The Loop is in in Northborough

NORTHBOROUGH

The Loop project, a planned outdoor mall near the interchange of routes 9 and 20, has overcome one its last hurdles before construction can begin.

By a unanimous vote, the Board of Selectmen last week opted not to exercise its right of first refusal and buy the land on which the shopping center would sit, town officials said. The town could have bought the acre property if officials had decided to match the $11.5 million offer from the developers, according to Town Planner Kathy Joubert.

The land had been classified as Chapter 61 conservation land, which meant that the owners got tax exemptions in exchange for giving municipalities the right of first refusal. The land is being sold by Mary and Robert Borgatti.

The town has already approved plans by Brendon Properties and The Wilder Companies of Boston to build the retail center and plans by Avalon Bay Communities Inc. to build a 350-unit apartment complex.

-- Jennifer Rosinski