July 14, 2025 MCI Concord Advisory Board

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State Control Lag, Fiscal Risks, and Defining Next Steps Complicate MCI Concord Plans

Key Takeaways

State property transfer delays create uncertainty around next steps for MCI Concord redevelopment
$500,000 in new planning funds: state and local, but with lingering risks
Significant site liabilities raise debate about who pays for remediation

Property Handover Delayed: Authority and Access in Limbo
The Board confirmed the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) had not officially taken control of the MCI Concord site as of July 14, leaving the Department of Corrections in charge. Members noted this lack of formal transfer created uncertainty about site access, authority, final project authority, next steps for planning.

Fiscal Updates: Earmarks, Spending, and Federal-State Entanglements

A new $250,000 state earmark for Fiscal Year 2026 doubles available planning funds to $500,000 when combined with Town Free Cash, but members criticized how reliance on legislative action creates instability. Federal funding may further complicate timelines. All Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations were spent before expiration: $400,000 went to planning contracts, with the remainder to wastewater feasibility and contingencies.

Spending Pace and Remediation Burden Face Scrutiny

Conversations at the meeting highlighted difficult questions about who should bear costly liabilities tied to site remediation, with some board members urging the state—not local taxpayers or developers—to assume responsibility. Caution rose around the speed of expenditures and the urge to “just spend funds,” as several argued for a clearer focus and consensus before expending additional resources.

Defining Scenarios and Community Outreach

The board resolved to correct minor errors in a recent planning report before public release, while pushing for clear consensus on a preferred development scenario. Keeping the community informed and engaged was stressed, but members flagged that lack of alignment among stakeholders—especially with Department of Transportation—could slow progress. Agency contract extensions for further outreach and report edits were authorized for exploration.

Other actions

Unanimously approved June 30, 2025, meeting minutes
Agreed to deliver an update and highlight information gaps to the Select Board on August 11
ARPA funds ($100,000) were confirmed earmarked for the zoning phase, requiring use by December 2026
Staff will consult Agency about extending outreach and correcting public-facing reports

Comments from the Public or Staff (Highlights)

[Not captured in official Meeting Minutes. See video for tension over spending speed and scenario clarity].

Votes Taken