The Town of Blackstone has released the Site Prioritization Plan, a comprehensive study that explores opportunities for reusing and redeveloping several underutilized, vacant, and tax-title properties in town. The full plan, including maps, photos, and site-specific analysis, is available as an interactive StoryMap here: Blackstone Site Prioritization Plan (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c0ac63e23d4c4111bb6f3d37ac745980).
Developed in partnership with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) and funded by a Fiscal Year 2024 Community Compact Best Practice grant, the plan provides a roadmap for how Blackstone can thoughtfully address long-term growth while strengthening its tax base and community amenities.
What the plan includes
The plan reviewed background conditions, engaged the community through surveys and stakeholder interviews, identified regulatory and infrastructure challenges, and assessed reuse and redevelopment options.
Between May and June 2025, a community survey drew 80 responses. Residents voiced strong interest in new grocery and food amenities, restaurants and brewpubs, and recreation or entertainment venues. When it comes to housing, many respondents favored low-to-moderate density options such as small single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and cottage housing.
Study areas and opportunities
Several priority sites are highlighted in the plan:
Kimball Sands Properties (Elm St.) – Large parcels with potential for reuse alongside open space preservation.
Veterans Park (Elm St.) – A site where water supply needs and recreation opportunities intersect, requiring careful planning.
St. Theresa’s Church (630 Rathbun St.) – Split-zoned property with strong potential for adaptive reuse.
Park ’n Shop (2 Main St.) – A former grocery anchor site with options ranging from a midsize grocer or recreation facility to longer-term mixed-use redevelopment.
22 Chestnut St. (Former Auto Salvage Yard) – A site with environmental considerations that could be addressed to enable new residential development.
23 St. Paul St. & Main Street Corridor – Opportunities for a pocket park at St. Paul St.
Looking ahead
The Site Prioritization Plan also builds on recent efforts such as the Town’s Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, and Open Space and Recreation Plan, creating a consistent vision for growth.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the StoryMap and share feedback with Town staff as the community works together to chart Blackstone’s future.
