ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote:


(1)    to transfer the care, custody and control of Town-owned property, located at 167 Main Street and 0 Main Street, Northborough, commonly known as White Cliffs Mansion, being Assessors’ Parcel 53, Lots 73 and 155, described in a deed dated September 26, 2017, recorded with the Worcester South District Registry of Deeds in Book 57796, Page 339, from the board or officer having custody thereof for the purposes for which said property is currently held to the Select Board for general municipal purposes and for the purposes of conveyance, including, but not limited to, the lease thereof for a term not to exceed forty-five (45) years, to Elegant Banquets LLC, or an affiliate or related entity thereof, for the purpose of a wedding and events facility, substantially in accordance with a proposal dated April 7, 2025, a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, and on such other terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Select Board deems to be in the best interests of the Town, subject to a historic preservation restriction to be imposed by the Town in accordance with G.L. c. 184, §§31-33 and G.L. c. 44B, said restriction to be approved by the Massachusetts Historic Commission; and, further


(2)    to authorize the Select Board to enter into an option to convey the property to Elegant Banquets LLC, or an affiliate or related entity thereof, said option to be exercisable commencing  no earlier than 8.5 years from the effective date of the aforementioned lease, to be conveyed at a purchase price equal to or greater than the sum of $2,500,000, and to authorize the Select Board to convey said property pursuant to said option, and on such other terms and conditions and for such other consideration as the Select Board deems to be in the best interests of the Town; and, further


(3)    to authorize the Select Board to enter into a right of first refusal with Elegant Banquets LLC, or an affiliate thereof, to purchase the property at the price, and on such terms and conditions as offered by a third party; and, further


(4)    to authorize the Select Board to execute any and all documents, agreements, and instruments necessary or appropriate to carry out the foregoing; or take any other action relative thereto.
 

Explanation: This article seeks authorization for the long-term lease and potential future conveyance of the Town-owned White Cliffs Mansion property.
The article would transfer care, custody and control of the property to the Select Board for general municipal and conveyance purposes; authorize a lease of up to forty-five (45) years to Elegant Banquets LLC (or an affiliate) for use as a wedding and events facility; require a historic preservation restriction approved by the Massachusetts Historic Commission; authorize an option to purchase the property no earlier than 8.5 years after commencement of the lease at a minimum price of $2,500,000; and authorize a right of first refusal in favor of Elegant Banquets LLC. The article also authorizes the Select Board to execute all necessary agreements to implement the transaction.


If approved, the article would provide for preservation of the historic structure through private investment while establishing terms for potential future sale.
 

Votes Needed to Pass: 2/3 Majority

NOTE: An Open House is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 12-2pm at the White Cliffs property (167 Main St).  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Brief Video Explanation From Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon:

  

Video Tour of White Cliffs With Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon:

 

 

Relevant Discussions for This Article:

March 18 White Cliffs Lease Agreement Key Terms Memo

Appropriations Committee Vote: March 26, 2026 (Minutes)

Select Board Vote: April 6, 2026

For a deeper dive into the history of the White Cliffs property, please visit the White Cliffs Committee page to view historical minutes.