Monson Votes to Approve Planned Village District Zoning
May 11, 2026 · Planned Village District zoning bylaw approved by overwhelming majority
Monson residents turn out in force for the Annual Town Meeting, May 11, 2026.
With more than 200 votes in favor and only a handful opposed, the Town of Monson has given a resounding endorsement to the redevelopment of the former Monson Developmental Center campus — one of the most significant economic development opportunities in Western Massachusetts.
The vote to establish the Planned Village District (PVD) marks the culmination of years of planning, community engagement, and careful collaboration between Westmass, the Town of Monson, and a dedicated team of consultants. It creates the zoning framework for the redevelopment of approximately 108 acres of the former state hospital campus — enabling a future that includes housing, economic development, open space, and a renewed sense of place on a historically significant site. The district also creates pathways for light industrial, research, and commercial uses, reflecting the site’s potential as a hub for economic activity alongside its residential program.
The PVD establishes two subdistricts tailored to the character and potential of different parts of the campus:
Allows multifamily housing, office, retail, restaurants, neighborhood-serving commercial uses, and select light industrial and R&D uses at densities appropriate for a walkable village center — up to 15 dwelling units per acre.
A quieter, pastoral setting for single-family homes, townhomes, and cottage cluster developments — with flexibility for up to 6 units per acre for attached housing types.
Together, the two subdistricts create the conditions for a diverse, mixed-income community that honors the history and landscape of the former MDC campus while opening the door to significant private investment and new tax revenue for the Town.
Full slide deck presented to Monson Annual Town Meeting, May 11, 2026
Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz, the Monson Planning Board, and Town Counsel — for their engagement, feedback, and partnership throughout the public hearing process.
Our zoning consultants, whose expertise in Massachusetts zoning law and bylaw drafting was invaluable in producing a proposal that earned the Planning Board’s unanimous recommendation.
Whose preliminary site planning and design concepts helped give the community a tangible vision of what redevelopment of the MDC campus can look like.
With the zoning framework now in place, Westmass will move forward with the next phases of predevelopment — including infrastructure planning, site marketing, and continued engagement with prospective developers and community stakeholders. The passage of the PVD bylaw is not the finish line; it’s the starting point for the real work of bringing this vision to life. We are grateful to the residents of Monson for their trust and their vote.
