Montague City Village Center Rezoning Project

Farren Site Redevelopment & Infrastructure Planning Updates:

The Town of Montague is continuing to advance planning and redevelopment efforts for the former Farren Care Center property and surrounding neighborhood areas in Montague City.

Following completion of the zoning phase of the project in early 2026, the Town is now focused on redevelopment strategy, infrastructure planning, public engagement, and preparation for future developer solicitation and grant funding opportunities.

This page provides ongoing updates regarding redevelopment planning, infrastructure design strategy, and community engagement efforts associated with the project.

Redevelopment planning remains ongoing, and no final site design or development proposal has been approved at this time.

Current Redevelopment Focus:

The Town is currently developing a phased strategy intended to support future redevelopment including housing, public infrastructure, and open space at the former Farren Care Center property.

Current planning efforts include:

• Evaluation of internal roadway and utility infrastructure needs,
• Exploration of a rerouted Canalside Rail Trail connection through the site,
• Planning for public open space and pedestrian connectivity,
• Preparation for future HousingWorks grant applications,
• Development of a future Request for Proposals (RFP) process for private redevelopment partners.

The Town anticipates applying for HousingWorks Pre-Development funding in June 2026 to support engineering, design, and permitting activities related to infrastructure improvements serving the site.

Long-term redevelopment of the property is expected to generate significant new taxable property value while supporting housing creation, neighborhood connectivity, and economic revitalization in Montague City.

Recent Project Updates:

July 2026 Update

During July, Town staff continued advancing redevelopment planning for the former Farren Care Center property by developing a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) that will guide the future selection of a private redevelopment partner.

The draft RFP is intended to build upon the community vision established through previous planning efforts, zoning amendments, and recommendations from the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel (TAP). Staff have been working to ensure the future solicitation clearly communicates the Town's redevelopment goals while providing flexibility for qualified development teams to propose creative, financially viable redevelopment concepts.

Planning also continued regarding future infrastructure improvements, including roadway connections, utilities, pedestrian and bicycle access, public open space, and integration of the Canalside Rail Trail. These efforts are intended to complement the Town's recent Community One Stop grant application seeking funding for engineering and infrastructure design associated with the site.

The draft RFP remains under internal review and will continue to be refined before being released publicly. Additional updates will be provided as redevelopment planning advances.

The Town still expects to receive funding decisions from the Community One Stop for Growth program later this year and will provide additional updates as they become available. If received, grant funding would be used for engineering and design work on site infrastructure necessary for development (i.e. roadways, water/sewer service, etc.).

June 2026 Update

In June, the Town submitted a major funding application through the Commonwealth's Community One Stop for Growth program seeking approximately $456,000 to support engineering, design, and permitting activities associated with future redevelopment of the former Farren Care Center property.

If awarded, funding would support preparation of infrastructure designs necessary to advance the site toward redevelopment readiness, including:

• Rehabilitation of Farren Avenue;
• Creation of approximately 650 linear feet of new public roadway;
• Integration of the Canalside Rail Trail with the redevelopment area;
• Development of public open space and community gathering areas; and
• Design of water, sewer, stormwater, and electrical infrastructure improvements needed to support future redevelopment.

The proposed engineering work would move the project from planning and conceptual design into an implementation-focused phase by producing construction-ready plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and permitting documentation. These materials would position the Town to pursue future infrastructure construction funding and support eventual redevelopment of the site.

The application builds upon several years of planning, environmental assessment, public engagement, redevelopment analysis, and zoning work completed by the Town and its partners. Current planning efforts continue to focus on creating a redevelopment framework capable of supporting future housing opportunities, improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, public open space, and long-term economic growth in Montague City.

The Town expects to receive funding decisions from the Community One Stop for Growth program later this year and will provide additional updates as they become available.

May 2026 Update

The Town further refined its infrastructure and redevelopment funding strategy for the former Farren Care Center property.

Current efforts are focused on preparing a phased grant approach intended to support public infrastructure improvements necessary for future redevelopment of the site. The Town anticipates applying for HousingWorks Pre-Development funding in June 2026 to support engineering, design, and permitting work associated with roadway, utility, and Canalside Rail Trail improvements.

Planning efforts continue to focus on infrastructure elements intended to support future housing development, including roadway layout, utility coordination, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and potential public open space areas.

The Town is also evaluating future developer solicitation strategies, including opportunities for selected development partners to participate in infrastructure planning and coordination efforts prior to final design completion.

