Board reviews environmental restrictive covenant for 8 Rembox Street to bar residential and childcare uses

A staff member explained that 8 Rembox Street — a property the city acquired that formerly operated as a gas station — underwent remediation but still contains contaminants of concern. The staff member recommended the city record an environmental restrictive covenant (deed restriction) that would prohibit the property from being used for residential, childcare or educational facilities, restrict groundwater use and limit soil disturbance for the life of the property.

"So, there's certain contaminants of concern that are there and this environmental restrictive covenant prevents the property for being used for residential property, childcare and educational facilities," the staff member said. The speaker noted the property can still be developed for industrial and commercial uses; the deed restriction would run with the land permanently unless legally modified.

Why it matters: the covenant changes allowable future uses and clarifies restrictions related to residual contamination. The board recommended approval on the record; the covenant will be a recorded deed restriction tied to the property.