State proposes "Sale Partnership Model" for Westborough, Medfield and Fernald State Hospitals

State Proposal on Fernald Land

For some time now many residents have ask: What is going on with the Fernald property?  In the interest of transparency, I write to inform the public. 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is offering an unprecedented proposal to three municipalities (Westborough, Medfield and Waltham)   with state institutional buildings and land.  The Sale Partnership Model as it is being referred to will offer large parcels of state owned land to the host communities for an extremely low price.

The acreage for sale in Westborough is 90, Medfield 120 and Waltham (Fernald) 180.  The price will be determined based on the "sunk in cost" or cost to close the facilities as opposed to the value of the land.  The cost for Westborough and Medfield are between $2,000,000 and $3,100,000 approximately.  Once the cost to close the Fernald is determined the city council and mayor will vote to accept or reject the offer.  If passed, the Massachusetts legislature will then vote on the proposal.

In return, if developed in any way the state would share fifty percent of the  profit.  However, the host community's share could grow to seventy percent based on certain incentives.    All enviornmental costs would be born by the municipality or developer if the community so chooses.

The state is relieving itself of state owned land which reuse often takes years to agree while ensuring state taxpayers receive a return on state property.  In essence, the state is handing off to municipalities the task of deciding the reuse of the property.