HomeMy WebLinkAbout1964-06-22-min Ti
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
June 22, 1964
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday, June 22, 1964, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole,
Messrs. Brown, Burnell, Cataldo and Sheldon were pre-
sent. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Higgins,
Assistant Town Engineer, and Miss Murray, Executive
Clerk, were also present
Mr. Higgins informed the Board that bids will be
Bids taken on the second sewer contract, including the streets
to be constructed, on June 29, at 4:00 P.M.
Mr. Higgins reported on bids taken for sidewalk
construction.
The Chairman read a letter from Rotondi and Sons,
a copy of which was given to Mr.Higgins, with refer-
ence to the specifications .
Mr. Higgins stated that the contractors are warned
in the contract to become fully acquainted with the job.
Many times when they come in and get the specifications,
they ask for a map or have someone from the Engineering
Department go out with them. In this case, one of the
men in the department did go out with Mr. Rotondi.* He
explained that Mr. Rotondi apparently is talking about
building a sidewalk and the Town is rebuilding. He said
only one inch of gravel would be put in so the specifi-
cations s written are correct
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to award the contract for sidewalk construction to Celluci
Construction Company, the low bidder, at its bid price
of $5,800.
Sidewalk & Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Street to award the contract for street and sidewalk resurfacing
resurfacing to Trimount Bituminous Company, the low bidder, in the
amount of $34,515.
The Chairman read a letter from Robert J. Dunn,
Conduit & Right of Way Agent for the New England Telephone and
manhole lo- Telegraph Company, relative to the hearing held on
cations June 1 on petition for proposed conduit and manhole lo-
cations in Massachusetts Avenue and Rowland Avenue.
Mr. Dunn has visited Mr.Pfaff, 6 Rowland Avenue,
and telephoned Mr. Robert X. Geary, 8 Rowland Avenue,
who were present at the hearing and raised some questions.
Both gentlemen have withdrawn their objections.
* He said he did not understand Mr Rotondi 's statements.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vol-ed
to grant the petition and sign the order for the fol-
lowing telephone conduit and manhole locations :
Massachusetts Avenue, from a po nt 40► easterly frcm
westerly side of Rowland Avenue, one manhole 58/8A.
From M H 58/8A, southwesterly, approximately 8.51
of underground conduit .
Rowland Avenue , southerly, then westerly, from Massachu-
setts Avenue , approximately 411 .5, of underground
conduit .
The Chairman read a let er from Mrs. Alan H. Barrett ,
3 Dane Road, requesting permission to codduct a block
party on Sunday, June 5, between five and seven o'clock Permit
on the area bounded by Dane and Foster Roads.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to grant the r.;quest.
The Chairman read a lette r from the Planning Board
stating that in the opinion of that Board it would be
desirable for the Town to acquire the land owned by
Burton Harrison, 29 North Street , adjacent to the Willard's
Woods
Mr. Sheldon said he would be in favor of the Con-
servation Commission acquiring this land, if the Board
is in favor of purchasing it , and recover 50% of the
price .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to acquire the property through the Lexington conser-
vation Commission, working with Mr. Gray, and h. t the
Commission be requested to take the necessary steps Harrison
prioi+ to Town Meeting action. land
Mr. Gray reported that Mr. Harrison wants $3500
for five acres .
The Chairman asked Mr . Gray to work with the Con-
servation Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to grant permission to Mrs . John T. Blackwell and other
residents of Bennington Road to conduct a block party Permit
on Tuesday, June 23, between five and seven in the even-
ing.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to a; prove the minutes of the Selectmen ' s Meeting held Minutes
on June 15, 1964.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
License toissue a Public Carriage License to William M. Belcher,
new owner of the Lexington Cab Co. ,Inc .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
License to renew Mr. William G. Nowlin's license to be a Guide
within the limits of the Town.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Donald F.
Bryant 's application for a Taxi Driver's license.
Mr. Gray advised that this is the gentleman who
wants to purchase the Minute Man Cab Co , Inc . The
problem is a residence restriction which he cannot meet
because he does not live inLexington although he plans to as soon
as smib as he can dispase of his property in Danvers
Mr. Sheldon suggested granting a license for a
period of six months .
