The future of the former W.W. Cross factory site in Jaffrey remains undecided after the Select Board reviewed a recommendation for a development partner Wednesday night but took no formal action.
The town issued a Request for Qualifications seeking potential partners to redevelop the town-owned Webster Street property. The former factory building, largely destroyed by fire, has been demolished and the site is undergoing environmental remediation.
Under the RFQ, any approved project would be required to begin construction within two to five years of contract approval. Town officials have said their goal is to create a mixed-use retail or commercial development on the site.
A committee, made up of Selectman Charlie Turcotte, Economic Development member Tim Gordon, Development Projects Coordinator Jo Anne Carr, Planning Board member Doug Dumont, and Department of Public Works Director Todd Croteau, reviewed two responses to the RFQ in a meeting on Feb. 11.
One submission came from the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation of Keene. The other was from Mike Shea, president of Belletetes Inc. and a principal in MJ & MJ Realty, the developer of the former St. Patrick’s School property.
Select Board Chair Franklin Sterling said during Wednesday’s meeting that Shea’s submission did not meet the qualifications requested, and was “more of a dissent letter than qualifications proposal.”
Given that only one proposal met the criteria, the committee unanimously voted to recommend the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation as the partner for the project. The Select Board discussed the recommendation during Wednesday’s meeting but did not vote.
The Monadnock Economic Development Corporation and Monadnock Affordable Housing Corporation are affiliates of Keene Housing. Their proposal outlined a co-development public-private partnership with the town, suggesting a phased, mixed-use project that would incorporate both commercial and residential components. The proposal emphasized collaboration with town officials, local businesses and other stakeholders.
Monadnock Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit that provides real estate development services, technical advisory services and commercial financing to support community and economic growth in Southwest New Hampshire.
Another vision for the site
The letter submitted by Shea disagreed with the town’s vision of redeveloping the site as “mixed-use commercial/retail space combined with residential uses, which provides a community gathering space for youth, families and our seniors,” as stated in the RFQ, which he called a “utopian vision.”
“It is my contention that no singular developer will come forward with a plan to provide this vision of mixed-use, and if that holds true, the town should consider another alternative for the highest and best use of that property,” Shea wrote.
Specifically, Shea said that Belletetes has a need to expand their millwork operation, where they produce interior and exterior door units, receive and store deliveries for special order windows and similar products. That facility is currently on the Jaffrey Belletetes campus, but Shea said there is no room to expand without purchasing adjacent property and removing existing residential units. He wrote that Belletetes is interested in acquiring the W.W. Cross site because of its proximity to the Jaffrey store.
Shea suggested that the development of the site for that purpose would take about 18 months.
Shea was present during Wednesday’s meeting and said that in his view, the request was “narrow in focus” and a “screw job from the beginning.” Mainly, he said, the request indicated a favor for a mixed-use project for the site, with retail and housing. He said he believed replacing the former industrial use with another industrial use was the best use of the property.
“You’re asking for an apple, and I’m trying to say an orange is better suited for this property,” Shea said. “I feel like this was a stacked deck.”
Sterling said the proposed use was borne of community involvement and round-table feedback sessions. The town has conducted multiple community information-gathering sessions related to downtown development, including workshops and a market analysis focused specifically on the future of the W.W. Cross site.
Sterling said that, ultimately, he agreed that another industrial use could be the best use of that property, citing the need for solid employment opportunities and the out-of-the-way nature of the property, off the main thoroughfare, and the less restrictive remediation requirements for that kind of use.
However, he also said the request for qualifications was different than a proposal for the property. Shea’s submission hadn’t included enough information for the committee to make an informed decision, Sterling said, adding that the committee needed “something to hang our hat on.” He said he would not be opposed to receiving supplemental information from Shea or Belletetes about their qualifications.
The board did not take a formal vote on the matter on Wednesday, but agreed to give Shea and Belletetes until March 15 to provide additional information for their RFQ.