Cost, Structure of Deal Outlined in St. James FAQ Memo

The town of Wellesley has published a frequently asked questions memo which lists the specifics of the potential real estate transaction between Wellesley and the Archdiocese of Boston for 900 Worcester St., the property on which sits.

Points in the FAQ:

• If all canonical appeals are not resolved within a two-year period, the town can cancel the pending $3.8 million transaction to buy the property from the Archdiocese of Boston. The St. James vigil-holding parishioner group to the Vatican, which is now pending.

• If the transaction passes at Town Meeting June 13, there will be a 60-day due diligence period, according to the FAQ. If significant hazardous materials are found at the 8-acre site, or significant oil, the town could either renegotiate its terms of remediation or cancel the transaction.

• The town unofficially plans to build a recreation center at the site. The FAQ details a breakdown of how the town will pay for the project.

Though there has not been an official declaration by the town that it will build the proposed recreation center, the FAQ explains that the purchase of the property is an invaluable opportunity for Wellesley.

“The sale of 900 Worcester is rare opportunity for the Town to acquire a parcel of this size,” according to the FAQ. “There is no question that a suitable municipal use for the site can be identified.”

St. James The Great was closed in 2004. Parishioners have held vigil at the church since in an effort to reopen the church.