Possible Deal on Fernald Center To Be Discussed Tonight

The Waltham City Council is scheduled to discuss a possible deal in which the city would acquire the Fernald Center tonight, March 4.

Councillors plans to discuss the idea at their Committee of the Whole meeting at City Hall at 8 p.m. Mayor Jeannette McCarthy is scheduled to update the councillors on the possible deal.

The center currently provides services to developmentally-disabled residents. 

City Councillor Tom Stanley on Monday, Feb. 25 announced a possible deal in which the city would buy the state-owned property had been tentatively outlined among stale and city officials. The deal, Stanley said, would have the city acquire the land for “fair market value.”

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. The appeals are still pending, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Spokesman Alec Loftus said.

Thirteen residents are still receiving services at the Fernald site, according to Loftus. Also, 93 full-time employees work at the site, he said.