The public is invited to a hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 28 on McLean Hospital’s plan to create a Child and Adolescent Campus in Zone 4 of the McLean district.
According to McLean officials, the proposal is part of an effort to consolidate existing programs into a centralized area for the children and families who benefit from its services.
“While kids programs are delighted to have the space they have in the different locations, they’re not spaces designed for kids in the first place,” Michael Macht-Greenberg said in an interview in June. “This campus was created to suit the needs of children and families.”
This week, Macht-Greenberg said he had more than a dozen meetings with town officials, including the two public safety chiefs and other department heads.
“We’re trying to be thoughtful about our partnership with the community,” he said. “There are some elements of our analysis that are still ongoing but we’re certainly caring about traffic and the impact on both neighbors and people who drive in the community.”
Previous Coverage
- McLean Unveils Plan for Consolidated Child and Adolescent Services
- Town Meeting Delays Vote on McLean Agreement
Attorney Stephen Kidder, who represents the hospital, said a full stormwater report has been completed and a traffic analysis for the area is almost complete. The town will then have that analysis peer-reviewed, he said.
According to Kidder, the team submitted a site plan to the town in December and was given the OK to begin the public hearing process.
In June 2024, Town Meeting approved a revised Traffic Management and Mitigation Agreement, a key element to allowing further progress on the development of that zone, which has been considered since 1999. Beyond potential traffic, Director and Town Planner Chris Ryan said there haven’t been any other major concerns expressed.
Ryan anticipates some discussion on signal installation, particularly the $100,000 set aside in the agreement to signalize Olmsted Drive at Pleasant Street. Engineering officials will be on hand to talk about traffic, he added.
“Planning Board members themselves have heard about the preliminary concept plan but this will really be the first substantive meeting where we’ll be presenting on the project,” Kidder said.
“We welcome this and really look forward to getting this project going.”
