Select Board backs Iron Rail redevelopment plan
Wenham Select Board backed a hybrid plan for mixed-use redevelopment of the 80-acre Iron Rail property. Select Board members expressed strong support for working group recommendations to retain town ownership through ground leases while considering sale of six acres for middle-income housing.
Select Board · Meeting of August 11, 2026
Wenham Select Board backed a hybrid plan for mixed-use redevelopment of the 80-acre Iron Rail property. Select Board members expressed strong support for working group recommendations to retain town ownership through ground leases while considering sale of six acres for middle-income housing. The Board set September 17 for a community forum and October 6 as the zoning decision deadline.
The property generates roughly $150,000 in annual rental income while requiring more than $300,000 in annual debt service. The Board unanimously approved a $73,800 contract with Metropolitan Area Council to develop an Affordable Housing Trust Action Plan, funded by a $25,000 MAPC grant and $48,800 in town funds.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 524 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of August 11, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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