Mr. Gray was requested to discuss the subject with
Mr Bryant
Mr . Gray reported on the Planning Board' s recommend-
dation relative to offers received by the Board to purchase
tax title lits Valleyfield Street and Hillside and Ann
Tax title Avenue .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to advise Mr. Anthony A. LaRocca, 18 Partridge Avenue ,
Somerville, that it is the Board's opinion that it would
be in the best interest of tie Town to retain Lot 79,
Valleyfield Stre ,t.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to advise Mr. Allen E. Haighton, 9 Tucker Avenue, that
Tax title it is the Board's opinion that it would be in the best
interest of the Town to retain tax title lots on Hill-
side Avenue and Ann Street .
Letter from the Oil Burner Technicians, Inc. , 7
Massachusetts Avenue, requesting permission to locate
a Class A Citizens ' Band radio station in the vicinity
of Russell Road and Winchester Drive, was held over.
Radio The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Ncrman J.
station Richards, Special Counsel, advising that he could find
no authority for the Board of Selectmen to grant per-
mission for aprivate corporation (not a public utility)
to use a portion of a public way (Winchester Drive) for
a purely private purpose It was Mr.Richard' s opinion,
based on the }3resei'itation made by the corporation's re-
presentative, on June 15, that such a grant would be
beyond the authority of the Board
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The Chairman read a letter from Norman J. Richards,
Special Counsel, with reference to a letter dated June 17
received by the Board from Robert P . Outerbridge with
reference to the sewer for 8 Goodwin Road. Goodwin
The Chairman said he would write to Mr. Outerbridge Road sewer
and in reply to his inquiries, quote from Mr. Richard' s
letter
Mr.Hig,ins retired at 8:00 P.M.
At 8:00 P .M , hearing was held upon application of
Raymond F. Boudreau for a Retail Package Goods Store
License to sell all alcoholic beverages at 20 Worthen Road.
Mr. Bourdrea, 41 Baskin road, his attorney,
Charles B. McCauley, Jr , 7 Winn Stre t, Woburn, and
several persons were present at the hearing.
The Chairman stated that notice of the hearing
was advertised in the June 4, 1964 issue of the Lex- Boudreau
ington Minute-man Package
Mr. McCauley stated that he had sent notices to Goods
the abutters and submitted return receipts to the Store
Chairman . hearing
The Chairman explained that proponents would
speak, when the proponents h.d concluded, anyone
appearing in opposition would be given an opportunity
to speak and then the proponents would have an oppor-
tunity to answer questions .
Mr. Charles R. McCauley, Jr. , 7 Winn Streot , Woburn,
stated that he was representing the potitionbr, Mr.
Raymond F. Boudreau He provided each member of the
Board with a copy of the lot layout and a plan of the
building which was illustrated in a painting he had
on display
Mr. McCauley explained this is the u 'ual appli-
cation for a Package Goods Store permit under Chapter
138 of the General Laws. He said the ap licant is a resident
of the Town of Lexington and a substantial taxpayer. The
location proposed is on Worthen Road opposite the First
National Store. The area is three-quarters of an acre -
%,390 square feet , and the entire a ea would be used for
just this one building and purpose . The land in this
area is zoned, under the Town of Lexington zoning law,
as a C-2 area He said he understood a C-2 area is the
only area under the present law in Lexington where a
package store is permitted. The Town has three C-2
districts, one area next to the Arlington line, in
which there are two of this type stores; the other C-2
zone is the Center where there ale three of these re-
tail establi hments. The third and last remaining
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area is this loca ion off Worthen Road. He pointed out
that this area is in theHistoric Districts and the plans
and specifications for the building have been submitted and
approved by the Historic Districts Coxruuission. He said
the lot is large and there would be a large green area;
there would be Colonial lanterns along the walk to the
store and Mr . Boudreau would install granite curbing along
Worthen Road. In addition, it is proposed to install
underground wiring so there will be no overhead wires.
All products will be received through a rear door and if
storage is needed, it will be on the second floor. There
will be an electric escalator inside the building to carry
the product to the second floor. Any disposal will be
in a large steel container provided by a private contractor
and disposed of by a private contractor . He said there
would be no neon signs outside or in the windows of the
establishment. All parking will be off the road, on the
side, and to the rear with none in front
No one else wished to speak in favor of granting
the license.
Mr. Carl Blake said he was representing the First
Parish Church, and the First Parksh Church Committee at
its recent meeting voted unanimously to oppose this
license for two reasons They are not objecting to Mr.
