HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-29-SCAP-min
Senior Center Action Plan Committee Meeting
November 29, 2005
5:30 pm
Present: Shirley Stolz, Mary Lou Touart, Duke Bitsko, Maria Constantinides,
Lauren MacNeil, Paul Lapointe, Marian Cohen, Laura Kole,
Richard Pagett, Charles Hornig, Tom Griffiths, Marilyn Campbell,
Norm Cohen (guest)
Absent: John Rossi
Minutes
We did not approve the 11/22/05 minutes, we forgot.
Norm Cohen
Norm Cohen came to discuss the legal issues surrounding Muzzey Field. This field is
technically under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen, unlike conservation land. But it is
used for Recreation purposes; under the Clean Air Act of the Massachusetts Constitution,
to change how it is used requires an act of the Mass. Legislature and a 2/3 vote of Town
Meeting. Munroe field would probably have the same problem. If we decide to move
forward with the Muzzey possibility, it will certainly be important to work collegially and
cooperatively with the Condo Association. Note that if we continue to share parking
spaces with the Condo residents, we will have to abide by the current usage rules
(daytime only until 4pm, no weekends) that are limiting the usefulness of the Senior
Center now. Norm is not sure if there is a formal, legal agreement with or commitment
to neighbors regarding keeping it a playing field. If we decide to go further with this
prospect he will look into it. Where do the parking restrictions come from? What was
the basis for the lawsuit brought by the Condo Association against the COA? They
might be in the Settlement Agreement; they don’t seem to be on the Master Deed. Do we
think we could get a 2/3 vote from Town Meeting?
The parking estimate for Muzzey Field, according to Charles Hornig, with all setbacks
and a 5500 sq. ft. building footprint (basement plus two floors) gives us space for about
30 cars assuming a shared driveway. Not enough.
Sacred Heart
Richard talked to Father Coletti. The Archdiocese has asked him to come up with a
consolidation plan by May for the two parishes (Sacred Heart and St. Brigid). Father
Coletti wants Sacred Heart to be kept and used for church purposes, but the ultimate
decision will be made by the Archdiocese in May.
Other
Richard did talk in general with John Carroll about possibilities for purchasing land.
While our specific interest in Waltham St. frontage is probably not possible, John did
think we could find people willing to sell land to the town for this purpose. He
mentioned several sites to explore if we do decide to move in this direction. So what is
our site requirement??? Charles says 2 acres at an absolute minimum if it is perfectly
shaped and without restrictions such as wetlands (hah!) but 2.5 acres would be better.
Minutes: 2005-11-29-SCAP-min
We tossed around some places we’d like to have. Charles then asked … what about
town-owned land that is undeveloped??? Places such as Laconia St., the dog pound area
on Westview, Freemont St. play area (12/6 acres with 40’ access to Freemont St.) Are
we going to start considering new places???
We then ran through the criteria again:
Lowell St is too small and is wetlands; Meriam is too expensive and would create
a traffic problem; Harrington is in 10-12 years; Clarke St is too small; Munroe is
too small and has people who want to stay; Waldorf has a 17 year lease; Worthen
Rd, is too small; Muzzey needs more investigation. And how about 201 Bedford
St.??? How certain are we that we can’t touch it???
Where do we go from here??? (Chaos or community)
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Next meeting: Tuesday December 6, 2005 at 5:30 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at
Town Hall.
Minutes: 2005-11-29-SCAP-min