Developmental center's future still uncertain

MONSON - There are 121 residents living in four buildings at the Monson Developmental Center and more are readying for departure, a center official said Monday.

By the middle of 2011, the center expects to have only 40 residents and they will all live in one building on State Avenue, where the Tufts Dental Clinic is now located, David M. Serra, director of core support and residential services at the center, said.

Serra made his report on the progress of closure of the facility to the Monson Developmental Center Re-Use Committee, which is working to come up with a plan for when the center is expected to close in June 2012.

Eleven months ago, Gov. Deval L. Patrick announced plans to close the Monson Developmental Center and three other similar facilities in the state, with the goal of moving residents into group homes. At that time, the facility had more than 130 residents. It provides services to people who have developmental disabilities and medical problems.

Members of the re-use committee were meeting with Michael L. Vedovelli, regional director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, an organization they hope may help with the redevelopment of the property.

Serra and other town officials explained the complexity of the project to Vedovelli, which includes the uncertainty about whether the state Department of Developmental Services, which operates the Monson Developmental Center, will continue to use any of the buildings.

Dana J. Harrell, real estate services director for the state Division of Capital Asset Management, said a master plan for property and programs of the Department of Developmental Services is expected to be complete in the spring.

Re-Use Committee Chairwoman Kathleen C. Norbut said her committee is aware of the limitations on their work because of the uncertainty about what buildings will be retained, but will do its best to come up with ideas for a plan the end of December.

Department of Developmental Services officials hope to retain use of the regional offices in the Brookside building on State Avenue and hope to operate a building on State Avenue known as Pineridge as a group home, Serra said.

A number of buildings on the site are no longer being used and are slated for demolition. Work is being done to make those buildings more secure, such as lighting, clearing brush and putting plywood over windows, Serra said. Trespassing has been a problem, he said.

A challenge for developing the site will be that the water, sewer and steam heating systems are designed to serve the entire complex of buildings, Serra said. Use of several buildings may require new services to be supplied, he said.

Also, because of high levels of coliform found in the water system at the center, a chlorination plant is about to be constructed despite the projected closure, Serra said. He said he did not know the cost because bids have yet to be opened.