Boudreau, but this particular enterprise in this particu-
lar
zone in Town . He said it is the location of this
type of store in a district which is close to three
churches and within the Historic District The second
reason is the question of the need of this type of ser-
vice in this area of Lexington It is very close to the
existing C-2 District He said the license is permissible
but not obligatory. He said the amount of competition
in the center of the Town is such that there would be no
appreciable service rendered to the citizens of Lexington .
Mr. Alden Jefts, Precinct 4, said there was some
directioniven to the then existing Board of Selectmen
at the 1963 Annual Town Meeting when permissive use of
liquor stores was requested in several areas . This was
out on the Town warrant to determine the Town 's feelings
and overwhelmingly at that Town Meeting it was indicated
that the Town Meeting Members and their constituents did
not feel that further licenses were necessary to the
welfare of the Town nor should the Board of Selectmen
feel compelled to issue the license available.
Mr. Malcolm Gavin, Precinct 4, stated that he agreed
with the first speaker.
Mr. Howard Custance wished to be recorded in oppo-
sition and said it is bad taste to put a store like this
in a residential district where there are three churches
and children traveling back and forth to the playground
and Hayden Recreation Center.
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Mrs. Caroline Smith, 253 Waltham Street, said she
has a husband, two boys, one twenty-three and one sixteen.
They have lived in Lexington five years and she wished
to state the whole neighborhood is against this.
Mr. Richard Reckard, 93 Adams Street, was recorded
in opposition.
Mr. Frank McBride said the line should be drawn at
five liquor stores There are three churches and the
children go back and forth to the center playground and
it is not conducive to good upbringing of these children
He was recorded in opposition.
Mrs . Barbara Reckard said she was opposed and that
five liquor stores are five too many, and dry towns use
the stores in Lexington.
Mr. Nielson, Vine Brook Road, said he strongly ob-
jected to any more liquor stores in this Town
Grace Pearson, Freemont Street , a teacher, said be-
cause of the moral example, she was opposed.
Mr. Reuben Seth said he was not for or against, but
he did not recall that he received a notice, and asked
if he wouldn't be considered an abutter
Mr. McCauley explained that he checked with the Board
of Assessors ' records and Mr. Seth is not an abutter as
his land does not adjoin the property
Mr. Seth said he has a triangular piece of property
in there and he did not think they were properly notified.
The Chairman said this would be noted.
Mrs . Eula Wilder, Normandy Road, said she has lived
here four years but as a member of one of the churches
in this area, it is not a pleasing thing to have friends
or relatives from out of State come into the Town and
see a Package Goods Store so near three churches. She
said for herself she does not like that she has to be one
in the Town of Lexington that has allowed a liquor store.
She said she does not use it and is very much opposed and
that five stores are enough
Mr. Henry Hoffman, 2561+ Massachusetts Avenue, said he,
as a member of one of the churches, and as one who would
like to see the Town dry, was opposed
Elaine Major said she goes to Grace Church and they
do not approve of this. She was sure an overwhelming
majority of the church would be opposed.
Reverend Wilder of Grace Chapel said he would like
to keep Worthen Road a residential community. They do
not want this liquor store with the new apartments or
the church.
The C iairman read a letter fram Ephraim Weiss, 462
Lowell Street , registering_ opposition.
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Mr McCauley explained that the General Laws provide
for a liquor store for every 5,000 inhabitants or fraction
The 1960 census was ,,lose to 27,000 and there is a State
or Federal census taken every five years . With the next
one, there is a possibility of the population going over
30,000, at which time another store would be permissible.
He stated that when the legislature adopted that law, it
saw to it that 5,000 population was adequate for the
support and maintenance of a store. He said whether
people approve of liquor or don 't approve of liquor,
he didn 't think the burden should be on the Board A
majority of the voters in the Town have adopted liquor
in the Package Store category and they majority rules
The immediate abutters, Niles Realty and Douglas Trust ,
have no objection and do not feel it would be harmful
to the rental of the apartments or they would be present
to oppose He said the liquor industry is very closely
controlled and the Board has the authority to grant the
license The Board also has the right to revoke or
suspend if they see any violations. He said no one is
permitted to go in the sabre unless he is twenty-one or
over. * In regard to being in the Historic Districts ' area,
the building has been approved and will conform with the
general nature of the area.
