Insights

CitySquare II Development Co. Prevails in Redevelopment Dispute

Choate represented CitySquare Development II Co. LLC (an affiliate of The Hanover Group) in a dispute regarding the demolition of the Notre Dame des Canadiens Church, which was sold in 2010 by the Diocese of Worcester. CitySquare spent many years seeking alternative reuse options for the structure but, ultimately, they proved unfeasible. The case has been the subject of controversy  in the Worcester area, and recently the Save Notre Dame Alliance asked for a preliminary injunction to halt demolition under MEPA. However, because CitySquare purchased the property with private money and the development of the parcel did not involve state funding, the demolition of the structure is not subject to MEPA review. The case was filed Tuesday, June 12 and a preliminary injunction hearing was held Thursday, June 14. On Monday, June 18, a Superior Court judge agreed with CitySquare and denied the request for an injunction. The Save Notre Dame Alliance  group filed sought and appeal, which CitySquare opposed, and on June 22, 2018, the Single Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court denied the appeal.  CitySquare is a multimillion dollar, multi-phased redevelopment project in the heart of Worcester, which is often referred to as the “Downtown Worcester Renaissance.”