Tarbell School Redevelopment Approved on Split Vote

After many months of discussion and meetings between Groton Planning Board and applicant Kevin McGoniagle, the Board voted on Oct. 15, by a split decision - 5 to 2 - to grant a Special Permit to McGoniagle for redevelopment of Tarbell School. Planners Carolyn Perkins, George Barringer. Scott Wilson, Russ Burke, and Michael Vega voted to grant the Special Permit while members John Giger and Tim Svarczkopf voted against it.

McGoniagle's proposal was approved by voters at the 2015 Spring Town Meeting for purchase of the property from the town for $75,000. A new septic system had already been installed at the site by the town for a cost of $25,000.

His plan for the historic West Groton village school is to divide the long-vacant building into three dwelling units, construct three two-car garages and associated improvements to the property at 73 Pepperell Road. He advised that he would occupy one of the units and the remaining two would be sold at market rate. He plans to use the existing front entries, while maintaining the architectural integrity of the 1914 building.

At one time the little school was full of children from the neighborhood, many of them following in their parent's footsteps and learning from the same teachers. The building later became office space for the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District Administration, and when they moved out, the building was unoccupied for more than six years.

With many hearings and numerous issues raised by neighbors, McGoniagle returned for each hearing with new or updated plans in place based on neighbor issues and Planning Board suggestions.

Findings from the hearings noted that this project will provide moderately priced housing for people looking for an alternative to single-family housing and that it will preserve the integrity of the historic structure. In addition, there was no adverse impact on the environment as a result of the change as McGoniagle has implemented a Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater Management System.

Since this is a town-owned vacant building, officials had expressed concerns on a number of occasions that if someone did not step forward to rescue the structure, there was a distinct possibility that it would be demolished. Instead with voters' approval and finally Planning Board approval for a special permit, the property will now become a contributing taxpayer and not an empty lot.