By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is seeking a location for its new Registry of Motor Vehicles, and North Attleborough is in the running after submitting a proposal for the former Fisher College property.
Town Manager Michael Borg, who appeared on North TV on Oct. 1 for his monthly “Town Manager’s Report,” announced that the town had a walkthrough of the site with RMV, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and MassDOT representatives. The town purchased the location from Fisher College in 2023. Borg said he “was very encouraged by the visit” and the prospect of leasing out a space that could bring in additional revenue.
“If we’re able to land that, it would bring the registry that was once in North Attleborough years ago back to the town,” said Borg.
According to the request for proposals prepared by the town, the proposed rent per year would start at $107,500, and gradually increase over a 10-year period to $140,263.
North Attleborough previously housed an RMV on Kelley Boulevard, which the state closed in 2009 along with 10 other branches in an effort to save on rent and encourage Massachusetts residents to utilize online services.
According to Borg, officials are looking for a bigger space than the current RMV, located in the basement of 75 Park St. in Attleboro. While the Attleboro RMV offers express service, the new location would be upgraded to full-service.
The 451 Elm St. property is slated to become the new space for North Attleborough’s Senior Center, a regional food pantry, as well as the Veterans’ Services and Health departments. Scribble Time, which is leasing the space, is in talks with the Planning Board to move to 104 North Washington St. to expand services.
According to the contract proposal, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking approximately 4,300 square feet to lease in either Attleboro, North Attleborough or Mansfield for its new RMV. The lease would be set for 10 years, with occupancy available in January 2026.
Fifty on-site parking spots are required, and the new RMV location would serve 200 to 250 people per day. According to the proposal, this location would issue road and license tests, as well as maintain records pertaining to individual identification, driving records and vehicles.
Borg said the property’s on-site parking, paired with a satellite parking lot, would provide sufficient space to comply with the requirements.
Taylor O’Neil, the communications and information officer for North Attleborough, told the North Star Reporter that the town expects to hear back on the final decision within four to six weeks.
“If the RMV chooses 451 Elm St. as its new location, it would significantly benefit the town by offering residents a convenient site for a range of RMV services. Additionally, this move would generate revenue for the town, enabling us to make further building improvements, such as repaving the parking lot,” said Assistant Town Manager Antonio Morabito. “This would establish a central location where residents can conduct multiple types of business, thus streamlining access to essential municipal and community services.”