Concerns loom over the Fernald property

Since 2014, the site of the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center has been abandoned and is a frequent target for vandalism, trespassing and arson. 

Documenting the Fernald Center’s decay is Bryan Parcival, who was hired by the city in 2015 to document the condition of the site. The Fernald Center was closed the prior year, and the custody, care and control of the property was given to the City of Waltham by the state. The documentation process was required before the city could make any changes in improvements to the property or its buildings. 

For the last decade, the property has been subject to trespassing, vandalism, and arson – including two major fires on the property this year.

“It’s sitting here in Waltham, and all the city has done is neglect it, neglect it, neglect it, and now they’re building a park on it,” said Bryan Parcival.

Parcival said he believed that vandalism at the site increased during the pandemic.

Vandalism On The Rise

According to data The Waltham Times obtained from Waltham Police, 35 calls were received in 2020 related to trespassing at the property, and six reports of vandalism. Reported calls do not necessarily mean reported outcomes. 

A police spokesperson said that the Fernald property is monitored by police regularly and offered this statement:

“The Waltham Police Department plays an active role in monitoring many properties owned by the city, including the Fernald property. We utilize a combination of different methods to consistently check on these locations, including frequent cruiser patrols, foot patrols and building checks. In the interest of operational integrity, we will not provide specific details on how and when these checks are performed.”

From 2021 to 2023, the number of trespassing reports stayed close to 20, before increasing to 33 in 2024.

These data show that there was a significant increase in calls from residents and court summons related to the property in 2024. Calls increased from 92 to 144 and summons increased from nine to 56 from 2023.

Below is a breakdown provided by the police department showing the frequency of checks or calls initiated by them to monitor the area. The spokesperson told The Times that the department conducts frequent checks at other city properties as well.

2020	1833
2021	1314
2022	1050
2023	904
2024	850

Abutters Are Fed Up

As incidents of vandalism and arson pile up, abutters in neighborhoods along Trapelo Road and Waverley Oaks Road say they are frustrated by years of neglect to the property.  

One abutter to the property, who chose to remain anonymous, said residents in the area have reported issues to the city numerous times, but have yet to see any adequate response. She said the inaction leaves them feeling doubtful that anything will change.

On Jan. 18 and April 19, fires broke out at the property.

According to the abutter, firefighters had to place sandbags on their neighbor’s property due to water runoff as a result of fighting the fire on April 19.

They told The Times that they believe that the building, which has been prone to fires, and a lack of nearby fire hydrants are putting first responders at risk.

Parcival said that a fence was erected around the site months ago and cameras were added close to the nearby park set to open on May 17,  but they have done little to deter trespassing and vandalism.

“It’s too little, too late, the vandalism has destroyed most of the buildings,” he said.

Hope For Fewer Issues

Ward 3 Councilor Bill Hanley said he is hopeful that the May 17 opening of a park on a portion of the property will lead to fewer security issues.

“So it’s going to be open and staffed 10 to seven, and I think that’ll help,” he said.

Hanley expressed that he is an advocate of security technology for the site, such as perimeter cameras and mobile tower units.

Hanley said that these technological advancements can help provide security where the police can’t, as the Fernald property sits on a 200-acre site.

The abutter said that they and other neighbors did not receive a response from Ward 4 Councilor John McLaughlin, who represents the ward that the property sits in, when asking about security issues, but did receive responses from Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy.

Neither Mayor McCarthy or McLaughlin responded to requests for comments from The Waltham Times.