The commission’s approval of the contract for the Shaw and Taylor School project is the most pressing outcome of the meeting. Senior Program Manager Brian McLofflin presented the agenda item, detailing the collaborative effort with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) which oversees school construction in the state. The contract’s approval is contingent on the MSBA’s Owner Project Manager (OPM) review panel’s nod, expected in early October. McLofflin highlighted the partnership’s history, noting previous successes such as the opening of several schools and completion of numerous repair projects since 2014, resulting in substantial financial reimbursements to the city.

The Shaw and Taylor facilities were built decades ago and lack essential amenities like gyms and cafeterias. The schools have been using converted spaces for educational purposes. McLofflin provided images illustrating the inadequate conditions, such as the Shaw’s limited physical education space and the Taylor School’s cafeteria location in a converted basement. The project aims to address these deficiencies, with the school building committee having completed all prerequisites, including enrollment projections and educational profiles, by early 2025.

The process for selecting an owner project manager began with a public advertisement in June 2025, resulting in ten submissions from firms experienced in MSBA projects. Scansa was chosen for its relevant experience and community engagement approach. The commission’s approval of this contract allows the project to advance to the feasibility study phase, where initial concepts, including decisions about the potential demolition of buildings, will be explored.

In addition to the school project, the commission discussed potential development projects involving vacant land parcels. The first vote concerned a tentative developer designation and intent to sell vacant land on Regis Road in the Madakan neighborhood to Zven Drake for $62,500. The land had been part of the city’s inventory for 38 years. James Smith, representing the mayor’s office of housing, explained the public process leading to this designation, emphasizing the public benefits of returning the property to productive use and generating initial revenues. Drake plans to utilize the site as open space, preserving the mature trees while making landscaping improvements.

The commission also reviewed a request for a tentative developer designation and intent to sell to the Community Land Trust (CLT) for a parcel located at 23A Street in Hyde Park, with a purchase price of $100. Teresa Strechilla highlighted the community engagement process that led to strong support for preserving the parcel as open space. The CLT aims to develop the parcel into a community open space with views of the Neponset River. The proposal includes enhancing and permanently preserving the area while reducing future maintenance costs for the city. Commissioners expressed agreement, noting the project’s significance in utilizing the parcel more effectively.