Natick Officials Open Survey on Interim Uses for Johnson School

NATICK — A Natick man was found guilty this week of illegally exporting U.S. technology to Iran that investigators say was used in a fatal drone attack, according to The MetroWest Daily News, while at Town Hall, officials opened a public survey asking residents how the former Johnson Elementary School property should be used in the near term.

TOWN HALL

The Johnson Future Use project has shifted its focus from long-range planning to short-term "interim uses" for the vacant former elementary school property, according to town staff. A new online survey is now open for residents to weigh in on what those interim uses should look like, and the town has also posted a matrix document outlining the project's shift for anyone who wants more detail before responding. Natick Patch's morning newsletter flagged the same question to readers this week, asking how the town should reuse the building — a story the town's News Flash also covered today.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Natick man guilty of selling technology to Iran, used in fatal attack" — A Natick man was convicted this week of illegally exporting sensitive U.S. technology to Iran, which investigators say was later used in a fatal drone attack, The MetroWest Daily News reports. Reporter Norman Miller covered the case, which was decided July 15. (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" — The town's outdoor evening gathering series will not go on as originally scheduled and has been pushed back about a week, according to Natick Report. (read it at https://www.natickreport.com/2026/07/natick-nights-postponed-to-july-23rd/)

COMING UP

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