One gentleman asked if there was a law against
having a liquor store so near a church.
Mr. McCauley explained that liquor stores aye per-
mitted within 500 feet of schools and churches. The
nearest church, he paced it with his car, is 4/10 of a mile.
Mr. Jefts said the Board of Selectmen now sitting
is not entirely alone in that it does have a vote of
the Town Meeting to guide it.
No one else wishing to speak, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed at 8 30 P.M
Later in the evening, it was unanimously voted to
deny the application of Raymond F. Boudreau for a Package
Goods Store license at 20 Worthen Road .
Dog Officer, Michael Shaughnessy, met with the Board.
Herscott The Chairman stated that the hearing scheduled upon
dog request of Murray Herscott, 12 Rumford Road, has been
postponed at Mr. Herscott 's verbal request .
The Chairman informed Officer Shaughnessy that
Mr . John Brucchi, 63 Paul Revere Road, met with the Board
last week and reported that the dog owned by Mr Adams ,
69 Paul Revere Road, was out in violation of the Board's
Adams ' restraining order
dog Officer Shaughnessy said that he has ,one up to
Adams ' house at least a dozen times and has never seen
*During holidays and sundays, the store is not open.
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the dog outside. The dog is out in the morning and
evening but the people were right there with her and
took her back into the house. He said abort ten days
ago, he was at the corner of Bedford and Hill Streets
and received a call. He went right up, but the dog
was not out He stated that Mr.Brucchi has no complaint
at all; that this is a neighborhood feud and he has told
Mr. BAzncchi it is a neighborhood feud, between Brucchi
and Adams . He said not once have the Adamses violated
the restraining order
Mr . Sheldon said it would ajj:ear that Mr . Shaughnessy
does not have enough information to file a complaint .
Officer Shaughnessy said, not any. He has talked
to the Adamses and some of the neighbors , and the dog is
never free. The neighbors say that airs . Adams is with
the dog at all times He said there is no basis for a
complaint .
Officer Shaughnessy re orted that Mr Murray Herscott
was fined by the Court . He went over there this evening
at 6: 30 and left at 8:00 He said th_ s is another
neighborhood feud
Mr. Sheldon asked if the Herscott deg was now being
restrained, and Officer jhaughnessy replied in the affirma-
tive .
Mr . Sheldon asked if everything was being done that
should be done and there was no cause for complaint .
Officer Shaughnessy replied the dog is being re-
strained, it is tied and will be tied. He said if it
gets away, the dog will be disposed of.
The Chairman reported that Mr. Herscott is retaining
counsel.
It was agreed to advise Mr. Brucchi that after con-
sulting with the Dog Officer, the Board found that the
Adams ' dog is being restrained to the best of the Dog
Officer ' s knowledge
Officer Shaughnessy retired
Members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber
of Commerce, Mr. Scheublin, of the Lexington Trust Company,
Mr . William Potter of the Lexington Savings Bank, Mrs.
Riffin and Mr. Zalesky of the Planning Board, arrived at Downtown
the meeting . business
The Chairman explained that the meeting was to do area
with the downtown business area. Mr . Kolovson and the
Chamber of Commerce has had a meting . The reaction of
the Town has been good as far as he ha; been able to
determine, and asked if anyone had heard unfavorable action.
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Mr. Kolovson said in 1961, March 9, he cut an
article out of the Boston Traveler about Williamsburg
and thought it might apply to Lexington . He said it
has long been his f:eling, six years, that the center
of Lexington would be in trouble as a result of the
people going to shopping centers. He said every time
a shopping center opens , whether successful or not , busi-
ness is taken away from someone doing business before.
He said the time to do something is to start as soon as
possible There have been two ways in which downtown
business areas have fought to keep alive . One has been
for the merchants to get together and go on a promotional
campaign and out-price their competitors He said some
of this may be necessary and good, but he has not felt
this is in keeping with what the people of this Town
would like. He said he feels the way to keep people
shopping in Town is to offer them something the other
centers do not haN, e He said he did not feel that the
center, as it now stands, is in keeping with the image
of a town of its heritage. He has written Williamsburg,
St. Augustine, Scottsdale, but he feels a restoration
would not be proper because it would entail too much
work. In disaussing this for the past three years, they
have been working for a face lifting, giving Lexington
Center an historical image Two weeks -go tomorrow,
they met with several people of the Arthur D. Little
Company who worked in this general a: ea of putting a new
life into the centers of larger cities . They feel Lex-
ington would have to do something dramatic and that Lexington
should put up a facade He said they have explored
several different ways of getting the project done and
would like to do it through private financing. He said
he was seriously concerned about the future of retaining
in Lexington Center unless a major project is undertaken.
