Carlisle Economic Vitality Committee to Press for Commercial Voice in MCI Redevelopment

CARLISLE — July 15, 2026 — Carlisle's Economic Vitality Committee set a September meeting with the new MCI master planning committee chair and debated how to formally represent commercial interests in the redevelopment of the former MCI-Concord prison site. Chair Greg Higgins said he would invite Jeff Adams, who recently replaced John Boynton as chair of the MCI committee, to the September 16 session. Member Sam, tracking the MCI process, reported that a robust public comment period on two initial vision plans — each proposing 800 to 1,000 housing units — has concluded, with a next-phase plan expected from consultants around September and a potential zoning vote at the spring 2027 Annual Town Meeting. Land Use Working Group member Mark briefed the committee on that group's pending final report, which identifies West Concord Fire Station upgrades, new police headquarters, DPW improvements, and a long-range capital planning committee as top priorities. Town economic development staffer Mimi flagged that a 600-square-foot prospective food business faces a $36,000 sewer improvement fee under a 1,000-gallon minimum threshold that applies regardless of business size — a recurring barrier she said she will address with data at the September meeting. A $29,000 mural for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at the Powder Mill Road underpass, with $27,000 going to a local artist team, is headed to the Select Board and MassDOT for approval, targeting a September installation.