Wellesley is close to issuing a request for proposals (RFP) that developers will be invited to respond to with ideas for how to reimagine the Tailby Lot (Linden Street) and Railroad Lot (Grove Street near Post Office). The Board of Selectmen discussed the draft RFP (embedded below) this past week.
The town seeks to redevelop the lots in an effort to address its affordable and diverse housing shortage, but also to possibly increase parking and better tie together separate parts of Wellesley Square. Assistant Executive Director Meghan Jop said such a development could include things such as performing arts space, meeting rooms and more, though she said an RFP is generally best left a bit open-ended.
BoS members suggested that it would be a good idea to lead developers toward at least some sort of vision for the space, though also allow for creativity.
The draft RFP provides a history lesson on various efforts to rethink the space since the 1970s, but perhaps the time is right now in light of the town’s efforts to fend off 40B proposals that some feel would be too disruptive to neighborhoods. Of course neighbors will also have a few things to say about any Tailby/Railroad lot overhaul, too, and the BoS will invite the public to share their thoughts on the RFP in the weeks ahead.
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