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EDA to research State Hospital site and Westwood Mobile Home Park before pursuing redevelopment
Summary
EDA members asked staff to gather high‑level cost, timing and funding information and to recontact Westwood owners; staff said the state indicated no current plan to convey the former State Hospital land and will research comparable transfers and meet with the local state representative.
EDA members on April 2 directed staff to research options for the former State Hospital property and for the Westwood Mobile Home Park, and to return with high‑level cost and timing information before the board considers formal action.
Staff reported that state officials conveyed no interest in transferring or selling the vacant State Hospital property at this time and that the property contains an estimated 60 acres of potentially developable land. Staff said it will research how similar state hospital properties have been handled elsewhere and will seek a meeting with the local state representative to explore potential next steps.
On Westwood Mobile Home Park, staff described legal and practical constraints: the park is a legal nonconforming use (owners may replace units like‑for‑like but cannot increase unit footprint), many units are older and smaller, and redevelopment would trigger a statutory process requiring relocation assistance and fees. Staff estimated that the statutory transition process typically takes six to 12 months and noted a state relocation fund that may offset some costs; staff will investigate whether that fund covers the full relocation cost.
Commissioner O'Day asked staff to obtain estimated costs and possible funding sources; members agreed staff should recontact the Westwood owner, place the property on the city's listing portal if the owner agrees, and return with a preliminary price and an informational update at the June meeting. One member suggested pursuing statutory conveyance through legislators if the state will not transfer the hospital land voluntarily.
No formal acquisition or rezoning decision was made; EDA members requested further analysis before any city money or formal commitment is considered.
