FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 9, 2022
Contact: Steve Smirti, Director of Communications (ssmirti@medford-ma.gov), 781-885-4296
Medford Begins Process to Develop area above Wellington Station
City is seeking developers to submit concepts for city-controlled air rights for 18 acres of state-owned land
(MEDFORD)—The City has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit responses from developers interested in developing the city-controlled air rights over approximately 28 acres of MBTA-owned land at Wellington Station. Respondents will be asked to include a statement of qualifications, experience with similar projects, and preliminary site plan concepts for the air rights area.
Under Chapter 729 of the Acts of 1969, the Massachusetts Legislature directed the MBTA to “lease to the City of Medford air rights including rights for support, access, utilities and light and air, for a term of years not exceeding ninety-nine years” for a “nominal rental.” Soon after the issuance of these rights, the City, the MBTA and the Federal Highway Administration conducted a feasibility study showing the opportunity for housing and commercial development on the site. Since that time no action has been taken by the City to activate the air rights.
The RFI will allow the City to better understand developer interest in the area and potential development scenarios. Respondents are encouraged to review City-wide plans, such as the draft Comprehensive Plan, draft Housing Production Plan, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, and Community Open Space Plan, and align proposed site plans with community goals related to affordable housing, climate and resiliency, recreation, mobility, entertainment and the arts. Information gathered from the RFI will inform a future Request for Proposals and any additional planning that is necessary to act on the air rights.
“The City has been aware of these rights for decades but hasn’t taken the initiative to act on them,” Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said. “Given the site’s proximity to transit we think it is an ideal location for a mix of uses, including affordable multi-family housing, and has the potential to be an amazing gateway to the City. An RFI is the first step in the process and there will be plenty of opportunity for community input going forward.”
Mayor Lungo-Koehn and city staff have met with the MBTA to discuss future plans for the Station, specifically the MBTA’s interest in locating a bus maintenance facility on the site. The RFI references the MBTA’s goals for the site and asks interested developers to take them into consideration, but the City believes there is opportunity for a more creative and impactful redevelopment plan.
Responses to the RFI are due Monday, October 31st and any questions should be emailed to econdev@medford-ma.gov. The City has hired real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield to assist with the administration of the RFI. The RFI can be found here and on the City of Medford’s website (www.medfordma.org) under the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability.
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Steve Smirti
Director of Communications | Office of Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn
Medford City Hall
85 George P Hassett Dr, Medford, MA 02155
781-393-2529 (office)
516-606-1524 (mobile)
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