Members of the Barrington Economic Development Commission have offered the Town Council a blueprint on how to bring more athletic fields and a recreation center to Barrington.

According to a memo from Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey, the EDC recently passed a motion recommending that the town sell off the former Carmelite Monastery property at 25 Watson Ave. and use the proceeds to offset the acquisition of the former Zion Bible College property, converting it into new athletic fields and a recreation center. 

The vote, taken during the Feb. 27 meeting, was unanimous — 7-0. 

The Barrington Town Council referred the athletic facilities and fields issue to all boards and commissions, following a presentation at the council meeting on Jan. 9. As of earlier this month, only the EDC had responded to the Council. 

Town officials have discussed the idea of selling the former Carmelite Monastery property to a developer. The town purchased the seven-acre property for $3.5 million in 2021. The sale price later dropped to $3.2 million after officials discovered it would cost more for asbestos abatement inside the monastery building. 

The former Zion Bible College property covers nearly 40 acres off Middle Highway in the north end of town. The property was purchased at auction by a group called ShineHarmony LLC for $3.5 million in 2011. The property has been listed for sale on occasion. Most recently, ShineHarmony LLC representatives shared their early plans to build a large housing development on the property featuring 350 units. 

Members of the EDC are Matthew Amaral, Thomas Cregan, Kas DeCarvalho, Bryan Hoffman, Daniel Horowitz, Kevin Mannering, Adam Mileikowsky, Brian Rua, Eric Suuberg.