7 seeking lease of land at developmental center

7 seeking lease of land at developmental center

Proposals are for continued agricultural use of site
Kerry O'Brien
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON — The state’s Department of Agricultural Resources and Department of Developmental Services are evaluating bids for the lease of 275 acres of agricultural land at the Templeton Developmental Center, with a decision expected early next year.

“They are able to open the property up for bid because they will maintain it for agricultural use,” said DAR representative Krista Selmi. “In other words, it would be a continuation of the historical use — it is not a disposition nor is it a redevelopment.”

Seven proposals have been made for various uses of the areas that encompass the 275 acres at the more than 2,000-acre property.


The areas are Eliot Hill, which includes three barns; the Valley Barn and its milk processing plant; the greenhouse with two glass houses and function space; and an area with three barns, the farm office and another building.

Within the request for proposals, the two state agencies outline the intent for the properties to be continued to be used for agricultural purposes.

“Valley Barn has been an integral part of TDC throughout its history and it is the intent of MDAR and DDS to retain a limited number of employment opportunities for TDC clients and staff in conjunction with the operation of Valley Barn in support of DDS programmatic objectives,” the request states.

The bidders include Karl Heins, Simmons Dairy and LLC Dairy, who all intend to use property for dairy production. Charles Dance and Matt LeClerc are proposing vegetable farming and raising livestock and poultry, while Red Tolman is proposing the relocation of wild mustangs from Montana and Wyoming.

Frank Matheson Jr. of Springbrook Farm is proposing grain production, and Forward Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship submitted two proposals for equine operations. 

In 2009, Gov. Deval Patrick mandated the closure of Templeton Developmental Center along with four other similar facilities as part of a shift toward serving those with developmental issues within community settings.

The development center was slated for closure in 2013, but according to the Department of Developmental Services, 41 residents still reside at the site as they await placement in other facilities.

The facility’s full closure is anticipated by 2015.

According to Gov. Patrick’s mandate, any reuse, renovation or redevelopment of the site will be decided by a committee, which will include representation from the town.

Last month, representatives from the state Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance indicated that they are now ready to form that committee.

“I think we’re at the point now where the town is near ready to appoint a reuse committee, and we’ll move forward with working on that,” said  DCAM representative Rachel Neff.

However, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Ritter, state officials have not yet contacted the town regarding the developmental center.