Advocates are scratching their heads after Massachusetts spent $16 million last year to care for just 14 residents at a state institution for those with developmental disabilities.

The facility — which was scheduled to close in July 2010 — remains open today, with a staff of 95 even though few residents remain on the sprawling 200-acre site in Waltham, Mass.

Experts are calling the level of spending and the high staff to resident ratio at the institution “excessive” even for a facility which services those with the highest level of need.

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And disability advocates charge that the situation is depleting resources which could be used to benefit others. Currently, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering $44.5 million in cuts to home-based and other services for those with disabilities who live in the community.

Those overseeing the facility acknowledge that costs are high, but said their hands are tied since representatives of those still living at the institution have gone to court to oppose the closure, reports the Boston Herald. To read more click here.

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