Mass. DOC outlines facility closures, Framingham renovation plans and staffing constraints

Commissioner Jenkins, the head of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, told the Special Commission on Corrections Consolidation and Collaboration on Aug. 25 that the department has closed higher‑profile facilities — including Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction (mothballed), and recently MCI Concord — because of physical‑plant failures and a sustained low incarceration rate.

“The large impetus, reasons for closing MCI Concord was really physical plant challenges,” Commissioner Jenkins said, citing repeated after‑hours calls about water in server rooms, steam leaks and electrical problems affecting doors, radio communications and body‑worn cameras.

The department said it is reallocating staff from closed sites across the system and is working with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services on a Section 35 program in Plymouth that will transition to that office. Jenkins said the Bay State site in Norfolk,…