Mayor Christenson and Councillor Linehan Provide Update on Open Space

Special to The Advocate

  One of the most exciting aspects of the recent announcement on the proposed redevelopment of the former Malden Hospital site was the inclusion of public open space. Our community has made clear its desire for a development that included open space, and Tufts Medicine listened. We’ve heard from many residents desiring more information about this aspect of the announcement. While more will develop on this as the project progresses, let us share some additional details that you may find helpful.  

  The open space component of the proposal is comprised of multiple pieces. First, about 2.9 acres on the Medford side of the site that is currently undeveloped and filled with mature trees will remain as such. Tufts Medicine and the proposed new hospital will retain ownership but will commit this land to conservation. This helps achieve the overall goal of limiting the development on the site and protects some of the natural beauty that exists on the site today.    

  On the land contained within Malden, about 6.7 acres will be not only set aside, but will become the property of the City of Malden. We will own it, use it, and maintain the area just like other open space in the City. We are working with Tufts Medicine and a nonprofit organization that helps secure open public land to help facilitate the transaction, both financially and logistically.     

  The 6.7 acres is made up of about 2/3^rd wooded, hilly land that might be most appropriate to provide walking trails and connectivity to Fellsmere Pond. The other approximately 1/3 is sufficiently flat to allow for the creation of additional passive recreation space that fits the community’s needs. Figuring out the use of the flat area, walking trails, and connectivity to Fellsmere pond will be a community led effort.