by surname as Alazar thanked the board and said he would await contact from staff.

The authorization does not finalize any transaction. The board stated the next steps are further evaluation and determining a preferred path forward based on what members conclude is "in the best interests of the town," and any agreement would be subject to town meeting approval of the related warrant article.

The Select Board will take no binding action to lease or sell the property until after any required town-meeting vote and any subsequent formal approvals.