Additional public engagement and project updates are anticipated as planning and grant development activities continue through 2026.

April 2026 Update

In April, the Town and project consultants continued redevelopment strategy discussions related to the surrounding neighborhood, including evaluation of conceptual site planning, subdivision strategies, infrastructure needs, and future developer solicitation approaches.

Consultants and Town staff conducted additional neighborhood outreach and stakeholder discussions to better understand community perspectives regarding building scale, density, open space, walkability, bicycle connectivity, and future land uses surrounding the site. Feedback reflected a range of opinions regarding redevelopment intensity, architectural character, parking layout, and the balance between public open space and future housing opportunities.

Particular attention was given to opportunities associated with rerouting the Canalside Rail Trail through the site and incorporating publicly accessible open space features into future redevelopment concepts. The Town also continued evaluating how future infrastructure investments, including potential roadway construction and utility extensions, could support phased redevelopment of the property.

Throughout April, the Town and consultants continued discussing how future subdivision planning, design guidelines, and developer solicitation strategies could best align with community priorities, long-term financial feasibility, and implementation considerations.

Planning also continued for upcoming public meetings and neighborhood engagement sessions anticipated later this spring and summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Will redevelopment of the Farren Care Center property cost local taxpayers money?
  • The Town anticipates that redevelopment of the former Farren Care Center property will ultimately have a positive long-term impact on Montague’s tax base. While some infrastructure improvements may require limited local matching funds to leverage state or federal grant programs, the overall strategy is focused on attracting outside investment and transforming a long-vacant property into productive taxable development.
  • Current planning efforts are heavily focused on identifying grant opportunities and infrastructure funding sources that can support redevelopment while minimizing impacts on local taxpayers.
• What is currently proposed for the site?
  • Current planning efforts envision a housing-focused neighborhood redevelopment, along with supporting public infrastructure, open space, and improved pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
  • Conceptual planning conducted to date has explored redevelopment scenarios that could support approximately 100–120 housing units across the broader site. Potential infrastructure improvements under evaluation include new internal roadways, utility extensions, public open space areas, and a rerouted connection to the Canalside Rail Trail.
  • No final development proposal or site design has been approved at this time. Future redevelopment details will depend on additional planning, infrastructure design, developer proposals, permitting, and public input.
• Why is the Town designing infrastructure before selecting a developer?
  • Major redevelopment projects often require public infrastructure planning before private development can occur. By advancing roadway, utility, trail, and open-space design work now, the Town can better understand project costs, pursue grant funding, reduce uncertainty for future developers, and position the site for successful redevelopment. Infrastructure planning also allows the Town to ensure that future development reflects community goals established through prior planning and public engagement efforts.
• How can residents stay involved?
  • The Town intends to continue public engagement throughout future phases of the project, including redevelopment planning, infrastructure design, and future developer selection processes.
  • Residents can stay involved by:
    • Attending Planning Board and Selectboard meetings,
    • Participating in public workshops and neighborhood meetings,
    • Reviewing project materials and updates posted on this webpage,
    • And providing comments during future permitting and public review processes.
  • The Town will continue posting updates, meeting information, and project documents as redevelopment planning progresses.
• What happens next?
  • Following completion of the zoning phase of the project in early 2026, the Town is now focused on redevelopment strategy and infrastructure planning for the site.
  • Key anticipated next steps include:
    • Preparation of a HousingWorks Pre-Development grant application in June 2026,
    • Selection of engineering and design consultants,
    • Continued public engagement and neighborhood meetings,
    • Development of infrastructure and subdivision concepts,
    • And issuance of a future Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking redevelopment partners for the site.
  • Additional design, permitting, and funding activities are expected to continue through 2026 and 2027 as the project advances toward implementation.

Previous Project Background, Meetings, & Rezoning Materials

The following materials document earlier phases of the Montague City Village Center Rezoning Project, including community engagement activities, zoning development, public meetings, and adoption of zoning amendments associated with the Farren Care Center redevelopment initiative.

• The Farren Zoning Amendments were approved by the Massachusetts Attorney General and became effective March 13, 2026. The updated Zoning Bylaw may be found HERE.
• The Town participated in the Urban Land Institute Boston/New England Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Program in March 2026 to receive independent redevelopment strategy guidance prior to issuance of a future developer RFP.

