Framingham Health Clinic Could Move To Downtown Storefront

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham's public health clinic may have found a new home in a storefront downtown, just down the street from the Memorial Building. Officials are still finalizing a lease agreement for space inside the Amsden Building at 113 Concord St. The clinic has to move out of Fuller Middle School by June 15, since construction on the new middle school starts this summer.

The city opened itself up for bids for a three-year contract to house the clinic, but got no responses by the May 8 deadline. The city had plans to separate the Health Department, keeping the administrative offices in the Memorial Building and leasing a space for the clinic. Originally, the city was going to move the entire department to the Callahan Center, but backlash from residents pushed the city to the current plan.

A memo was sent to the City Council on Friday and Mayor Yvonne Spicer will ask the council on Tuesday to approve the agreement.

The agreement is with VTT Management and, according to the mayor's memo, the city would pay $30,000 per year for the 1,270 square foot space inside the building. VTT would pay the sewer, water and trash bills while the city pays utility bills, under the lease agreement. The space includes a reception area, waiting area, office, examination room, two bathrooms and additional parking in the rear of the building, including handicap accessible spaces.

Framingham's public health clinic offers immunizations and lead blood testing for kids up to age six. A range of other health testing is offered at the clinic as well including tuberculosis, blood pressure screening and skin cancer screening.

Public Health Director Sam Wong and Amanda Zuretti, a city lawyer will be available on Tuesday to answer questions along with Jim Paolini, director of capital projects and facilities management.