By Brian Denitzio
News Editor

It's a rare opportunity when nearly an entire city block of land is available for development in Dorchester, particularly along Dorchester Ave. But that's the opportunity available to residents of Columbia-Savin Hill.

Next Tuesday evening, they'll gather to discuss the future of the former home of the St. William's church complex at 1048 Dorchester Ave. Beyond the chance to have a hand in developing a nearly 40,000-sq.ft. parcel, the process of determining the site's use can be an opportunity for those hurt by the closing of the parish in 2004 to have their voices heard.

"If you didn't have a voice before, perhaps your voice can be heard now," said Mary Hogan, a St. William parishioner.

Hogan and other parishioners waged an appeal of the Archdiocese of Boston's decree that St. William's close and merge with St. Margaret's to form Blessed Mother Teresa Parish. The appeal ended, unsuccessfully, in late April and until that time, any discussion of how the site could be re-used was theoretical.

Don Walsh, a former parishioner of St. William, headed up a committee within the Columbia/Savin Hill Civic Association that met periodically over the last year to discuss potential uses for the site. He said that various ideas were discussed, including housing, an elder care facility, and mixed-use proposals.

"I think that people like the idea of what's characterized as workforce housing," said Walsh. Another preference in those meetings was for an elderly care facility that would include an assisted living component, as well as a walk-in center.

Community sentiment regarding whether or not the church building itself should be preserved or torn down will likely be an important consideration in determining future uses.

"I think people are very divided on that," said Hogan. "For some it would always be St. William's and there would be a pang using it for something else; for others preserving it would have a historical significance and emotional significance."

While the appeal was unsuccessful, the diocese did reverse its decision regarding who receives proceeds from the disposition of the property, and those funds are to follow the former St. William's parishioners. As such, if the property is sold, the final arbiter in the decision would be Father Paul Soper, pastor of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

Soper has stated that he wants Tuesday's meeting to be as open of a process as possible, and that he enters into it with no ideas of his own about how the property should be used.

"This meeting is for everybody to be able to put their ideas on the board," said Soper, adding that future meetings will be the time for more focussed discussions.

"I don't want to be tying the discussion to any one group or idea," said Soper, and for that reason, formal presentations will not be a part of the process.

While the final decision rests with Soper, he stated that he is not obligated to choose the proposals that would bring the most money to the parish, but can find a balance between meeting the financial needs of the parish, and the needs of the community.

In making the decision, Soper said that he would consult with his parish council, a group of 20. That group could serve as a barometer of community sentiment.

"If there's a consensus that emerges within the parish council about a particular idea it's not likely that I would go in another direction," said Soper. "In general, we work by consensus and by discussion and by consultation."

Disposition of the parcel is being handled by the Codman Company, a Boston-based firm specializing in industrial and office real estate. Jim Belli, a principal with Codman, said that the firm has handled a number of similar properties for the archdiocese. This week, the finishing touches were being put on the marketing material for the St. William's site, and that it would likely remain on the market for 90 days. The property will be available for long-term lease or sale. Belli said the property will be listed without a price.

The meeting will take place May 23 at the St. William School at 7 p.m.