Monson Campus Transfer: Westmass Housing & Development Boost
- MONSON - A meaningful step toward redeveloping the former Monson Developmental Center campus occurred as the Healey-Driscoll management initiated the transfer of more than 100 acres to Westmass...
- Maura Healey emphasized the potential for housing and economic development, stating the transfer highlights the administration's focus on utilizing existing properties.
- The administration will also provide Westmass with a $9 million site readiness grant, authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature, to expedite construction.
Monson is set for a major transformation! The Healey-Driscoll administration has transferred over 100 acres of the former Monson developmental Center to Westmass Area Progress Corp, sparking meaningful housing development and economic growth. This initiative,focusing on Monson’s housing needs,aims to create at least 600 new housing units,revitalizing the community. A $9 million grant will fast-track construction, including demolition and infrastructure improvements. This project, a powerful example of accomplished public-private partnership, encompasses commercial and industrial spaces, aiming to broaden Monson’s tax base while generating jobs. News Directory 3 is following this story closely. Discover how Westmass plans to make this mixed-use vision a reality, enhancing both housing opportunities and economic expansion. Discover what’s next …
Monson Development Center Redevelopment Advances with Land Transfer
Updated June 28, 2025
MONSON – A meaningful step toward redeveloping the former Monson Developmental Center campus occurred as the Healey-Driscoll management initiated the transfer of more than 100 acres to Westmass Area Development Corp.This move aims to create at least 600 housing units and foster economic growth in the region. The administration also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Westmass and local leaders to secure necessary funding for the project’s success.
Gov. Maura Healey emphasized the potential for housing and economic development, stating the transfer highlights the administration’s focus on utilizing existing properties. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) will complete the transfer for $1, contingent on the site’s redevelopment into hundreds of housing units. Westmass,in consultation with DCAMM,will now prepare the site for redevelopment.
The administration will also provide Westmass with a $9 million site readiness grant, authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature, to expedite construction. This funding will support demolition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure improvements. The administration plans to collaborate with westmass to identify additional funding sources to further advance the redevelopment.
Westmass anticipates making individual development sites available to various partners following the site readiness work. The disposition agreement between DCAMM and Westmass envisions at least 600 new housing units, along with commercial and industrial spaces, to broaden Monson’s tax base and generate employment opportunities.This project will substantially contribute to housing development.
Jeff Daley, president and CEO of Westmass Area Development Corporation, said the organization is committed to transforming the Monson Development center into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Daley added that strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and phased redevelopment will revitalize the site while preserving Monson’s character.
In addition to the development areas, 458 acres of the campus are being prepared for transfer to the Department of Fish and Game for conservation and recreation. Another 42 acres will remain under the Department of Agricultural Resources for active farming.
What’s next
Westmass will continue working to secure additional funding and identify development partners to bring the mixed-use project to fruition, enhancing both housing and economic opportunities in Monson.