State selects developer and begins negotiations for youth stabilization treatment facility

Buildings and General Services Commissioner Wanda Manoli told the Senate Committee on Institutions that BGS has moved to negotiate with a developer for a new youth stabilization treatment facility under a build-to-suit agreement after a recent RFP process. "We issued a letter of intent to the developer that we are interested in moving forward with them and starting negotiations," Manoli said.

Manoli said BGS issued an RFP in October, received proposals in November, and their team and Department for Children and Families recommended a bidder on Dec. 8. Under the build-to-suit model, the developer would undertake permitting and much of the community engagement prior to final transfer as a leased building; BGS would partner on programming and oversight.

Why it matters: Manoli said the build-to-suit model was chosen partly because capital resources are limited and the state must meet both the youth facility and the women's corrections replacement in the capital budget. She said the RFP was more specific than prior efforts to prevent unclear proposals and to make permitting obligations explicit.

Timing and zoning: Manoli said the selected site appears to meet criteria and that, if negotiations and permitting succeed, there is potential to start construction in September 2026. Committee members asked whether zoning changes would be required and who would carry that responsibility; Manoli said zoning may be required if the site is classified as a correctional facility and that the developer would determine and manage zoning needs as part of the agreement.

Next steps: BGS is in negotiations and cannot share contract details until a signed agreement exists; the agency told the committee it will continue reporting progress and coordinate with legislative members on permitting and community engagement timelines.