March 22, 2005
Regular Session 7:00 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. MacIver, Mr. Edmundson
Legislative Update
Representative Bradley reviewed the budget schedule. He reported that the Governor has put healthcare on the table. The costs of healthcare are out of control – Medicaid accounts for approximately a third of the budget. Mr. Edmundson asked about any supplemental allotment to cities and towns for snow and ice. Rep. Bradley advised that the Governor has applied for federal supplemental monies. Mr. MacIver asked about the funding components for the 40R program. Senator Hedlund replied that Doug Foy had advised that the 40R regulations would be going out next Friday. He also noted that the legislature would not allow a raid on the CPA program. The School Building Assistance Program will be revised from the 50-90% reimbursement of the old program to 40-80% reimbursement. It will take some time to work through the current list.
At 7:30 PM the Board convened a joint session with the Planning Board at which time Mr. Draisen of MAPC gave an overview of the 40R and the Land Use Reform Act.
The Board resumed regular session at 8:30 to consider whether there is sufficient substance to the proposed warrant articles regarding (1) the transfer of a portion of land now a part of Bare Cove Park in return for a portion of the parcel of land adjacent to the park formerly owned by Project Turnabout and (2) the rezoning of those parcels to justify bringing them forward at Town Meeting. The proposed land transfer together with the contemplated change of zoning would result in a benefit to the developer as well as a benefit to the Town. Mr. Swanson reported that the Bare Cove Park Committee is unanimously in favor of the articles. Mr. Battaglia, a representative of the football program, said this is the only lighted football field would be a great benefit for the Town. Mr. Hoffman reported that the Sports Partnership voted unanimously in favor of this project.
Mr. Edmundson said there is great benefit to the developer as a result of the zoning change and Mr. McGrath of the Planning Board has been trying to estimate a dollar value for this. The Town may also benefit by $1.2 or $1.3 million in improvements as well as access and parking for Bare Cove Park and preservation of the most scenic portion of the Project Turnabout parcel. One resident asked if anyone was looking at the big picture of development in the area from the Shipyard to the train station. It was noted that the Shipyard has some outstanding mitigation that could include a light at Beal Street and Sgt. Terry Drive. Mr. Thayer noted that much of the area is presently zoned as Office Park District. It was pointed out that an office park use would include 275 parking spaces, a residential townhouse/condo use would require 90 spaces. Mr. McKinnon remarked that Project Turnabout has an interest in selling. If the property goes on the market in its current form the Town will miss an opportunity to adjust property lines to something that makes sense. Mr. O’Brien said anyone could buy the property and do a 40B so why not look at this opportunity to benefit the Town.
Mr. Edmundson remarked that this is an important issue and would consider that this could be put on the warrant but the biggest concern would be is too fast and how do we know the right answer? Ms. Tully noted there were too many potential benefits to not carefully consider go forward with the articles. The Board announced they would take this up on April 5th and the Advisory Committee will hear it on the 12th,
Selectmen/Town Administrator’s Reports
The drama competition last week was great. The Board and Town Administrator are working on funding for the Route 228 project.
Voted - to sign an ANR Applicaton for the Hersey House property.
Voted - to appoint Albert Currie Inspector of Animals for the period May 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006.
March 22, 2005
Page 2
Voted - To appoint Rosemarie Durkin, 130 Lincoln Street, to the Beautification Commission.
Meeting adjourned 10:30 PM
Betty Foley, Clerk