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Massachusetts
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Turners Falls, MA 01376
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Montague Engages Land Use and Real Estate Experts to Guide Redevelopment Strategy for Former Farren Hospital Site During March 10 TAP Session

Montague Engages Land Use and Real Estate Experts to Guide Redevelopment Strategy for Former Farren Hospital Site During March 10 TAP Session

Update as of March 17, 2026:

Thank you to everyone who attended the March 10th public presentation on re-development strategies for the former Farren Hospital site. We gained valuable insights from the Montague TAP, and we look forward to reviewing all of the panel’s findings and recommendations as we consider the next steps for this important redevelopment project.

You can access the presentation slides, including the panel’s findings and recommendations, here: Montague TAP Presentation Slides

Additionally, the panel's proposed concept site plan is available here: Montague TAP Concept Site Plan

TAP Public Presentation and Q&A recording found: MCTV Recording

Additionally, the Selectboard held a brief discussion at their March 16 meeting. The meeting recording may be viewed here.

Next Steps: Town staff will be discussing these recommendations at upcoming public meetings as we consider our options. Your participation is encouraged!

Upcoming Meetings:

  • March 24: Planning Board Meeting at 6:30 pm, in the Town Hall Annex and via Zoom.
  • March 26: Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) Meeting at 3:30pm in the Town Hall Annex
  • Date for follow-up Selectboard Meeting discussion: To be announced.

Meeting agendas and login information will be posted at least 48 hours in advance on the Town Calendar: Town Calendar

Background:

Before the Town of Montague issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) for re-developing the former Farren Hospital site (see attached map), the Town is participating in the Urban Land Institute Boston/New England Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Program to help the Town determine the best redevelopment strategy that balances economic feasibility with community goals. A panel of senior-level land use and real estate professionals will provide the Town with candid, unbiased insights over a one-day session on key questions, such as:

  • Planning & Feasibility: Should the site be subdivided prior to disposition? What are the benefits and disadvantages of subdivision?
  • Implementation: If subdivision occurs, should the Town issue a single RFP for a master developer or multiple RFPs?
  • Market & Financing: What are the advantages and disadvantages of selecting a master developer for a site of this size and condition in Franklin County?

Montague’s TAP session is scheduled on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

At the end of the session, the public is invited to attend the panel's 6:00pm presentation of their findings and recommendations at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. A question-and-answer period will follow. Light refreshments will be served. Montague Community Television (MCTV) will be recording the evening event.

Public Presentation Event Details:

  • Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
  • Location: Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls
  • Meeting Purpose: to attend the public presentation of the panel's findings and recommendations. A question-and-answer period will follow. All are welcome

Montague TAP Panelists include:

  • Andrew Arbaugh, Professional Landscape Architect and Principal at Copley Wolff Design Group, Inc.
  • Ben Murphy, Vice President of Real Estate at MassDevelopment
  • David Reed, Founder & Principal at SustainMobility
  • Emma McGurren, Associate Program Manager at Massachusetss Housing Partnership
  • Mark Mascia, CEO and Partner at Collaborative RED
  • Michael Fergus, Senior Project Manager at CB Richard Ellis (CBRE)

Montague’s TAP session is sponsored by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP). As a leader and innovator, MHP expands access to affordable housing and promotes housing equity in communities across the Commonwealth.

For more information, please visit the project webpage found HERE.

For questions/comments, contact Maureen Pollock, Planning Director, at mpollock@montague-ma.gov or (413) 863-3200 x112.

About ULI Boston/New England Technical Assistance Panel Program:

ULI Boston/New England's Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Program is designed to provide objective, expert advice to municipalities on the potential, design, or implementation of development initiatives to address a specific land use challenge. ULI Boston/New England puts together an interdisciplinary Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) of land use professionals from the ULI membership to explore the land use challenge and provide recommendations to the municipality.

TAPs utilize the expertise of diverse ULI members with unique expertise in planning and development. The panel provides consultation and recommendations at the request of public officials and nonprofit organizations facing complex land use challenges. Each TAP spends one to two days visiting study sites, analyzing existing conditions, identifying specific planning and development issues, and formulating realistic and actionable recommendations to move initiatives forward. For more information on ULI’s TAP program, please click here.

Posted: to Planning Department on Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Updated: Wed, Mar 18, 2026