Debbie Blais Teams Up With Neighborhood Corporation to Build 30 "Affordable" Apartments in Middleboro.

MIDDLEBORO — Two of the town's venerable old manufacturing complexes will be transformed into modern apartment buildings, with construction to begin sometime next year for both.

The most visible, and more complicated, project involves the multi-building Star Mill complex on East Main Street, which was at the center of the town's woolen industry in the mid-19th century. The massive 11-acre mill site housed the Winthrop-Atkins Company for many years, until the business was closed down by a new owner in January of 2009.

The Heritage Companies of Quincy, which specialize in the restoration of old mills and have two projects underway in the region, plan to turn the two oldest Star Mill buildings into apartments — with amenities including a lap pool and exercise gym — while the "newest" building, constructed in the mid-20th century, will offer commercial/manufacturing space in keeping with the residential use of much of the complex. The company plans to create 71 apartments in the 165,000 square foot Star Mill and adjoining Walker Company building, and will be renovating the structures in accordance with National Register guidelines, the developers have told town officials. The complex will not be developed under Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, but 25 percent of the units will be rented at rates that meet Chapter 40B regulations.

Meanwhile, an affordable housing project that has lain dormant is being revived by a partnership consisting of the Neighborhood Corporation and Debbie Blais Real Estate. Shoe Shop Place, the former Bay State Specialties company building on Peirce and Rice streets, was approved for condominium units under a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals but the project did not go forward due to the recent economic downturn.

Dean Harrison, executive director of the Taunton-based Neighborhood Corporation, said he and Blais Real Estate will return to the zoning board with a plan for up to 30 "affordable" apartments, four of them to be handicapped-accessible, in what is the last remaining wood frame building in town associated with the shoe industry.

In both cases, the developers will preserve many of the historic features of buildings that were central to Middleboro's commercial prosperity in the 19th century.

Shoe Shop Place is the former Leonard, Shaw and Dean shoe factory, built in 1896 as a result of a community effort to attract business to town, according to town historian Michael Maddigan, the vice chairman of the Historical Commission. During a meeting with the commission Tuesday night, Mr. Harrison agreed to place a commemorative plaque and some historical photos in the reception area of the new apartment complex. He said the number of one- and two-bedroom apartments in the building may be reduced to preserve historic features. The Neighborhood Corp. will be following historic preservation guidelines in renovating the old mill building since the company will be looking for historic tax credits to help finance the project. The project has already been awarded $300,000 in grants through the Greater Attleboro-Taunton HOME Consortium.

The Heritage Companies have been before the zoning board since the spring with their plans to renovate the Star Mills complex. The Star Mill itself served as the town's largest employer and major taxpayer following the Civil War, according to Mr. Maddigan. Some of the homes along East Main Street and nearby streets were built to house employees. The fact that Solomon K. Eaton, the architect who designed the Town Hall, was also responsible for the design of the Star Mill, will likely enhance the Heritage Companies' application for National Register status — and accompanying federal tax credits — for the project. The Walker Company building was added to the complex early in the 20th century.

Mr. Maddigan has written a comprehensive history of the Star Mill complex.

Since the Shoe Shop Place project was approved by the zoning board and the physical plans for the project will change very little, the developers anticipate gaining approval for the change from condominiums to apartments — a change that would result in 100 percent of the units counting toward the town's affordable housing inventory. Mr. Harrison said he hopes construction can begin in late winter or early spring next year.

Seventy percent of the apartments will go to Middleboro residents as first preference, he said.

Community Development Director Anna Nalevanko agrees with the developers that the location and the fact that Shoe Shop Place will be the only apartment building in town with an elevator should make the building attractive to elderly tenants.

The Star Mill project is before the zoning board for the first time and is more complicated because of its size and scope and because it closely abuts a number of homes as well as the Nemasket River. The developers have agreed to reduce the number of units from 76 to 71 in order to move parking spaces away from the river and reduce the impact on the site. The developers will also be providing buffer areas to screen the complex and parking areas in part as a result of concerns expressed by neighbors.

Barbara Kiley, senior project manager for Heritage Companies, said the remaining issues to be discussed during a continued hearing in September involve lighting for the complex.

