Currently underway is a demolition project which will remove structurally deficient buildings and remediate environmental conditions in the blue shaded area to the west of Upper Palmer Rd. More information about this project is below.
Regarding the developable areas of the campus, outlined in red in the map above, Westmass Area Development Corporation has purchased those areas and is embarking on planning and engineering for redevelopment. Development is envisioned to focus on housing development.
Background
- The Monson Developmental Center (MDC) was closed by the Department of Developmental Services in 2012.
- MDC consists of approximately 675 acres of land including buildings/structures and infrastructure.
- DCAMM continues to manage approx. 67 acres that include a capped landfill and provide 24/7, 365-days-per-year security presence on the site.
Demolition Project Details
This active project consists of the following components:
- Demolition of vacant structures primarily comprised of wood, cast in place concrete, brick masonry, and concrete masonry (CMU) structures on the campus.
- These structures are located on the west side of Upper Palmer Road in the blue shaded area of the map above.
- The scope of the demolition project will include safe abatement of hazardous building materials that will be disturbed as part of that work, in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
- DCAMM and Westmass are also planning for demolition of buildings on the main campus.
Upcoming Project Details
Housing
- Planning and site-readiness work to redevelop the100 acre area transferred to Westmass for the purposes of housing development, supported by the Healey Driscoll Administration and the General Court with a $9 million site-readiness grant as provided by Chapter 181 of the Acts of 2022, is now underway.
- More information about this development and larger State Land for Homes initiative can be found on the project pipeline page.
Conservation
- The transfer of 458 acres on the west side of Upper Palmer Road to the Dept. of Fish & Game for conservation and recreation is planned to take place following the completion of the current demolition work
- Continued farming on 42 acres of agricultural fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages the Monson Developmental Center (MDC)?
The MDC was closed by the Department of Developmental Services in 2012. As a surplus state facility, it was transferred to the Commonwealth’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).
DCAMM continues to manage approx. 67 acres that include a capped landfill and provide 24/7, 365-days-per-year security presence on the site.
Are the buildings on the campus still in use?
None of the buildings on the MDC property are in use, and many cannot be safely entered.
The buildings on the campus were built between 1848 – 1970, and the MDC is listed on State and National Registers of Historic Places.
There is a 24/7, 365-days-per-year security presence on the MDC site—managed by the Commonwealth—given the safety considerations.
What has the Commonwealth done to manage the MDC?
Since MDC was transferred to DCAMM, DCAMM has completed a number of remediation activities in addition to the regular maintenance performed on the site. Among those activities:
- Closing and capping a landfill on site, which included removing a smokestack and an underground tank
- Maintenance of the State Hospital Road Bridge and completing repairs to the bridge sidewalk
- Removing the Quabbin building and planning for further demolition is in progress
- Demolition is in process on the west side of Upper Palmer Road
Are there portions of the MDC property that are used for agricultural purposes?
Yes. Legislation (Chapter 181 of the Acts of 2022) authorized DCAMM to transfer the care and control of selected portions of the MDC campus to the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR). DCAMM currently has a Memorandum of Agreement with MDAR for use of the agricultural fields and is coordinating with MDAR on a formal transfer in the future. Approximately 43 acres of the MDC property are restricted for agricultural use.
Are there portions of the MDC property that will be preserved for nature?
Yes. Legislation (Chapter 181 of the Acts of 2022) authorized DCAMM to transfer a large portion of the campus to the care and control of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). DCAMM is coordinating with DFG to transfer this portion of the campus. This will include approximately 458 acres located on the west side of Upper Palmer Road/State Avenue.
Does the Commonwealth have any existing projects on site at the MDC?
See the project information above.
What is the future of the MDC?
As authorized by legislation (Chapter 181 of the Acts of 2022), DCAMM is in the process of transferring parcels of the MDC to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). (See above.)
The Commonwealth has conveyed over 100 acres of land on the main campus to Westmass for redevelopment into housing. Westmass is engaged in ongoing collaboration with Monson town leadership and local stakeholders as part of our ongoing efforts to determine an appropriate reuse program for the MDC redevelopment parcels.
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