State Transfers Monson Campus to Westmass for Housing, Economic Development
MONSON — The Healey-Driscoll administration advanced the development of at least 600 housing units and other uses on the former Monson Developmental Center campus by initiating the transfer of more than 100 acres of the campus to Westmass Area Development Corp. The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to an ongoing partnership with Westmass and local leaders to secure funding and resources needed for a successful redevelopment.
“This is a great opportunity for Monson, the region, and the state, as this site offers major housing and economic development potential. This transfer demonstrates our focus on utilizing existing properties to build more housing, provide new opportunities for local businesses, and lower costs,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Our administration is committed to supporting Westmass and the town in order to maximize that potential.”
The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) will complete this transfer by conveying the land for $1 in exchange for the redevelopment of the site into several hundred housing units. With the transfer initiated, Westmass, in consultation with DCAMM, will begin to ready the site for redevelopment.
The administration will also provide a $9 million site readiness grant to Westmass, authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature, to help ensure an expeditious path to construction. Given the size of the site, significant funding is needed to prepare for redevelopment through demolition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure improvements. In addition to announcing the transfer initiation, the administration will continue to work with Westmass to identify additional funding sources to advance the redevelopment.
Following the site readiness work, Westmass expects to make individual development sites available to a variety of partners to implement this large project. Under the terms of the disposition agreement, DCAMM and Westmass anticipate the construction of at least 600 new units of housing as well as commercial and industrial uses to expand the Monson tax base and create employment opportunities.
“Westmass Area Development Corporation is committed to transforming the Monson Development Center into a vibrant, mixed-use community that meets the housing and economic development needs of the region,” Westmass President and CEO Jeff Daley said. “Through strategic planning, strong public-private partnerships, and phased redevelopment, Westmass will remediate, repurpose, and revitalize the long-dormant site in a way that complements and maintains the town of Monson’s character.
In addition to the development areas, another 458 acres of the campus are being prepared for transfer to the Department of Fish and Game for conversation and recreation purposes, and 42 acres will remain under the care and control of the Department of Agricultural Resources for active farming.