March 10, 2026 Montague TAP Presentation Slides

March 10, 2026 Montague TAP Concept Site Plan

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

Project Background:

As part of the previous project phase, the Town focused efforts with re-envisioning the former Farren Care Center site in terms of potential land uses and activities, and to see how it may fit in with the surrounding neighborhoods and its connections, be it by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, public transit, or car. Additionally, a residential and commercial market feasibility analysis was provided. Through this planning process, the community explored what kind of uses and amenities they would like to see here, such as housing, commercial uses, and community spaces – both indoor and outdoor; explored whether a better bicycle/pedestrian connection to the adjacent Canalside Rail Trail could be provided through the Farren site; and explored ways to bring tribute to the lives touched by the Farren Hospital while in operation for many decades. With the community’s vision for various types of use and amenities, the community explored possible building forms that promote a housing-focused neighborhood-style development that is designed to promote walkability and bikeability for residents and provide possible goods, services, and activities that are marketable to this area.

One of the key findings and recommendations from the previous project phase report is for the Town to explore zoning amendments that consider the uses, amenities, and building form in which the community envisions, and to explore how to translate them into possible zoning regulations.

The Montague City Village Center Rezoning Project is being administered by the Montague Planning Department, in partnership with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Massachusetts Housing Partnership and Innes Associates Ltd.

Working Group:

A working group comprised of Montague residents, business owners, and Town board/committee members has been formed to provide oversight of this work, including review/comment of the project's progress reports and materials for public outreach and community engagement, and to review/comment on draft zoning amendments. The Town wishes to look to the working group (among other groups and stakeholders) for insight into subject areas and topics under discussion.

Working group members include: Colleen & Skip Descavich, Dorinda Bell-Upp, Greg Garrison, Janel Nockleby, Jeremy Toal, Kristi Bodin, Mary Kay Mattiace, Roberta Potter, Sam Guerin, and Rob Steinberg.

Planning Board & Selectboard Meetings:

• Past meetings:
  • March 25, 2025 Planning Board meeting - At this meeting, the Town provided a project overview, community engagement plan, and project timeline. Click HERE meeting recording, including presentation, board discussion, and public comments
  • March 31, 2025 Selectboard meeting - At this meeting, the Town provided a project overview, community engagement plan, and project timeline. Click HERE for meeting recording (presentation begins at minute 20:40, followed by board discussion and public comments)
  • August 26, 2025 Planning Board meeting - At this meeting, the board sponsored a public introduction to the full draft zoning language for the Farren sites and seek public feedback. After Board discussion, the Planning Board unanimously voted (4-0) to initiate the zoning amendment petition to the Selectboard.
    • Click HERE for meeting recording.
    • Click HERE for full draft zoning amendments reviewed at meeting.
    • Click HERE for slides presented at meeting
  • September 8, 2025 Selectboard meeting - At this meeting, the full draft zoning language for Farren sites was presented, and the Selectboard voted to refer petition to the Planning Board.
  • September 23, 2025 Planning Board meeting - At this meeting, the Planning Board opened the public hearing to review the full draft zoning language for the Farren sites and the changes to the Official Zoning Map. Public comments were taken. The Planning Board closed the public hearing and unanimously voted 5-0-0 to recommend the Town of Montague to adopt amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and changes to the Official Zoning Map.
  • October 22, 2025 Special Town Meeting - At this meeting, Town Meeting members approved amendments to the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map relative to the Montague City Village Center Rezoning Project (aka Farren Rezoning Project). Click on the following hyperlinks to access the full text of the Zoning Amendments, change to the Official Zoning Map, and other supplemental materials:
    • Planning Board Report to Town Meeting
    • Presentation Slides for the October 22, 2025 Special Town Meeting
    • Full text of the Zoning Amendments
    • Change to the Official Zoning Map

Community Engagement:

• Community Workshop #1: The Town held its first community workshop on Thursday, April 17. Click on the hyperlinks below for meeting materials.
  • Event Flyer
  • Press Release
  • Meeting Recording PART 1 & PART 2
  • Presentation slides
  • Exercise 1 boards
  • Exercise 2 instructions, aerial map, and basemap
• Community Workshop #2: The Town held its second community meeting on Tuesday, June 10 via Zoom at 6:00pm. Click on the hyperlinks below for meeting materials:
  • Event Flyer
  • Meeting Recording
  • Presentation Slides

In Addition: The Town is also exploring possible zoning amendments, zoning map changes, and design guidelines for parcels on Masonic Ave, Rod Shop Road, and three parcels on Montague City Road to the north and south of the former Farren Care Center site, respectively. Visit the dedicated project page found HERE for more information.

Questions/Comments:

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