He said any survey would show that Lexington Center is
not getting its proper share of the retail dollar. As
a resident, he would not like to see the day when there
are many stores for rent in Lexington Center He said
some action should be taken before it is too late.
The Chairman said a meeting had been held with re-
presentatives of the National Historical Park.
Mr. Brown reported that it did not prove too fruit-
ful. It was thought that through it , it might be possible
to get financial aid. However, there is nothing in the
way of financial assistance through the National Park
Service He said the group should not only be talking in
terms of the downfall of Lexington Center, but should be
thinking ahead of what is being told about the opening of
the National P rk He said a week ago, the Board voted
that Mr. Gray would work with the Chamber of Commerce to
see if this can be kept going He stated tha tomorrow
he, Mr. Gray, Mr. Trani and Mr Kolovson have an ap-
pointment with a foremost urban renewal architect working
with Ha_•vard who has displayed a very general interest.
The Chairman :sked(.if the Planning Board had dis-
cussed this .
Mr. Zalesky replied there has been no meeting since
the Board heard of this . Three members of the Board are
out of Town.
The Chairman said the Selectmen feel this is some-
thing that should not be dropped, and asked if the merchants
had indicated any unfavorable reaction.
A gentleman, who d-d not give his iiame, said he has
not heard anything that would undermine the plan of what
little they have obtained through Mr. Kolovson. He said
there is great consideration given to renewal of leases
in Town and several a_ e coming up. They aie pursuing the
thought of shorter term leases. This would lend itself
as to what happened in North Carolina. He said he be-
lieved the merchants are 100% behind anything like this,
and with the exception oi. two landlords , he did not know
how they feel about it .
The Chairman asked if there was a list of the land-
lords who would be involved
Mr Kolovson replied he has a list that is 90% com-
pleted.
The Chairman asked in what manner this would be
pursued, that very shortly some concrete action would
have to be taken.
Mr. Tarbox said this is something whighLJall the
Boards are bound to be inter.)sted in; the Town is bound
to be interested for the assessed valuations which are
bound to go one way or another and the Chamber of Commerce
is interested from its members ' point f view. He said
the Planning Board is bound to be interested because it
will affect the planning over the year s, and he thought
most of the organizations in the Town are vitally interested
and it would seem as though a committee must be formed
which would comprise of someone from most of these organi-
zations so that the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Selectmen
and Planning Board would not be duplicating the work, and
that some plan could be worked out to obtain the necessary
information. He said a committee of some type must be
formed
Mr. Adams said the committee should be able to go
beyond planning and set up some action as time is short
He said there will be the shopping center, and in five
years, the park will be in operation.
Mrs . Rawls said that if the group is trying to have
the Center look like something in the R evolutionary days,
she did not think it is the type of thing that attracts
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people to a store to spend money This keeps everything
away except tie tourist trade She said care should be
taken not to let this go too much in the "Ye Olde Lexington"
renovation. She said she sent ques ionnaires to forty
Boston stores that have more than one branch to see how
they felt about moving to a town near a large shopping
center. She received from twenty to forty answers and
one half said they would be glad to move to Lexington
if there was adequate parking. They want four parking
spaces per front foot and Lexington does not have this
and never will . She said she did not know if business
would be attracted by making the front of the stores
better or not.
Mr. Kolovson said they hope to have a professional
economic survey to tell whether or not this project is
feasible. He said they would be out to make this a
better town, provide for more facilities than are now
existing for the residents. He said he thought the
approach Mr Trani has taken would be the approach.
Mr. Bateman said after the survey, they would need
a plan that would be a guide to all those who desire to
make a change. He has already started plans for a
renovation of his store, and if there were a theme, he
would make sure he complied with the general theme. If
there is no theme, he would continue on the theme he has '
started which is semicolonial. He said if there is a
whole general plan for the Center, it would be a help
for those who want to change to get co-opeation. He
said he has heard figures as to the number of cars ex-
pected in Lexington Center per day when this Park is
opened, and if parking facilities are not available,
the Town will be so filled with cars they will not be
able to move. He has heard 5,000 cars a day.
