Eastman School Reuse Committee: Heavy On Neighborhood Representation, Light On Real Estate Expertise

August 31, 2026 - 05:44

Five residents who live near the former Eastman School on Shawmut Street have been appointed to a new committee tasked with reviewing potential development plans for the site. The group, announced this week, is heavy on neighborhood representation but notably light on real estate experience, a mix that has drawn both praise and concern.

The committee includes a retired teacher, a small business owner, a community organizer, a nurse, and a longtime renter. All five live within a few blocks of the shuttered school building, which has sat vacant since 2019. Their job is to weigh in on proposals from developers, assess community impact, and make recommendations to the city council.

Supporters say the makeup is a win for transparency. For years, residents have complained that big projects are decided without local input. This time, the people who will actually see the building every day get a seat at the table.

But critics point out that none of the five have professional backgrounds in construction, finance, or land use. That means they will rely heavily on outside consultants, which could slow the process or lead to missed red flags in complex proposals. One council member noted that the committee's role is advisory only, so final decisions still rest with elected officials.

The city has not yet set a timeline for receiving development bids. The school building, built in 1923, needs significant repairs, and any redevelopment will likely involve a mix of housing and retail. The committee is scheduled to hold its first public meeting next month.