A Message Regarding The School Building Project

Hello MCM Members,

We wanted to let you know about how the proposed new high school will affect our service as a community access center. There will be much more to come as the project enters its next phase, but here's what we know at the moment: 

• The studio space will remain shared space between the Film & TV shop and MCM. Our hours will continue to accommodate the school day and support student extracurricular activities.  We anticipate small shifts to our operating hours as we work with MHS on plans for operating during construction and beyond, and will advise you of those changes as they occur.

• Our location will move to another space in the building.  The team is working on building layout over the coming weeks and months.  Our need for exterior community access is central to their planning considerations.  More to come on this!

• The studio will be upgraded with new equipment where needed.  Where possible, we will bring equipment to the new building provided it has a useful lifespan that extends past the opening of our new space.

• During construction, our studio may be temporarily relocated.  Phasing development and how programs need to move are part of the next phase of design that kicks off in the coming weeks.

There will be a regular meeting of the Medford Comprehensive High School Building Committee (MCHSBC) on Tuesday, August 25^th at 6:30 PM. You can join via Zoom or watch on Comcast Ch 8/Verizon Ch 45.  At this meeting, the project team will recommend eliminating space from the program that would have provided for a completely separate MCM facility. This recommendation will be considered by the MCHSBC for adoption during the meeting.  

After reviewing the plans collaboratively with the MCM team, the mayor, and the MPS leadership, we feel confident that the current shared model will continue to work for all parties and reduce the costs associated with constructing a separate, non-reimbursable facility. Please be assured that eliminating the separate space does not eliminate the services MCM offers; rather, it is a return to our current shared model after careful review.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at medfordcommunitymedia@gmail.com.