State ownership, MassDOT redesign and wastewater plant cited as major constraints for MCI redevelopment

Committee and consultant discussion during the May 28 meeting highlighted three primary constraints that will shape redevelopment options for the MCI site.

Ownership and coordination: Consultants reminded members that the town does not own the site; parcels are held by DAM and by the CHDC (village-junction parcel). Phil said meetings with both property owners clarified they want Concord to have a high-quality, economically viable project and that both owners plan to participate during charrette week.

MassDOT and access: Multiple participants said MassDOT’s Route 2 rotary redesign options could materially change the site’s usable area and access points to Commonwealth Avenue and Route 2. Alan and others said MassDOT intends to engage with the process; MassDOT’s public presentation on Route 2 is scheduled for June 24 (tentatively 6–8 p.m. at the middle school), and committee members said plan A should reflect the grade-separated option because it preserves more developable land.

Wastewater and other technical limits: The presence of an on-site wastewater treatment facility and a typical 300-foot residential setback were highlighted as constraints that can reduce buildable acreage and inform where housing and other uses can be sited. Committee members also noted possible town uses (Public Works) and their variable footprint could change options.

What this means: The consultants said their charrette work will test multiple configurations that account for MassDOT options, wastewater setback requirements and potential municipal uses; those configurations will inform a framework plan and later zoning work. Details such as a housing target or final site boundaries remain pending while the town and property owners continue discussions.

Ending: MassDOT’s June 24 public session and the pending property-owner housing number from DAM were identified as near-term inputs the committee will watch closely.