Three city councilors want to use $6 million from the Community Preservation Act fund to buy land at the Fernald Developmental Center campus - if the state declares any of it as surplus.
City Councilors Thomas Curtin, George A. Darcy III and Kathleen McMenimen applied for money from the fund, which has accumulated through property tax surcharges and matching grants since it was approved by voters in November 2005.
McMenimen yesterday called the application a "pre-emptive strike" by the council members to try to secure the money now so the city will have it ready if any part of the Trapelo Road campus becomes available.
"This is like an insurance policy," McMenimen said.
The Community Preservation Committee will meet tonight at City Hall to hear the councilors' request as part of the third round of applications for sought- after CPA money.
CPA cash can only be used to create affordable housing, buy undeveloped land, historic preservation and recreation.
McMenimen said all of those types of projects could be realized at Fernald if a large chunk of land is ever made available.
"All three are possibilities," she said.
Fernald has been at the center of a legal battle since 2003, when the state announced plans to close the building.
Since then, the Fernald League, a group of guardians, has fought to keep the center open. The group has cited the harm they believe a move to other facilities could have on longtime Fernald residents.
Last August, a federal judge ruled that the state must give Fernald's residents - many of who have lived there for about 50 years - the option to stay there it they so choose. The state has appealed that decision.
McMenimen, who is a member of the state-appointed board of trustees for Fernald, noted that in the past Fernald advocates have suggested a "postage stamp" proposal that would allow residents to stay on a portion of the property while the state would consolidate the rest of the 196-acre campus. However, the state has yet to mention that as an option in any of its legal findings.
After the Community Preservation Committee hears the applications, its members will then plan a visit to each site where the proponents want to spend money.
The City Council will have to approve any funding that wins the committee's support.
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.
