Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward Six Councilor Steve Winslow, and the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (MVRCS) have announced they reached an agreement to pause efforts to redevelop property MVRCS purchased in Maplewood Square. Core to the agreement is that the City and Mystic Valley have agreed to work together for up to a year to identify alternative options that allow Mystic Valley to create the additional capacity it needs elsewhere. The pause will also provide businesses the option to stay through April 2023 and offers residential tenants additional time and resources to move at some time past the end of the school year.
“This is an important topic for our residents. Finding an acceptable solution starts with open and honest communication. The residents of Malden need to know we are working together. This agreement addresses several key concerns and sets the stage for us to identify a solution that works for everyone,” commented Mayor Gary Christenson.
The agreement keeps parking spaces behind the buildings at 12-24 and 28 Lebanon Street available for businesses and customers as the parties work towards an alternative approach.
“This agreement helps keep the status quo in place for businesses while seeking to ultimately ensure the viability and character of Maplewood Square as a neighborhood business district. I want to thank the Malden Historical Commission for being open minded to this alternative approach to achieve the mutually desired goals of preserving both the historic character and uses of the Square,” said Ward 6 Councilor Stephen Winslow.
The City will delay renovation plans for Trafton Park for a year as an alternative to the MVRCS proposal to demolish the buildings to provide play space during the renovation. Each day, hundreds of students utilize the park for outdoor recreation and recess activities.
George D. Warren, Chairman of the Mystic Valley Charter School Board of Trustees, commented, “I’m pleased we are collectively committed to working together on this important issue. I specifically want to thank Mayor Christenson for reaching out to Mystic Valley and Councilor Winslow for their efforts to construct this agreement and committing to continued dialogue, while providing Mystic Valley students the ability to continue to access outdoor recreation space, while we explore other alternatives. I look forward to what I know will be a mutual commitment to find a solution that meets everyone’s needs.”
The City and MVRCS will begin meeting on a regular basis and will keep the community updated on progress.