Local Voices
Walden Center Receives Dover Amendment Protection For Educational Complex at Former Marist Center
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., March 6, 2014 – A request from The Walden Center for Education and Research, Inc. for Dover Amendment protection for Walden’s proposed use has been approved by Building Commissioner Michael Tusino.
The approval enables Walden to proceed with a site plan review application to the Framingham Planning Board to move ahead with its plans for an educational complex at the former Marist Retreat Center, 518 Pleasant St.
The Dover amendment, which is Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 3, allows use “for educational purposes” by a “nonprofit educational corporation” in any local zoning district, subject only to reasonable dimensional regulations and a limited site plan review by the Planning Board.
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In a letter to Walden Attorney James D. Hanrahan, Tusino said the project “qualifies as an educational use.”
The Walden Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will now take its plans before the Framingham Planning Board.
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While treatment will still be provided under the Walden Center plan, an emphasis will be placed on education and research.
“Even within the medical community, much needs to be learned about eating disorders, which affect about five percent of the population and a much larger percentage when you include individuals with weight management issues,” said Stuart Koman, who serves as President and CEO of both the Walden Center and Walden Behavioral Care. “Our focus on education and research will, we hope lead to a greater understanding of eating disorders and a higher rate of recovery.”
Koman said Walden will continue to work with Framingham residents and town officials to address any concerns that have, adding, “We will be good neighbors.”
The non-profit Walden Center was created more than a year ago because of the need for greater education and research in the field of neurobehavioral disorders, such as eating disorders and mood disorders, Koman said. Articles of organization for the nonprofit group were initially filed in 2002.
Walden Center’s education programs include:
The School-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program, which provides educational presentations to middle schools and high schools throughout New England.
Ongoing presentations, providing eating disorder education to healthcare professionals at colleges and other groups.
An annual conference that attracts hundreds of mental health and medical professionals.
Clinical training throughout the year for mental health and medical professionals.
Individual, group and family therapy, which is an essential part of the treatment process for those with eating disorders or neurobehavioral disorders.
Walden Center’s plans call for the construction of four new buildings, including a two-story center for education and research. The new buildings would add 57,000 square feet of new construction to the campus, which already has two buildings totaling 50,000 square feet.
Koman said the project will maintain the natural setting of The Marist Center, with a significant amount of open space and an aesthetically attractive campus. The project will also contribute to the local economy by adding new jobs, while providing a much needed service that previously was unavailable in Framingham.
Walden has already begun to reach out to Framingham schools to help educate students about eating disorders and will continue to do so, Koman said.
“We remain committed to bringing a world-class facility to MetroWest and believe this project can do much good for the Town of Framingham,” he said. “It will create jobs, preserve and enhance an important piece of property, and serve the needs of the community.”
About the Walden Center for Education and Research
Walden Center for Education and Research, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in the education about and research of neurobehavioral disorders, such as eating disorders, mood disorders and obesity. Specifically, Walden Center exists to support, promote and conduct research into the causes of and effective treatments for neurobehavioral disorders; increase public awareness through public conferences, seminars, forums and other educational activities; subsidize patient care for individuals who cannot afford or lack adequate benefits for treatment; advocate to improve the quality and availability of services, and prevent the development of neurobehavioral disorders by educating the public through school-based presentations and outreach. Additional information is available at www.WaldenBehavioralCare.com/Walden-Center.
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