Natick Launches Survey on Interim Uses for Former Johnson School

NATICK -- Town staff this week opened an online survey asking residents for ideas on short-term "interim" uses for the former Johnson Elementary School property, the latest step in a Johnson Future Use project that has shifted away from settling on a permanent redevelopment plan for now.

TOWN HALL

The survey, posted to the town's website this week, follows a pivot in the Johnson Future Use project toward exploring interim uses at the vacant elementary school site rather than committing immediately to a long-term reuse plan. Town staff also published a companion "Interim Use Matrix" document laying out possible short-term options for the property for residents to review alongside the survey. Natick Patch has also been following the debate over what should come next for the site, part of a broader conversation the town is hoping the new survey will help shape.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Natick man guilty of selling technology to Iran, used in fatal attack", MetroWest Daily News reports that a Natick man was found guilty of illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran, which investigators say was later used in a fatal drone attack; the outlet says the case now moves toward sentencing (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/courts/2026/07/15/natick-ma-man-guilty-of-selling-technology-to-iran-used-in-fatal-drone-attack-jordan/90916027007/).

"Natick Nights postponed to July 23rd", according to Natick Report, the town's Natick Nights event has been pushed back about a week from its original date, though the report did not detail the reason for the delay (read it at https://www.natickreport.com/2026/07/natick-nights-postponed-to-july-23rd/).

COMING UP

The Natick Community Organic Farm hosts its Barn Dance on Saturday, July 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with music, dancing, food, drink and ice cream. Tickets cost $15 per person, with children 5 and under admitted free.