The Chairman said he heard 250,000 cars a year.
Mr. Cataldo asked if the Chamber of Commerce was
thinking about restoration of the existing stores or a
new layout of the Center
Mr.Kolovson said the survey would have to tell
them what is needed in the way of new space, new facili-
ties and new service. They ale not thinking of radical
demolition it'
on of the Center .
Mr. Adams said a survey will have to tell them.
There will be some changes.
Mr Cataldo asked if the Chamber of Commerce was
thinking of just the business land.
Mr. Kolovson said some of both would be involved.
He would like to make the Center compact rather than
spread out . He said none of them are qualified to say
what is lacking in Lexington Center. They know they
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need a nice department store but what else is needed
The library is the biggest attraction for people who
come to Lexington Center. He read a comment from the
Burlington newspaper made by Mr. Gummery of Filene 's.
The Chairman asked what the usual cost of such a
survey is .
Mr. Kolovson replied in 1961 they had an estimate
of $37,000. One method used in several towns would be
that of forming a Fifty Club whereby fifty interested
individuals give $1,000 a year in the interest of improv-
ing the Town . He said the State has also issued grants
for cities.
Mr. Adams said, if this is going to be done, it would
be necessary to spend some real money.
The Chairman said the first thing would be to form
a committee.
Mr. Kolovson said they feel the Chamber of Commerce
has done as much research as possible and notr it has to
try and get the survey.
The Chairman said this is not going to be done by
any one group, but by a cross section of the citizens of
the Town and there should be a representation of all
elements concerned.
group Mrs. York said this is larger than any individual
can handleshould not go one way
and another group going another way. He said he liked
the suggestion of the Arthur D. Little Company in not
trying to be in competition with the shopping center
going in Burlington.
Mrs . Rawls said the Capital Expenditures Committee
and the Planning Board have hopes of making a start on
some type of long range financial plans in the future.
They have not been able to determine whether they can
do it without an outside consultant If they do this,
and a consultant is going to be hired, they would like
to find out if his efforts could be used for a wide study
The Chairman asked if she was speaking of a consultant
for the Town as a whole.
Mrs Rawls replied if a consultant is going to be
hired, one to do the whole study would be less expensive
than hiring two .
Mr. Moore said whatever is done should be restricted
to the Center of the Town, because if the whole Town is
included, this can get lost. He said he thought the
committee should be small and should be appointed quickly.
The Chairman said if they want a real cross section
of the Town, it might be as large as nine members
Mr. Cataldo said the Chamber of Commerce has put in
three years now, and it should be determined whether money
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is going to be available and where it is to come from
before wasting everyone 's time . He said the most
important item is to find out where the money is cominc
prom.
The gentleman who spoke earlier without giving,his
name said people have been thinking what kind of a center
are they trying to plan, what kinds of stores would be
there, who would the customers be, what would the Size
of the district be and what kind of overall plan is in
the minds of the people proposing this .
The Chairmansaid an economic survey is proposed
From an architectural point of view, some of the group
is meeting tomorrow with an urban renewal architect to
get some of his thoughts.
Mr. Moore said there are five people om the Board
representing the people of the Town and asked why they
could not represent this.
Mr. Adams said the committee should not be limited
to five and groups that will be backing this should be
represented
Mr. Bevis said he has not heard anything mentioned
of private plans . People make a specialty of this and
asked if consideration should be given to investigating
using people who do this in private industry
Mr. Cataldo pointed out that the property owners
have to be contended with.
The Chairman suggested a committee consisting of
representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Planning
Board, or Director, Board of Selectmen, Historic Districts
Commission.
Mr.Kolovson said a representative from the League
of Women Voters should be represented and a representi.-
tive of the citizens of the Town.
One gentleman suggested the Capital Expenditures
Committee.
Mr. Adams stated too many Towngovernment repre-
sentatives should not be on the committee
Mr. Sheldon asked about the property owners .
Mr. Moore said there should be one individual re-
presenting the property owners
The Chairman asked the group who it expected to take
the lead in this , and if they felt the Selectmen should
take the lead and appoint the committee.
