"They made a presentation on their vision but they have given us nothing in writing and until I get something its just a vision," Kenneth Goff, executive director of the South Shore Tri-Town Development Corp., tells GlobeSt.com. "I have a process in place which is used to screen information from interested parties. We need to satisfy infrastructure and environmental issues here."
According to Goff, many developers have expressed interest in developing the former station since the corporation ended its agreement with VA-based Mills Corp. to develop a $250-million retail-entertainment complex. Says Goff, MassTech's vision is a large one in that the company would like to be the master developer of all of the areas defined in the plans for development. Over two years ago, voters from Abington, Weymouth and Rockland approved a reuse plan calling for more than one million sf each of retail and commercial space, 500 to 700 units of senior housing, an 18-hole golf course and 750 acres of open space.
MassTech did not return calls by presstime but the company released a vision statement for the site which states, "Our vision is to work with the surrounding communities to create a state-of-the-art sustainable economic engine at the former Naval Air Station that will mark the area as a technology focal point and maximize the site's potential in the most appropriate and community-friendly manner possible." The statement includes goals and economic benefits, transportation vision and community benefits.
"MassTech is getting the attention because they are talking to everyone in the community and the press," Goff points out. "They have taken a much more public approach to this thing than others and have gone more aggressively to market to the communities. We need to see something specific to see whether their plan is consistent with the board's vision. Right now, I have as much information as the press." When asked by GlobeSt.com if MassTech seemed to be making an effort to sway public opinion, Goff's responded, "One might conclude that."
MassTech's plan reportedly includes building an airport, which Goff confirms for GlobeSt.com that he heard but, he adds, "I have not been formally told about that." MassTech's plan would also require the reuse plan to be modified, which would require a two-thirds vote on all community body mechanisms.
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