Scituate Explores Future of Cushing School Site Post-Demolition
February 25, 2025 – The Scituate Select Board has initiated discussions regarding the future of the Cushing Elementary School property, anticipating its demolition following the completion of a new consolidated elementary school in 2027. Key considerations include developing housing or establishing recreational fields on the site.
Finance Director Nancy Holt addressed the board, emphasizing the necessity of early planning for the property's redevelopment. "The current Cushing Elementary School project only includes demolition of the school. So that'll leave you with basically green space and parking," Holt explained.
The demolition is projected to occur after the new school becomes operational, likely in 2027 or 2028. Board members presented varied perspectives on the site's optimal use, considering its location adjacent to the High School and Gates Middle School.
Select Board member Karen Canfield advocated for housing development, citing fiscal considerations. "At this point, given the world and our finances, I think some kind of housing would be my first choice, whether it's we donate the land to a SAIL organization, or it's we do an RFP for senior housing," Canfield stated. She also acknowledged that selling the land for private development "probably wouldn't be my first choice," but it might be "a fiscally prudent thing to pursue."
Board member Karen Connolly echoed support for housing, referencing the success of the Blossom Green Apartments. "I would like to think that a similar model could be used for this property without being too disruptive to the neighborhood," Connolly remarked.
Conversely, board member Susan Harrison expressed reservations due to the site's proximity to existing schools. "What I struggle with is location, location, location. And it just seems very close to all the other [schools] and seems to me like a good place for fields," Harrison commented. She also highlighted concerns about initiating a new project while the redevelopment of the old Gates School remains unfinished. "We have old Gates sitting there for how many years now? Is it eight? And nothing's been done with that," Harrison noted.
Chair Andrew Goodrich expressed interest in the housing proposal but acknowledged potential community preference for recreational fields. "My gut tells me that we're gonna get, you're gonna be saying, no way, Jose. I don't like that at all. And I think, let's say if my gut's right, that if we do this through the survey, folks are gonna say, let's just do fields," Goodrich observed.
The board agreed to establish a working group to explore redevelopment options before conducting a community survey. Holt emphasized the importance of ensuring the site is properly restored post-demolition. "I just wouldn't want to see the Cushing School site look like a war zone," she stated.
Discussions also touched on potential funding for a feasibility study through the capital plan to determine the most suitable use for the property. Additionally, considerations about traffic impact on the surrounding neighborhood were raised, particularly if the site is developed. Canfield noted that public recreational use would necessitate connectivity to the high school complex to minimize neighborhood disruption. "If you wanna limit the impact on the neighborhood and it's gonna be a public use, it has to be connected to the high school somehow," she suggested.
The Select Board plans to continue deliberations on the property's future use as the demolition date approaches, ensuring community involvement and thorough planning in the decision-making process.
Fore more Scituate town news, visit the Scituate homepage at South Shore Times.