State reviewing Middlesex site for temporary mental health facility

Montpelier, Vermont – The State of Vermont has been seeking a temporary host site for developing a much needed seven bed secure residential facility to assist in the immediate restructuring of the mental health system while the new 25 bed hospital is being permitted and built in Berlin. After looking at several locations throughout the central Vermont area without success, the state is examining its own property.

Buildings and General Services Commissioner Michael Obuchowski and his staff are reviewing  a Middlesex site which presently hosts the Vermont State Police Field Station, as well as the General Services Building and the Vermont Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) facility.  This location is ideal from several perspectives: immediate proximity and access to I-89, a central Vermont location less disruptive to relocated former VSH staff, existing state owned property, easily developed site with existing access to US Route 2, zoned for industrial development with few residences in proximity to the site,  and little impact to the community.

Commissioner Obuchowski has been working with a Vermont company from St. Johnsbury with global experience in the development and deployment of mobile or portable “rapid response” medical facilities.

Once permitting is obtained, development could be completed within two months.  The temporary facility is expected to be in use until the new hospital planned in Berlin is completed and Department of Mental Health can determine whether or not a new, permanent seven bed facility is needed, or the need can be met within the 25 bed hospital.