The Fernald Working Group is a coalition whose goals are to ensure a meaningful public process and a sustainable reuse plan for the Fernald State School (map). This large property is currently owned by the State Department of Mental Retardation and houses about 200 residents with severe disabilities. The families of current Fernald residents are litigating to ensure that the residents continue to receive good care, even if the School closes. If it does close, the state will surplus the land (MAPC's discussion of surplusing of state lands). After conducting extensive public outreach, FWG created a reuse vision for Fernald that includes housing for a range of incomes and abilities, extensive open space, transit links, small scale retail, community space and more. The group anticipates working with the state-legislated Fernald Reuse Committee, chaired by Mayor McCarthy, to advocate for these ideas and for meaningful public involvement in the decision making process. Learn more about the Fernald Working Group and read their Vision document at: www.fernaldworkinggroup.org.

For more information, please contact Darline or Steve.