Massachusetts Historic Commission letter to DCAMM below wherein Mass Historic refuses to permit Odyssey House to be demolished by DCAMM, as DCAMM had agreed to do for the town, as part of the mediated settlement of the environmental clean up.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth
Massachusetts Historical Commission
July 18, 2013
Carol Meeker, Deputy General Counsel, DCAMM
I Ashburton PI, 15th FI
Boston, MA 02108
RE: Medfield State Hospital Demolition of Farm Dormitory (“Odyssey”), StablelMain Garage, & Laundry (Buildings #31, #42, & #56), 45 Hospital Road, Medfield, MA; MHC# RC.54413
Dear Ms. Meeker:
The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) is in receipt of a Project Notification Form (PNF) for the project referenced above, received at this office on June 20, 2013. The staff of the MHC has reviewed the information submitted and has the following comments.
This project proposes the demolition of three buildings at Medfield State Hospital. The former dormitory (“Odyssey” Building, Building #31, MED.126), stable/main garage (Building #42, MED.132), and the laundry building (Building #56, MED. 142) are contributing elements to the Medfield State Hospital (MED.C, MED.D), which is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Demolition of these buildings will have an “adverse effect” (950 CMR 7I.05(a)) on the Medfield State Hospital Historic District through the demolition of three historic properties that are contributing elements of this State Register-listed historic district.
At this time, the MHC cannot accept the adverse effect to the former dormitory/Odyssey Building. Based on the structural analysis and MHC’s site visit, it appears that the former dormitory/ Odyssey Building is in fair condition on the interior, and the exterior envelope appears to be in relatively good condition. The MHC requests that DCAMM and the Town of Medfield explore alternatives to demolition in order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effect of the proposed demolition.
The MHC suggests DCAMM and the Town of Medfield explore the possibility of leasing the structure to a 3’d party. Leasing the structure to 3’d party entities such as a Boys & Girls Club and/or recreation related commercial/retail entities could enable the building to be adaptively rehabilitated for compatible recreation-related uses, including concessions, retail, public recreation space, and public facilities among other potential uses. Through the use of certain types of lease, a 3’d party may be eligible for State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits to assist in rehabilitation expenses.
The MHC looks forward to receipt of an alternatives study and to consultation with DCAMM, the Town of Medfield, the Medfield Historical Commission, and the Medfield Historic District Commission in order to avoid, mmlmlze, or mitigate the adverse effect to the former dormitory/Odyssey Building
pursuant to 950 CMR 7L07.
The MHC understands. that the stable/main garage (Building #42) and the laundry building (Building #56) are in poor condition and that there are no feasible or prudent alternatives to demolition.
These comments are offered to assist in compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 9, Section 26-27C, (950 CMR 7LOO) and MEPA (301 CMR II). Please do not hesitate to contact Brandee Loughlin of my staff if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
BronaSimon
State Historic Preservation Officer
Executive DireCtor
Massachusetts Historical Commission
xc: -Town of Medfield Board of Selectmen
Town of Medfield Plarming Board
Medfield Historical Commission
Medfield Historic District Commission
Taya Dixon, Epsilon Associates
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