RUTLAND, Mass. - State and local leaders are trying to save a former prison camp site in Rutland from demolition.

Town leaders say they were caught off guard when the state Department of Conservation (DCR) shared plans to demolish it. The DCR says they’re concerned about safety and hateful graffiti. Immediate plans for demolition have been put on hold. 

What You Need To Know

  • Immediate plans for demolition have been put on hold 
  • $50,000 Senate Budget Amendment would preserve land with maintenance work and signage 
  • Town leaders have written letters and had public hearing on demolition

“The town was brought in late, after the decision was made," Rutland Select Board chair, Mitch Ruscitti, said. "And we just want a chance to be able to voice our opinion at the table and make sure that the residents of these communities and my constituents are heard and that their opinions are validated and really listened to."

The Rutland Historical Commission says the land is a piece of history. It’s more than 100 years old and prisoners used to farm on the land. Many people now hike at the site.

“Absolutely this is a historic artifact for our community," Jeffery Stillings, of the Rutland Historical Commission, said. "It has a certain identity, that is synonymous with Rutland, that is important to us to be able to maintain."

State and local leaders hope a $50,000 senate budget amendment will put the demolition issue to bed. The funding would help preserve the land with maintenance work and signage for the public. 

“It would be great if we could just come to an agreement on preserving it and how to preserve it and what work needs to be done," Rep. Kimberly Ferguson (R-1st Worcester).

Both the town and historical commission have sent letters to the DCR asking for demolition to be stopped.  There was also a public hearing. 

“The state is viewing this as an asset management issue and the towns are viewing it as a cultural resource and a place of historical importance," Ruscitti said. "And those two things are coming through the hope is that with some working with the state. Some of these issues can be worked out."

Meanwhile, the historical commission is trying to get the camp on the state’s list of historic places.