What Should Go Here at 18 Howley St.?

This vacant plot downtown has been empty for years.

Even to the casual observer driving along Main Street, it's hard to miss this swath of vacant land. The property at 18 Howley St. -- about three acres -- is located behind the Holy Ghost Society Cultural Center and has sat relatively untouched for years. The land was slated for 200 units of residential condos until the economy and housing market forestalled those plans several years ago. The city finally refused to extend permits for the property in 2008 after a few years with little to no activity on the site and run-ins with conservation officials on proper site maintenance. The Azorean Brotherhood eventually purchased the property for $675,000 in 2008 and has mulled plans for an assisted living facility and mix of residential units, but…

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