Several advisory members used a late-meeting agenda item to raise concerns about state-directed sales of land at the former Walter Fernald School and the potential local impacts if the parcels are used for affordable housing.

Sources at the meeting said the Commonwealth has ordered sale of 5-acre parcels at the state-owned Fernald property in Templeton and nearby Phillipston. Committee members said the town had not been adequately informed and that the Affordable Housing Act could enable the state to dispose of additional acreage without local control. Members raised practical issues: the parcels are not currently supported by town water and sewer capacity, so if the state were to market housing on those parcels the town could face significant infrastructure and long-term operating costs or requests for extensions of services. Committee members also noted that the large state holding could reasonably be used for agricultural or regional purposes and urged a coordinated regional response.

Advisory members said they had delivered a memo and 23 recommendations to the lieutenant governor’s office on Oct. 7 asking for improved state–town communication and for alternatives such as targeted demolition funds and agricultural use. Committee members asked staff to consult with the planning board and the town administrator, and to place the matter on future agendas for updates so that residents and boards can track any further auctions or state actions.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the matter at this meeting; members said they would follow up with planning staff and consider a written recommendation if additional state action occurs.