Special Town Meeting Votes in Favor of Trinity Proposal

Special Town Meeting - Medfield State Hospital Sale to Trinity

Over 700 Medfield voters turned out for the Special Town Meeting Article(s) voting in favor to sell the Medfield State Hospital campus to Trinity Financial for redevelopment (and restoration of the existing buildings) for up to 334 units of rental housing.

As Tuesday was the last day of school in Medfield and there were some concerns about the turnout and with the quorum being reduced to 150, the unofficial count was 726 Medfield Town voters/residents attending the Special Town Meeting.

To accommodate all concerns, voters had the choice of 3 locations in which to watch, listen and vote. The MHS gymnasium was the main location with Moderator Scott McDermott conducting the meeting along with town officials, the Warrant Committee and the Board of Selectmen visibly holding many people. There was also a tent set up on the MHS grounds with a large screen. Most chairs under the tent were filled and some people sat outside of the tent to view the screen. The third location was the air conditioned MHS library and that had the least number of voters occupying it.

Town Clerk Marion Bonoldi had also set up 2 locations (one inside and one outside) for people to register and receive a paper wristband - indicating they had registered and would be able to vote.

After formal introductions from Moderator McDermott, the Warrant Committee gave their report with a unanimous vote of 8-0 in favor. Next Todd Trehubenko from the MSH Developement Committee shared a power-point presentation of the plan in detail. Following this presentation, Trinity Financial also shared a power-point with their vision for this rehabilitation/restoration project. Finally, Gus Murby, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen gave his comments in favor of this proposal and sale.

Moderator McDermott gave the voters an opportunity to ask questions, first offering those who were opposed and secondly to those in favor. Long time resident and former Medfield Selectman, John Harney had questions for Trinity and was passionate with his concerns about this project and spoke in opposition. A small number of other people spoke in opposition. Medfield Historical Society President, David Temple and Bellforge Arts Center Executive Director, Jean Mineo spoke in favor and many thanked the committees and boards for their commitment to the project and time spent over the course of many years.

The Moderator called for a vote after questions and statements from both perspectives and ultimately, the majority of the voters were in favor.

The vote required 2/3 to pass and the YES votes were loud and clear with only a handful of people voting against this proposal.