Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Town Meeting update

Well, we are rounding 3rd base at Town Meeting this week. The members supported the raising of the Wildwood School for $750,000. This cost is about half of what was estimated a couple of years ago, which is a true reflection of a hurting real estate market. The low cost includes the asbestos removal, demolition of the building, and grading of the land. I am very pleased that Town Meeting recognized that the building is a safety issue and responded appropriately. (The vote was 60-17 in favor.) What's next for this town owned site? For the near future, it will be nothing more than open space. I can see possible uses for the land: recreational fields, playground, and cemetery space. I can't emphasize enough that Town Meeting completed its objective without selling off this pristine neighborhood property.

A study of the land-locked parcel was approved. This study will not cost the town any money. The development consortium, Patriot Partners, who bought up all the options on the property, will foot the bill for the study. They have the first right to purchase the properly until the end of 2010. Keep in mind that the town on Burlington still owns the property. This is simply a feasibility study of what the land could be used for. We are not obligated to sell this property to Patriots Partners or anyone else. Let your feelings be heard by the town and your Town Meeting members.

I voted against funding the B-Line at a cost of $217,000 of the tax payers' money. This service is used by less than 200 residents (and some non residents). The fares from the ridership bring in only $30,000 per year in revenue to the town. With the exception of
Lexington, most communities do not provide in-town transportation for its residents. As you can see, it is very costly and will continue to rise with gas prices going up. The town does not have a protection clause in its contract if the fuel costs continue to rise this year.
It's important to note that I do support the COA bus service for our seniors and I have recommended we get a second bus if we eliminate the B-Line.

Coming up this week will be the Francis Wyman play ground article. Last year, we gave them$100,000. They are looking for additional funds to match the $54,000 they have raised. Town meeting resumed last night. Feel free to email or call me if you want to discuss any of the latest agenda items.