A Central Concern
When the people of Holliston join forces, amazing things can happen. Have you seen the new park that has sprung up where the rail trail meets Central Street, next to CVS pharmacy? This small oasis, complete with a new gazebo, comes to us courtesy of passionate local volunteers.
If you haven’t yet seen this park, please go. Then cross Central Street to the paved area behind the old depot (now Casey’s Crossing restaurant). Look through the chain-link fence. What do you see? A pit in the ground surrounded by weed trees and mismatched fencing, and filled with mounds of gravel, old truck containers, and assorted vehicles, including a cement truck.
This lot, located at 132 Central Street and just 0.3 miles from downtown, sits amid historic homes and small businesses such as Coffee Haven, Anastas Lock & Safe, and Lex Auto Parts (itself housed in a historic building). The pit was once the foundation of a lumber building, which was destroyed by fire in the 1980s. It’s been in marginal use since then, and mostly neglected.
The neighborhood is part of Holliston’s Village Commercial district, which is zoned for professional offices, retail stores, and small businesses—not for industry or construction equipment storage. To wit, the current use is noncompliant with zoning.
This parcel is an eyesore, and many Holliston residents want to see it cleaned up and brought into conformity with the rest of the neighborhood. We want to see it transformed into a green space to complement the adjacent rail trail and the new park across the street. The town recently acquired additional sections of track, which means that, soon, the rail trail will run right past this parcel.
A group of Hollistonians have formed a committee, A Central Concern (www.aCentralConcern.org), to take action on this issue. We have made contact with the property owners, and they are willing to entertain an offer to purchase the property. We want to do just that. There are various options we could pursue: for instance, we could petition the town to purchase the property, or we could raise funds to purchase it independently through a land trust. Amazing things can happen.
Go see the pit at 132 Central Street. Imagine it cleaned up, filled in, and graded. Imagine a “pocket park”—with benches, trees, and flower beds—a sparkling focal point where neighbors, cyclists, and trail walkers could rest, relax, and picnic.
Imagine that. Then, join us.
To learn more, or to volunteer to help with this effort, contact aCentralConcern@gmail.com.
Thank you, everyone, for commenting. Be it known that my purpose is not to vilify anyone; I simply want to call attention to a neighborhood blight that has been allowed to continue for far too long. I am aware that the owner donated the cement for the gazebo foundation. That is commendable, but it hardly compensates for the pit in the ground. As to a mixed-use development, I would be all for such a project, if it were feasible. Is it? Obviously, the land is not mine to develop. But: if we were to reclaim the parcel as a park, I have confidence that we could raise the funds to purchase it--perhaps through a combination of Holliston CPC funding (see http://www.townofholliston.us/CPC/CPCTOC.html), grant funding, and private donations. None of these funds would be available for a commercial or mixed-use development. The owners, their attorney tells me, are attempting to promote the development of the property. I truly hope they succeed. Our proposed park is one such option for development. Let's make it happen. As for the tax revenue that would accrue from a mixed-use development, keep in mind that parks raise the value of surrounding property, which would probably offset any revenue lost through the conversion of this lot into park (nontaxable) land. And that's not factoring in the quality-of-life enhancement. My father used to say, "You can always find people who will tell you why something can't be done." I'm here to figure out how it CAN be done. Join us.
Hannah Benoit | 2012-08-25 11:47:53
you know that nice new gazebo, The cement for the foundation was donated by Brett Askin of American Concrete Co.the same person you are demonizing
allen b | 2012-08-22 18:53:53
Has the Holliston Building Inpector who is also the town's Zoning Enforcement Officer been contacted? If so what was his his response? If its current use does not conform to zoning and is not grandfathered then the Building Inspector should do everything they canj to remedy the situation.
Brian Loughlin | 2012-08-22 16:54:17
Your article suggests that the owner of the property is not following certain zoning laws. If that is the case, why isn't the town making sure the owners do obey the proper laws? If there is no enforcement why have the laws on the books at all. Perhaps we should consider strengthening our zoning laws as well to make it harder for this kind of situation to occur.It would be nice to have a park, but the location is right behind the town bar. Likely not the most ideal spot.
Anne-Marie | 2012-08-22 14:57:29
Hannah - you're great to continue with this effort. I agree something needs to be done. Others have tried in the past but the owners always wanted more than the property was worth to develop. I personally would like to see some new commercial/office space (for its tax income) with nice condos or rental apartments on a second floor, discreetly screened from the neighbors. There once was such a plan with the building close to the corner - not sure it would work now with the Trail. It's worth a town conversation.
Mary Greendale | 2012-08-21 22:17:43
As a neighbor on Central Street, I recall the devasting fire at State Lumber very well, and have witnessed the ongoing decline of the property. I commend your foresight in promoting a park where there is now an unsightly hole in the ground surrounded by a decrepit fence.
Bill Tobin | 2012-08-21 21:29:58
I commend you for taking on this wonderful project. Having lived in Holliston for 20 years,and enjoyed all that the town has to offer, I must say that spot troubled me for many years. Not only is it an eyesore, but I have wondered about the safety concerns for kids. The idea of a park/town common on that site is fantastic, and I look forward to helping with this effort! Julie Greiner-Ferris
Julie Greiner-Ferris | 2012-08-21 18:23:12
Note to Michelle Zeamer: Thanks for commenting! Yes, we have approached the current owners and yes, they are interested in selling. I don't know if the taxes are up to date, but I do plan to check.
Hannah | 2012-08-21 17:35:38
This is great news! For 17 years we have lived near this curiously messy spot, home to old industrial trash and feral cats, and I have often wondered to whose it is. It feels as if it is the geographic center of downtown Holliston and, with Bobby Blair's new gazebo area looking so gorgeous, now is a great time to commit to bringing 132 Central St. into the fullest expression of its potential. It will be so pretty. Thanks for taking this on. Count me in to help.
D. Underwood | 2012-08-21 14:51:06
Two quick questions . . . (1) Are taxes up-to-date on the property? (2) Has anyone approached the current owners to see if they want to sell the property?
Michelle Zeamer | 2012-08-21 12:19:13
Transforming this land is an excellent opportunity for the town of Holliston. I hope the movers and shakers read and heed. Join with www.aCentralConcern.org and make it happen.
Cordalie | 2012-08-21 12:03:31
This is a great idea! A park in that spot would be wonderful -- would really enhance that end of town. I for one would gladly volunteer to help.
Kate Connell | 2012-08-21 11:48:45