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.