By Keith Regan, Contributing Writer
Westborough—The Board of Selectmen April 12 granted one of the final approvals required to convert the former corporate headquarters of Bay State Gas on Friberg Parkway into a 152-bed mental health care facility.
The board unanimously approved a site plan approval for the facility, which will be operated by Signature Health Care at 300 Friberg Parkway.
Russell Dion, a project manager for Westborough Life Properties, told selectmen Signature operates multiple facilities nationwide and that it had been known to be looking to open a local facility because some of its physicians live in the MetroWest area and commute to Dallas and Chicago to treat patients.
Dion said the three-story facility will have nine separate wards and provide mental health services to patients of all ages. In addition to access-control inpatient wards, the facility will include a new gymnasium and secure outdoor courtyards.
“There is no fence around the property,” Dion said, adding that the security plans for the facility were reviewed and approved by the police and fire chief during the permitting process. “The idea is to make it more welcoming for patients and the people that are coming to visit them.”
The project has already received a special permit from the zoning board of appeals and renovation work could begin in a matter of days once a building permit is issued, Dion said.
Dion said the 86,000-square foot building—originally built to house a campus of the College of New England—fits Signature “like a glove.” Changes planned to the property include removing some parking spaces, building a gymnasium and reconstructing the entranceway to enable the facility to accommodate both inpatient and outpatient visitors.
“It’s nice to see so many good jobs coming to Westborough,” said Selectman Leigh Emery.
