MONTAGUE, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Town of Montague has been working to prepare a phased grant approach to fund the redevelopment of the Farren site.

In the first phase, the town anticipates applying for HousingWorks Pre-Development funds to support planning work for the roadside, utility and Canalside Rail Trail improvements. 

From the Town of Montague:

This month, 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.

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.

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.
• 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.

For more information, please visit the project webpage.