Abington Select Board Terminates Sparling Builders Land Deal, Orders New Bidding Process

ABINGTON -- April 7, 2026, Abington Select Board cancels land sale to Sparling Builders LLC and authorizes $83.8 million in borrowing. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate a June 2025 purchase-and-sale agreement with Sparling Builders LLC for two town-owned parcels at 0 Brockton Ave and 0 Linwood Street, directing the return of a $40,000 deposit to the buyer. Town Manager explained that an informal offer of approximately $250,000 made after a formal RFP drew no bids had compromised the competitive process, and that a separate interested party then approached a board member with a higher counter-offer. "The land is worth a hell of a lot more than 250," said one board member who identified himself as a real estate professional, arguing the town must seek maximum value when the parcels go back out to bid. The board also unanimously authorized $45,280,983 in general obligation bond anticipation notes dated April 22, 2026, plus $38,500,000 in new DPW and fire station construction bonds, covering projects approved at town meeting as far back as 2021.