Readers Say

Readers agree: Build a new Madison Park to benefit Boston’s youth

As the city reconsiders development of the long-empty parcel, Boston.com readers argue that rebuilding Madison Park would be a tangible public good.

An exterior of the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. (Jonathan Wiggs /Globe Staff)

February 20, 2026

5 minutes to read

Boston.com readers are weighing in on the future of parcel P-3 in Roxbury — and many say the long-vacant site represents an opportunity the city can’t afford to miss.

Last week, we asked readers what should happen to the 7.7-acre, publicly owned Tremont Street parcel after the expiration of a mixed-use development plan and the city’s pivot toward potentially rebuilding Madison Park Technical Vocational High School there.

More than a dozen readers responded to our poll, with the majority in agreement: support for investing in vocational education triumphed over the parcel’s initial mixed-use development.

What should the city do with parcel P-3 in Roxbury?

Build a new Madison Park vocational high school.

77%

Build a mixed-use housing and life sciences property.

12%

Other

12%

Several readers said a new Madison Park high school would be a concrete public benefit on land that has sat idle for decades.

“It’s a real win for Boston’s youth for Madison Park to be built on the P-3 Parcel,” Pip L. from Jamaica Plain said.

“The new Madison Park School will be a state-of-the-art career tech school that will have the important role of giving PBS students many paths to rewarding, well-paying careers in the trades (electricians, plumbers, auto mechanics, hair dressers, etc.) without the burden of the need to attend college. Many of our students will not be in a position to take on the debt and time of a college education. Very important for Boston to get this done,” he added.

Others echoed the call to update school infrastructure across Boston Public Schools more broadly.

“BPS buildings are old and inadequate to deliver a 21st century educational experience,” David H. from Dorchester argued. “Indeed, this is part of the reason young families move out of the city. It’s time to prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive school building plan.”

The emphasis on trades and workforce development came up repeatedly among readers. Collette of Brighton pointed out that Madison Park is the city’s only vocational high school and suggested students should have a clearer pathway into union jobs after graduation.

John S., a Dorchester youth coach of more than 30 years, argued that strengthening vocational education is critical and expressed frustration that promised affordable housing “consistently falls through the loopholes of this city’s rules and regulations.”

Still, even among those who acknowledged the need for housing, there was recognition that the original plan’s reliance on life sciences funding may no longer be viable in today’s market.

As debate continues at City Hall and in Roxbury, readers made one thing clear: whatever happens on parcel P-3, they want the decision to reflect both the city’s fiscal realities and its commitment to the next generation of Boston’s students.

Below, readers share why they want a new Madison Park vocational high school at parcel P-3 in Roxbury.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

What should the city do with parcel P-3 in Roxbury?

“It’s a real win for Boston’s youth for Madison Park to be built on the P-3 Parcel.

The new Madison Park School will be a state-of-the-art career tech school that will have the important role of giving PBS students many paths to rewarding, well-paying careers in the trades (electricians, plumbers, auto mechanics, hair dressers, etc.) without the burden of the need to attend college. Many of our students will not be in a position to take on the debt and time of a college education. Very important for Boston to get this done.

Building on the adjacent P-3 site will allow the new school to move faster and may be less expensive than a slow, cumbersome, painful phased renovation project. Costly swing space for auto shops, etc. will be avoided.

Then the vacated Madison Park site could be made available for affordable housing, perhaps even lab space if that market rebounds. But remember that the housing was to be made affordable from subsidies from the life-sciences portion of the P-3 proposal. With no life sciences, no subsidies. This could make the housing a lot less affordable in the end unless other subsidies are found.” — Pip L., Jamaica Plain

“Education needs to be key in Boston and surrounding areas. Better educational facilities should facilitate better learning opportunities for students. Keep some of what Boston has been built on like Madison’s ORC which teaches out children trades like electricity, construction and journalism. The housing that is always promised seems to always turn less affordable than affordable as it consistently falls through the loopholes of this city’s rules and regulations. I’ve watched the transition through the years and am not impressed by how it has affected our youth at all. These words are spoken by a youth coach for 30+ years!” — John S., Dorchester

“BPS buildings are old and inadequate to deliver a 21st century educational experience. Indeed, this is part of the reason young families move out of the city. It’s time to prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive school building plan.” — David H., Dorchester

“I’m voting to build a brand new and improved campus. Included a football field, score field, baseball and softball field. A state of the art basketball court, fitness gym, swimming, dance studio, as well as all of the vocational programs.” — Rasheedah A., Dorchester

“Madison Park is the only vocational high school in the city. Not every child wants, or is able, to go to college, so this is a very valuable educational resource for students. Young people can graduate with a viable employment skill. I’m not sure if they already have a program for this, but they should have a direct path into union trades upon graduation.” — Collette, Brighton

“My name is Robert J., class of 1978. When we moved to that space in 1977, the space was not even completed… Fast forward 50 plus years later we still do not have a complete building, because we have to share the space with John D O’Bryant … Parcel 3 is the best option right now for us to get a brand new building without looking for any other space that is not available at this time. We have the only vocational school in the city of Boston that serves students to have the opportunity of an education and vocation experience which will make them more marketable when they graduate. But you need a state-of-the-art facility to turn this initiative into a great investment.” — Robert J., Mattapan

“Madison is growing and will house 7th and 8th graders in coming years. There is a need for students to be trained in trades and this decrepit building is vastly undeserving the students.” — E.A., Dorchester

“The city, and Roxbury, desperately need housing. However, it is absolutely true that a life science / lab company isn’t going to be there to fortify the investment. Because of this, the developer should try to find a different set of investors for the commercial space. Surely some industry exists that needs space and can wait for the build-out.” — Firma F., Mattapan

Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.