Grafton, state seek buyer for part of former Grafton State Hospital

Grafton is moving forward with a proposal to sell 8.8 acres of the former Grafton State Hospital land in conjunction with the state.

The town will purchase the land and three historic buildings for $1. Proceeds of a sale to a private developer will be split equally between the town and state if it’s sold within three years, per an agreement with the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. 

If the property isn’t sold after six years, the state would regain ownership.

Per the agreement, Grafton will allow multi-family market-rate and affordable housing on at least a portion of the property

Selectmen signed the deal at a meeting this week to redevelop the long vacant property. That closed in 1973. Now, much of the land is occupied by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the Grafton Job Corps center, according to town documents. 

The town hopes any project will be transformed into a transit-oriented development in cohesion with the nearby Commuter Rail station.