Mr. Rooney asked Mr. Kolovson the purpose of this
meeting.
Mr. Kolovson said the Board of Selectmen wanted to
discuss this with the members of the Chamber of Commerde.
Mr. Adams said the Chambercf Commerce has done most
of the work and asked for its recommendations.
Mr. Kolovson suggested three from the Chamber of
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Commerce, one Selectman, one from the Historic Districts,
one representing the property owners, a citizen and a
representative of the League of Women Voters
Mr. Gray said he thought the committee should be
twelve or fifteen if everyone is to be represented. He
suggested an executive committee of three or five who
could enlarge .
The Chairman suggested a main committee of five people,
one from the Chamber of Commerce, one from the Planning
Board, 6ne from the Board of Selectmen, one from the Historic
Districts Commission and one of the owners . He said then
there could be an auxiliary committee consisting of repre-
sentatives from the League of Women Voters, Chamber of
Commerce, Jaycees
Mr. Cataldo asked the purpose of the committee.
The Chairman said the big thing is finances
Mr. Howard said the
role of this committee should
be a committee of action
Mr. Tarbox said, starting with a working committee
of five or seven as the needs increased, the committee
could be increased if necessary
Mr. Kolovson said they are looking for someone to
tell them how to proceed; they need guidance at this
point
The Chairman said this committee would not need any
money to start with, and once it had guidance, it would
have an idea of the amount of financing needed.
Mr. Gray said they should explore with the Urban
Renewal Ford Foundation and should find out where they
are going to get the money
Mr. Adams said the Town Meeting could not be asked
to put money into this, this would defeat it at the start.
Mr. Cataldo pointed out that only one property owner
has been suggested for the committee
Mr. Adams said he thought the ball should be carried
by the business representatives . If the Chamber of
Commerce is willing to put in two or three men who repre-
sent good financial backing, that is the key to this. He
recommended that they stay away from a committee of elected
Town officials.
Mr. Cataldo pointed out that the property owners are
the ones who will be spending the money.
Mr. Howard said what they need is a person willing
to devote himself and all his energy in pushing this pro-
ject forward
Mr. Kolovson suggested a small working committee
which does not require money which would be limited in
time to three or four months to explore the possibilities,
find out where the money would come from, what is being
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done, and then at the Town Meeting, the recommendations
could be made by the Selectmen. He said the small com-
mittee would be able to devote some time and give a report.
He suggested a small committee now and then a committee
representing the cess section of the Town whidh would
have the power and authority to go to Town Meeting and
ask for action
The Chairman asked who should appoint this committee
Mr Kolovson said when the time comes if this com-
mittee has the Town backing, it will have more power and
influence
The Chairman suggested a basic committee of two
from the Chamber of Commerce, one from the Board of Select-
men, two property owners and an auxiliary committee of one
from the League of Women Voters, one from the Jaycees, one
citizen, one from the Capital Expenditures Committee, one
from the Planning Board or its Director, and the Board's
Executive Assistant.
Mr. Rooney asked why the Jaycees would be repre-
sented.
Mr. Kolovson said five members should be involved
on the major committee
Mr. Sheldon asked if the Chamber of Commerce wanted
the Selectmen to appoint such a committee, and Mr.
Kolovson replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Moore said the Town has to play a basic part in
this and he thought the basic structure should stem
from the Board of Selectmen.
The Chairman suggested two members from the Chamber
of Commerce, two property owners and one Selectmen.
Mr Adams sgggested that this committee of five be
a steering committee which would determine the number of
additional committees or enlarge its own.
The Chairman asked if the group wanted the Board to
appoint this five-man committee to consist of two from
the Chamber of Commerce, two property owners and one
Selectmen with the authority to make recommendations and
explore the situation.
Mr. Howard said he would prefer a member of the Plan-
ning Board, Board of Selectmen, property owner, Chamber of
Commerce and Historic Districts Commission.
Mr. Kolovson asked if Mr. Gray represented the various
Boards in Town and the Chairman replied he represents the
Boards and groups under the Selectmen's jurisdiction.
It was finally agree-d by all present that the Board of
Selectmen should appoint a basic committee of five to
consist of two members from the Chamber of Commerce, two
property owners and one member of the Board of Selectmen.
The meeting adjourned at 10 :10 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
C e l