Frequently Asked Questions (updated 10/07/2024)

• When did the Waltham taxpayers purchase this property? December 23, 2014 for $3.7m. Details here

• Are there plans to build affordable housing or house migrants at this property? The mayor has put several buildings out to bid and several were submitted. In addition to the two affordable units that are nearly completed, bids were received for veterans housing, an adult daycare and for disabled adult housing. 

• What is currently being built there (March 2024)? A universal playground (the largest in New England), a memorial area (with educational and dedication signage and guides, areas for reflection, monuments, seating areas) recreation amenities, shade pavilions, trails, playing fields, mini-golf, splash pad, a braille trail, new landscaping and trees. The bid document is here.

• Is the City filling in protected wetlands? No. This is a rumor that many have heard. The city actually restored 49 acres to their existing condition. These 49 acres are where the cottages once were (to the right of the Trapelo Rd entrance). The state, when this site was under state control, filled in wetlands and built the cottages, the City of Waltham invested the time and money to restore this area to its original condition and recreated Baldwin Pond. A third party review was done by the conservation commission and no wetlands were found. Please see their meeting minutes from May 2, 2024 HERE.

• There are several Fernald "groups." How do I know what is affiliated with the City of Waltham? There is no current city group actively meeting related to 190 Trapelo Road. The mayor and her team are now executing on approved plans. The area under construction is under the care, custody, and control of the recreation department. The Fernald Working Group no longer meets. The People's Fernald Working Group, is run privately and not affiliated with the City of Waltham, as is the Fernald Rescue Group. They run regular meetings and share ideas on the property and they have an active presence on social media. Some also send mailings and drop flyers at doors.

• Where can I read about what happened there and learn about the history of the property? There are several documentaries on YouTube (see some under this site's Fernald History page) and the book, The State Boys Rebellion, is a great read. 

• Where can I read the minutes of City Council Fernald Use Committee Meetings? See this link HERE

• Is the sledding hill, Owl Hill, going to remain? Yes, while it may not look that way during construction. Drainage projects are on-going at the site to help with flooding and rain control. Owl Hill will remain as a sledding hill.

• Are there unmarked graves at this property? There is no evidence that there are. Analysis was done by the city on a parcel that was believed to be a cemetery. Those documents are HERE. There was also discussion with local funeral directors, who stated that Mayor Arthur Clarke allowed burials at Mount Feake Cemetery. Additional analysis was done by the Historical Commission. Please see those details at the Burials Analysis page above, thanks to Marie Daly, Waltham Historical Commissioner and Waltham resident.