GRAFTON - Town leaders have plans to transform the former Grafton State Hospital. 

Parts of the building have been vacant for more than 50 years. Graftown Town Administrator Tim McInerney says they are looking for a commercial real estate development firm to transform almost nine acres into a transit-oriented village. 

The former hospital site is down the road from the Grafton MBTA Commuter Rail station. 

McInerney said, "We are out to bid now trying to find a qualified bidder to redevleop the parcel for [mix use]. We have a specific program we want them to comply with so we're trying to meet a double-bottom line. We have a housing shortage in Grafton and we want to provide complimentary use in that area. And getting the best price for that parcel is a goal, but not the only goal."

The Town recently bought the land under a sales partnership agreement with the state. When Grafton sells the land, the state and town will share the net sale proceeds.