NBSS Seeks Relocation to Old Police Station on North Street

By Phil Orlandella

North Bennet Street School (NBSS) has reportedly grown out of its current space and has already moved two of their units to rented space in Arlington, according to the school’s President Miguel Gomez-Ibanez.

Speaking at last week’s North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) monthly meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center, Ibanez told residents that the school is attempting to work with the City of Boston to relocate to the old Police Station and Printing Plant on North Street. “The additional space will allow the school to bring back the two units from Arlington,” he said.

NBSS has been in existence in the neighborhood since 1881 when they rented the building and eventually purchased the property in 1885.

“Our board wants to remain in the North End, however, without additional space, NBSS will most likely have to move elsewhere,” Ibanez said.

Residents at the NEWRA meeting called NBSS “part of the heritage of the North End” and they didn’t want to see the school “move out of the neighborhood”.

Ibanez asked for NEWRA to support the school’s movement to North Street and they responded with a 25-2 vote in favor.

NBSS will be seeking additional community support from other neighborhood groups as well as individual residents.

When the school opened many years ago it was called the North Bennet Street Industrial School, NBSIS.

Ibanez told residents he will discuss the potential move with abutters and local elected officials.

Reportedly, the Eliot School is also seeking additional space, possibly at the same location or at the school if it becomes vacant.

There are also published reports that a private firm is interested in building a hotel and condominium units at these sites.