'Encouraging' Discussion Between Medfield Selectmen, DCAM Commissioner on State Hospital

Nearly 20 Medfield residents attended Tuesday's to hear recently appointed DCAM Commissioner Carole Cornelison speak about the site and many left encouraged by what she had to say.

“I think we’re fascinated to hear DCAM has an open mind because it has been so long that it probably makes sense to revisit the whole [reuse plan of the state hospital property],” said Board of Selectmen Chair Osler “Pete” Peterson.

Cornelison assured town officials and residents that DCAM will work “collaboratively” with the town to reach the common goal: finding the best development option for reuse of the state hospital site.

“We have to work with the town,” Cornelison said. “My goal is to see what’s mutually beneficial to both the town and the state. It is going to take some time to get to [that]. I don’t see DCAM super-imposing a concept on any local authority. That’s just not what we do.”

Cornelison stressed the importance of keeping open communication between DCAM and the town as cleanup of the site continues and a report is expected to be filed at summer’s end.

“I believe there is more to do and we’ll try to determine how much more and be very open with the town’s leadership and the town as a whole about what we’re doing and what there’s more to do. Let me be very clear about that,” Cornelison said.

A key to the project moving forward, according to Cornelison, is the willingness of the parties involved to have an open mind in terms of reuse and development of a site this complex.

“I know there is a concept in place,” said Cornelison. “The leadership is here, my sense is [town leaders] are open, [DCAM] is open and if a development idea or concept or resources comes to the attention of the state and with the town, we will take a look at that.”

Town Administrator Michael Sullivan and Town Counsel Mark Cerel drafted discussion points to facilitate dialogue between the selectmen and Cornelison. The discussion points were divided into two sections: “Clean-up of pollution” and “Review of proposed development.”

Under “Review of proposed development,” Cornelison was asked if the town should be updating the assumptions upon which the proposed redevelopment of the site were made because the hospital has been closed for eight years and the real estate and development assumptions have drastically changed. The town also asked if it should be revisiting the proposed reuse plan, which was drafted in 2005. Cornelison said “absolutely,” and the town should begin doing so “immediately.”

“I think there needs to be discussion in looking at the potential reuse of the [property] that is both palatable and supported by the town and makes sense for both the Commonwealth as well as Medfield,” Cornelison said.

The commissioner also suggested a meeting between Selectmen Chair Peterson, Town Administrator Sullivan, DCAM and Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finances Jay Gonzalez to discuss reuse concepts and development opportunities. Peterson and Sullivan accepted Cornelison’s request and she said she would be in touch with both to set up a meeting.

Peterson said the Board of Selectmen voted in favor of residential development in 2005, partly because they “looked for other solutions but found none.” Peterson, selectmen Ann Thompson and Mark Fisher as well as Cornelison each displayed a willingness to explore other options for the site outside of residential.

Town officials also asked Cornelison if the state would consider sale of the Medfield State Hospital property to the town of Medfield, given the altered market conditions.

“It’s a consideration,” Cornelison said.

The commissioner did not reject any suggestion made in the town’s discussion points, often reiterating that it would be “a consideration,” showing her commitment to work with the town.

A major concern for the town regarding the state hospital site is the condition of its buildings and whether DCAM would be in favor of an updated assessment of building conditions to determine whether they can be economically rehabilitated. Cornelison’s response was encouraging.

“Absolutely,” she said. “An assessment needs to be done. I certainly think we need to take a look at the buildings.”

In terms of the clean up of pollution, which DCAM is in the final phase of at the state hospital site, Cornelison said she felt the majority of the cleanup had already been completed.

“We will be committed to an adequate cleanup,” she said. “We feel we have done the bulk of the cleanup.”

 She then wanted to hear the town’s concerns regarding the pollution issue.

SHERC chairman John Thompson said the VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) found in the Charles River landfill site have not been dealt with. This is important, according to town officials because the site needs to be fully addressed given its proximity to a public water supply. Tests are being made to assess the extent of pollution and the best way to abate it but the town asked Cornelison for “adequate assurances of protection of this valuable water resource.”

“I will look into that and get back to you,” she said.

The town also asked if development of the site would take place simultaneously with the clean up because the clean up could “take many years” in some areas of the sites.

“Depends on the toxicity found in the areas,” Cornelison said.

The commissioner encouraged the town to work with DCAM on “closing the door” on the pollution issue so the project can move forward with finding a “palatable” reuse plan and a developer.

“Let’s work together on the issue of contaminants or anything that might pose a risk,” she said. “We have spent about $10 million [in investigation and mitigation] on that effort to date.

Cornelison said the next step is DCAM filing its final assessment report at the end of this summer and seeing what the status of the site is at that time.

“We will look at what steps need to be taken additionally [at that time],” she said.

Cornelison was named DCAM Commissioner in March to replace Dave Perini, who announced his retirement in December. She toured the former Medfield State Hospital property for the first time Tuesday – just before arriving at to participate in the selectmen's Q&A. 

Cornelison reminded those in attendance at the conclusion of the discussion that DCAM and Medfield are working together to find the best reuse option for the state hospital site that is beneficial to both the state and the town.

“We are bright people with a common goal.”

Check back at Medfield Patch Thursday for more coverage of Tuesday’s discussion with DCAM Commissioner Carole Cornelison and the environmental concerns that exist at the State Hospital site.