1957-11-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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pri Vate or town property, th at he understood the inter- ' section was going to be constructed anyway and wondered why the town did not ask the State to allocate funds for such a purpose. When asked if he considered the plan acceptable to his directors he replied that he thought it would be. When asked also if Filene's had an option for the purchase of the Pilkington land, Mr. Gummere replied that it did, said land involving a total area of approximately 14 acres. He further stated that nothing would be in the way of any proposal the town or state might make in developing an intersection. Discussed next was the possible acquisition of the Hayden property and a means of access to it from the proposed shopping center. We Gummere stated that at his last meeting with the Planning Board he understood the Board would rather have the Hayden property controlled if possible without having it zoned-for business at this time. Mr. Gummere stated further that since his last meeting with the Board a provisional agreement had been made with the trustees of the Hayden estate to purchase said property, the price for the"same being less if it were not zoned for busi- ness purposes. He said that'Filene's would purchase the Hayden property anyway, although the directors would prefer to have it zoned for business. ' Mr. Jaquith asked if the Board did not wish to recommend the zoning"of the Hayden property for business use would Filene's consider developing a means of access from the Swenson property to Weston Street. He stated that it might be difficult in the future to acquire a portion of that land and that it seemed highly desirable to have a second means of access available. Mr. Gummere replied that Filene's would be Willing to acquire any land which would be used for its protection if the Swenson, McMahon and Hathaway properties were zoned to the satisfaction of Filene's. He stated, however, that he believed the town had a right to take the land by eminent domain for access purposes. Mr. Jaquith said that it would be better for Filene's to acquire the land. Mrs. Morey wished to know how fire protection would be furnished if there was to be no access from Spring Street. Mr. Jaquith replied that this detail would have to be worked out later, When asked if the site being discussed was still Filene's first choice for a shopping center, Mr. Gummere replied that it was still the preferred site gnd_that the directors were still prepared to go ahead with their plans to develop it although not inclined to push their proposal. ' He added, however, that after the public hearing on said proposal the directors had felt it necessary to look around for alternate sites.