NEMPAC/NBSS Both Seeking 128 North Street

By Phil Orlandella

Currently, two local agencies have announced their intentions to purchase 6,000 square feet of space at the MassDOT owned building at 128 North Street.

North Bennet Street School (NBSS) and the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) both want the property to expand their respective programs to meet the needs of students.

NBSS President Miguel Gomez-Ibanez said, “We don’t want to interfere with community organizations and are willing to share the space with NEMPAC. But either way the school will be submitting a Request for Proposal.”

NEMPAC President Dianne Royle said, “We need the entire 6,000 square feet and we will also submit a Request for Proposal.”

It appears NBSS has the financial ability to purchase the structure. On the other hand, NEMPAC needs funding to do so.

NEMPAC has looked at several other sites that didn’t work out. NBSS has been looking at the North Street property for some time.

Currently, NBSS has a new site on North Street, recently moving from North Bennet Street School in a deal that made it possible for the Eliot School to expand.

NEMPAC has been operating in a small facility (2,000 square feet) at the Paul Revere Mall (Prado) and utilizing other space when available.

If MassDOT is willing to release this property and since shared space is not an option, only one agency will gain the property if sold.

Both agencies have presented a need for the North Street property and it’s anyone’s guess about the outcome.