How does the District Zoning Amendment relate to the Medfield State Hospital Master Plan that was published on August 15, 2018?
The District Zoning Amendment that is being proposed is a framework for the development. It is not a detailed blueprint and it all depends on the responses from developers that will actually be bidding on the project. It is aspirational in that it tells a story about the vision for what the Medfield community would like to have on the site but doesn’t set a detailed prescription. The zoning provides guidelines for development, regulates uses, regulates locations of buildings on the site and their dimensional requirements. You will be mainly voting to get this vision out into the marketplace and obtain real market feedback.
Is the two-thirds (2/3rds) required vote for approval final?
Yes. Following discussion and Q&A’s at the Special Town Meeting on November 18, 2019 the moderator will ask for a motion to approve the proposed zoning bylaw amendment to become officially a new section in the Medfield Zoning By-laws. Of the eligible people in the room (held in the gymnasium at Medfield High School) residents of Medfield will voice their support or rejection of the motion. It will take two-thirds (2/3rds) of the votes to be approved. That’s it -- there is no need for a closed ballot process like for elections as this doesn’t involve directly a fiscal commitment.
What happens after the approval of the District Zoning Amendment?
When it passes there are a number of additional steps in the process and many opportunities for the public to participate in the development process. Although years have been spent in getting to this point, this is just the beginning.
The zoning article is sent to the Massachusetts Attorney General for review and approval, as is required for any zoning amendment.
A competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) is prepared to solicit expressions of interest from the marketplace.
The RFP must be subject to review governed by the signed Memorandum of Agreement by the Town of Medfield, Mass Historical Commission, and Medfield Historic Commission (MOA signed on December 2, 2014) where there will be amble opportunities for community interaction.
The Board of Selectmen and MSH Development Committee will also review the RFP and the proposals that are received prior to land disposition.
There is then a review and analysis process of the proposals received and selection of ones that are found to be acceptable. This is an open process and the community may be involved such as through open public meetings and bidders’ conferences.
The disposition process requires holding another Special Town Meeting with another 2/3rds vote authorizing the Selectmen to sell or ground-lease the property.
The final stage is disposition and then permitting the winning proposal(s).
What happens if it fails getting 2/3rds approval on November 18th?
Very good and troubling question. It means that the Town will be exposed to significant future costs as the buildings and grounds require constant upkeep and maintenance. As time passes buildings deteriorate; they develop leaks for rain, snow and ice to enter; slate shingles fall off; gutters need repair; pavement needs repairing; and grassy areas, shrubs, and trees need constant care -- all of which costs the Town money. It also means that the planning process involving volunteer committees, consultants, and countless hours spent in meetings – which has gone on for at least the last 10 years – would probably start all over again.
How restrictive is the District Zoning Amendment?
The district zoning plan sets out a broad list of permitted uses for each subzone of the property (there are six separate subzones on the main campus and two subzones for land south, across Hospital Road.) The proposal includes a set of design guidelines that outline the footprint, frontage, height, and architectural style of buildings in each of the subzones. While these provide a great deal of flexibility for what developers or other organizations can propose, they prevent uses that are entirely against the wishes of the community as expressed in the Master Plan such as a high-rise apartment building in the middle of the core campus or anywhere on the property.
Aren’t the buildings and grounds on historic registers?
Yes. Buildings are on the Federal National Historical Register since December 1993 under the jurisdiction of United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places. The buildings and grounds are also protected by the Medfield Farm and Hospital Historic District. This means that demolition of buildings will be a long and difficult process if the buildings can be renovated and used for new purposes… most can.
How can I get a copy of the proposed zoning amendment?
The zoning plan is on-line at the Town website:
It is also available at the Town Hall in the Planning Department on the second floor and at the Medfield Library at the front desk.
If I have questions or concerns to whom can I call or e-mail?
Please call Sarah Raposa, Town Planner at (508) 906-3027 or e-mail sraposa@medfield.net
