City, Charter School Reach Deal To Halt Maplewood Square Teardown

MALDEN, MA — The city has reached an agreement with the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School to put the redevelopment of buildings in Maplewood Square on hold.

The charter school bought 50,000 square feet of space in the neighborhood last summer, with plans to expand its campus and grow its enrollment. The purchase included residential and commercial properties, a move that drew scrutiny after some tenants said the school was pushing them out before they had time to find new homes.

Under the new agreement, the city will work with the school for up to a year to identify alternative options for expansion. The pause also provides businesses the option to stay through April 2023 and offers residents additional time and resources to move at some point beyond the end of the school year.

The parking spaces behind the buildings at 12-24 and 28 Lebanon Street will remain available for businesses and customers as both sides work toward an alternative approach.

"This is an important topic for our residents. Finding an acceptable solution starts with open and honest communication," Mayor Gary Christenson said. "The residents of Malden need to know we are working together. This agreement addresses several key concerns and sets the stage for us to identify a solution that works for everyone."

The city will delay redevelopment plans for Trafton Park for a year, providing an alternative to the charter school's proposal to demolish the buildings to provide play space during renovation. Hundreds of students utilize the park daily for outdoor recreation and recess activities.

"I'm pleased we are collectively committed to working together on this important issue," George D. Warren, chair of the Mystic Valley Charter School Board of Trustees, said. "I specifically want to thank Mayor Christenson for reaching out to Mystic Valley and Councilor [Stephen] Winslow for their efforts to construct this agreement and committing to continued dialogue, while providing Mystic Valley students the ability to continue to access outdoor recreation space, while we explore other alternatives. I look forward to what I know will be a mutual commitment to find a solution that meets everyone's needs."

As part of the agreement, the Malden Historical Commission was asked to rescind the preferably preserved designation of 12-24 Lebanon Street parcel and 28 Lebanon Street. The commission voted 3-1 in favor of the agreement on Monday, the Malden News Network reported.

"This agreement helps keep the status quo in place for businesses while seeking to ultimately ensure the viability and character of Maplewood Square as a neighborhood business district," Ward 6 Councilor Stephen Winslow said. "I want to thank the Malden Historical Commission for being open-minded to this alternative approach to achieve the mutually desired goals of preserving both the historic character and uses of the Square."

The city and charter school will start meeting regularly and will keep the community updated on their progress, according to a statement from the city.