Worcester Moves Toward Buying Former Becker College Properties

Worcester MA

21 July, 2021

10:22 AM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester this week took a first step toward purchasing several properties owned by Becker College, which is in the process of shutting down following the 2020-21 academic year. The City Council on Tuesday approved a plan to set aside $5.5 million for a "friendly" eminent domain taking of four properties across the Elm Park neighborhood. City Manager Ed Augustus Jr. said the actual cost of the properties may be a low as $4.5 million, and the city is also exploring federal funding for the purchase. The properties include 51, 61 and 69 Sever St. and 28 Roxbury St., which are the addresses of the former Weller Academic Center, a former tennis club, a parking lot and Becker's health and science building. The properties will likely be used by the city's Department of Health and Human Services and Worcester Public Schools. The city and school system will share the final cost of purchasing and outfitting the properties. Becker will leave behind about three dozen properties after it closes. Many are historic homes and buildings spread across the Elm Park neighborhood. The Worcester Historical Commission will also soon study whether to turn the neighborhood into a historic district, which could help preserve historic buildings if they are sold to private entities. The $5.5 million would be borrowed by the city as a capital expense and paid back over time.