Ms. Kiley said there will be a planning meeting next week to establish a time line for the Star Mill project in light of a similar project that is underway in Whitman. She said ideally, construction will begin next year.

Ms. Kiley said the Residences at Star Mill will likely appeal to commuters, young couples and couples with small families as well as retired people. "It's an ideal starting point for a young couple where one or both work in Boston," she said, with commuter rail service nearby.

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Debbie Blais Real Estate Awards Scholarships to Local Students

Debbie Blais Real Estate awarded two $1,000 scholarships to deserving students. Hannah Keady is the Middleboro recipient and Samantha Mazetis is from Lakeville.

The students are excited to take the next step toward their future this fall. Keady will attend Rhode Island College and Mazetis, UMass Amherst.

Both recipients maintained academic excellence throughout high school, volunteered in their towns, and participated in a variety of sports and academic programs. Each recipient submitted an essay detailing why they should be chosen for the Debbie Blais Real Estate Scholarship in 2010.

"These two students were chosen from over 50 essays submitted," said owner Debbie Blais. "We wish them both great success at college this fall."

Debbie Blais Real Estate is committed to helping deserving students in their service area.

"Thank you, to all our clients and customers for choosing Debbie Blais Real Estate and making these scholarships possible."

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Debbie Blais Real Estate

9th Annual

Scholarship Fund

Community has always been an important part of Debbie Blais Real Estate, and with your help, we will provide scholarships of $1,000 each for Middleboro seniors and Lakeville/Freetown seniors in 2011.

Thanks For Helping Us Reach Our Goal For 2010!

Debbie Blais Real Estate is committed to helping deserving students in our service area. Thank you, to all our clients and customers, for choosing Debbie Blais Real Estate and making these scholarships possible.

Applicants must be attending a college or trade school during the 2011-2012 school year. Eligibility may be based on scholastic merit, personal initiative, school service, community service and financial need. Scholarships are to be awarded upon presentation of evidence of enrollment.

Applications have been made available at Debbie Blais Real Estate, Inc., and the guidance departments at Apponequet High School and Middleboro High School. The application deadline is May 1, 2010. Call Debbie Blais Real Estate for further information 508-946-0444.

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GREAT NEWS

Mortgage Rates Are At A Record Low

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.58 percent in the MA last week, from 4.7 percent the prior week, according to online mortgage tracker Zillow.

Nationwide, the average mortgage rate was also 4.58 percent, down from 4.67 percent at the same time a week earlier. This is the lowest rate recorded since Zillow Mortgage Marketplace launched in April 2008, according to Zillow. Posted 6/24/2010

Mortgage Rates at Bankrate.com

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Robin Perry

"REALTOR OF THE MONTH"

May 2010

Debbie Blais, President of Debbie Blais Real Estate Middleboro, MA is pleased to announce that Robin Perry has achieved “Realtor of the Month” honors for May 2010. Robin has exceptional customer service skills along with over 14 years of real estate experience and background in mortgage financing. This knowledge helps Robin guide her clients through the process of buying or selling a home. Call 508-498-1585 or email at robinmp@comcast.net to schedule an appointment for a “FREE” “NO OBLIGATION” Market Analysis!

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Debbie Blais Welcomes

Don Healy to the Team

Debbie Blais, Owner of Debbie Blais Real Estate, Inc. Welcomes Don Healy to the team. Don is resident of Lakeville and came to this area because he loves the sense of community. He has two beautiful girls who both attended/attend Apponequet High School. He is very involved with the Town of Lakeville as a member of the Finance Committee and enjoys giving of his time to help improve the area.
A graduate of Salem State College Don obtained degree in Business with a major in Marketing. He also has a law degree from New England School of Law in Boston.
Don has many years in the customer service field and enjoys helping people achieve their goals. He is very diligent and will work on your behalf until an objective is reached. His ambition is fulfill your needs with his exceptional customer service and attention to detail. Don’s motto is Real Service. Real results. Real Estate done right. Don can be reached at Office 508-946-0444, Cell 617-460-1868 or Email dp_5950@yahoo.com.