ROCKPORT — On June 16, members of the RES Redevelopment Task Force and the town’s Economic Development Committee held a meeting to outline roles of committee members and expectations for the development of the town-owned parcel of land where the former Rockport Elementary School (RES) once stood.

The meeting included a presentation by development firm NewHeight, which submitted a letter of interest (LOI) to the town earlier this spring, outlining its past experience constructing apartment complexes and residential communities throughout the state.

NewHeight was one of three organizations that approached the town with interest in developing the site. Allen Mitchell, of Rockport-based Almar Inc. ,proposes developing the property into five lots, each containing a two-bedroom home. 

Camden-based insurance company Allen Agency had proposed erecting a 10,000- to 15,000-square-foot commercial building on the site, but has since withdrawn interest in the property. 

“The Allen Agency requested that their letter of interest be withdrawn, as they are not interested in pursuing this project at this time, so their June 23 meeting with the RES Redevelopment Task Force has been canceled,” said Brian Dancause, the Town’s economic development strategist on June 21.

At the meeting, Task Force members and town employees expressed differing expectations of what roles the groups should have moving forward and overseeing possible development plans; ultimately a recommendation would need to be made to the Rockport Select Board and approved by that board for a development plan to proceed.

The participants in the meeting also expressed personal opinions of whether or not the softball field on the RES site should be maintained or considered should the 7.4 acre parcel at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 90 be developed.

Both Almar and Allen Agency’s proposals would keep the softball field intact.

Unlike Almar and Allen Agency, NewHeight did not submit any rendering of a potential development or specify what kind of structure would be built on the site; instead, their LOI stated their company would  “design, build and deliver the plan in partnership with the Town. NewHeight Group will act as master developer, securing financing for the overall project, guiding the team and serving as liason to Town staff and stakeholders.”

Prior to the presentation by NewHeight, Task Force members Steve Smith and Debra Hall discussed their expectations for the site as well as potential challenges for development.

“A mixed-use concept and a place where people would like to congregate is an important aspect. I don’t think the ballfield is a major issue...we have recreational facilities already and it would take up a major part of that site. I’m speaking for myself, I don’t think from a development standpoint that site could support having a baseball field any longer and it doesn’t really make sense to do that,” said Smith, the architect chosen to design the recently completed Rockport Public Library.

“Rockport for a long time didn’t want to have any retail....But over time we’ve had a little more developing come in and there’s a recognition on the part of the [municipal] leadership that there needs to be some economic development and revenue,” said Hall.

“I think in part because everyone in this room knows more than we do about this site, and what’s wanted and what’s needed, as a process we would start by looking at all the work that’s already been done and getting to at least the place your newest members are in terms of understanding the work that’s already gone on, and then more conversations about the things that are wanted. The town already owns [the site], we presume it’s not on the tax rolls as a result, so anything that is done there will generate more tax revenue than is currently generated,” said Erin Cooperrider, principal at NewHeight.

“[The development] can be a mix of the things the town wants for town uses and the Town would continue to own and support, and development that’s appropriate in size and scale and use to that site. So we were most attracted to this opportunity because the Town reached out, and for the town to already be behind development in this location is hugely attractive.”

The RES Task Force, formerly the “RES Redevelopment Committee,” has attempted since 2019 to garner interest in the site from developers. After previous efforts to have developers submit their qualifications (RFQs,) this spring, members of the RES Task Force drafted a document titled “Invitation to submit a letter of interest,” which asked prospective developers to submit copies of their past professional experience, financial standing and vision for the property to the town’s Planning Department, all by April 9. In 2019 a public input forum was held at the Rockport Opera House at which residents where asked to share which existing elements of the site could be preserved and what types of developments they would like to see at the property.

“My recollection of that 2019 effort was that there were more people who supported some exercise, recreational activities for all ages than there were ‘the ball field.’ There was quite a big majority that looked at it more broadly,” said Hall.

Task Force member Amanda Dwelley asked NewHeight’s representatives what they envisioned the long-term management and ownership of the site would be.

“I think it will depend on what gets built. There are obviously options that would include a land lease from the town... an ownership structure where the town goes in and comes out with an ownership percentage depending on if it’s a ‘for sale’ product, for example if there is an owner operator that wants a built to suit office building and they’re going to occupy and own it or they want to lease it and something the town can retain. The answer to that question will come out of the dialog of what gets built,” said Cooperrider.

Following NewHeight’s presentation, the Task Force and members of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed next steps for the project. Selectman Eric Boucher said ideally the  process of choosing a developer should move forward at a more rapid pace.

“Ideally the sooner the better in my opinion because I’d like to see that property generating a tax base, it would definitely help the town overall. Unfortunately we do have to work through the whole process of getting it onto ballots which creates times [throughout the year], we have to get all the engagement in place and make sure everything is lined-out so I don’t really see much happening until next year on the ballot side of it,” said Boucher. 

“I think we should go huddle and figure out what our questions are and what we think the next steps might be and make some suggestions and likewise, you huddle on your side about process, and then maybe we get back together through [Brian Dancause.]” 

The next meeting of the RES Redevelopment Task Force will include a presentation by Almar Inc. The meeting will be held June 24 at 9 a.m. at the Rockport Opera House.