More Details in Possible Fernald Deal For Waltham

A few more details have emerged on a possible deal in which Waltham would acquire the Fernald Center.

According to Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy, the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management & Maitenance has "come up with a novel process," in which Waltham would acquire the center that would be favorable for Waltham. 

The facility currently provides services to developmentally-disabled individuals

However, there is one obstacle that could hinder a deal at this point. 

“Litigation is the sole remaining issue,” she said in reference to pending appeals against moving the 13 remaining clients to other facilities.

That litigation, McCarthy said, prevents the state from executing a final plan for the site, McCarthy said. She did not say when the appeals would be settled. McCarthy said she met with state finance officials in January on a deal that would be "good for Waltham," according to City Councillor Joe Vizard's Twitter feed. 

McCarthy updated the Waltham City Council during its Monday, March 5 meeting.  

The state decided to close the Walter E. Fernald Development Center in 2008, but the center remained open after residents filed appeals against being transferred to other facilities, according to the Boston Globe.

McCarthy was careful with her words saying she was limited in what she could say publicly.

“I’m not about to jeopardize the state’s [legal] case,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy’s update comes in the wake of City Councillor Tom Stanley recently revealing a possible deal was emerging in which the city could acquire the site under favorable terms. Stanley, at the Monday meeting, said he has been told the remaining clients could be out of the site before the next fiscal year. Stanley said lawmakers would have to pass a special law to approve any deal.