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Hi all,
For what it's worth, I think the citizens of Framingham
did a fantastic job last night at the selectmen's meeting. I also think it
is terrific to see John Kahn and Ginger Esty take a clear position on this
property.
I'm all for compromise where compromise is beneficial in
the long term. But not on this one. The parcel of land is too small
for compromise. The results of compromise here is, in perpetuity, negative
- short term money is gone, contiguous open space is gone, and additional
housing congestion will remain. This is a forever action we are discussing
here. Once its done you can't bring it back!!!!
Keep up the good work.
By the way, it has come to my attention that I was totally
duped on the name Arthur Morency - good one Tom. But wait a minute, it
still sounds like a great name and takes in both towns interest. I think
"Arthur Morency Woods" it should be and let an urban legend grow.
(Besides its easy to remember.)
Peace,
Leslee
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2002 7:51
AM
Subject: Selectmen's Mtg Last Night
Selectmen Chairman Esther Hopkins last night
attempted to block residents' efforts to find a means to prevent the
sale of a piece of woodlands in South Framingham, calling them a "group
of unauthorized persons who came together in a rush." She ruled that a
motion to allow the group to pursue state funding was out of order, but was
overruled by her fellow selectmen.
28 concerned citizens attended last night's
meeting to support an ad hoc group who are working to prevent the development
of the Arthur St/Morency St Woods. In addition an e-mail petition of 25
residents was also presented in support. The group asked only that
selectmen review at their next meeting a grant application that could result
in a half-million dollars in state funds for the development and maintenance
of the land.
The group was formed of citizens and various
board members of both Framingham and Natick and has been working for several
weeks to put together a grant application to secure state Open Space
funding.
Selectman John Kahn countered Hopkins' block by
moving that the board vote on whether the motion was out of order. With
Selectman Sisitsky abstaining due to a possible conflict of interest, the
remaing selectman were unanimous in voting that the motion was valid.
Kahn said he doesn't want the actions of Selectman to discourage
residents from taking part in such decisions and he feels that the diposition
of the land must be handled in a more public manner than it has been in the
past.
Town Manager George King said that town personnel
are too busy to assist the group in preparing the grant application and once
again pressed his stand that the land represents a liability. However,
other sources have pointed out that any liability on the property would be
limited to the "attractive nuisance" that is created by the old sewer pipe and
piles of curb stone that the DPW has stored in the woodlands.
- Nicola Cataldo
Chairman of the unauthorized
Arthur-Morency Woods Joint Working
Group
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