Wrentham Selectmen Talk About Possibilities for Developmental Center Future

The town selectmen discussed, at their meeting Tuesday night, possible future uses for the Wrentham Developmental Center, including as a college campus.

Selectman Michael Carroll said he had spoken to State Rep. Daniel Winslow about the center.

"He said he had been approached by colleges in Boston that are land-rich," he said. "There's the potential that one or more colleges may want to sell their land in Boston and move out this way."

Carroll said the town should be examining possibilities, as the state has been closing facilities in area towns.

"The center is going to be used for something," Carroll said. "He suggested we be in the driver's seat."

He said the town should create a committee with selectmen, Economic Development Committee members, and Norfolk officials (as part of the center is in Norfolk).

Selectman Gail Pratt pointed out that the state has been increasing the number of residents at the center, and questioned whether the center would be closed.

Board members said, though, that the town should have a conversation with center officials about the matter.