Selectmen want a few good volunteers
Published on January 14th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - Selectman Anthony Kennedy is hoping to elevate Stoneham's interest in the transformation of Spot Pond into a recreational area to a "point where the MDC will take notice."
Not content with the waiting game, Kennedy suggested at Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting that Stoneham be proactive by forming a committee to act as a lobbying group for the town to ensure that the MDC takes Stoneham's considerations seriously in the development of the pond and the surrounding land which lies largely within the town of Stoneham, stating further that "otherwise, it's never going to happen."
As a board liaison to the effort by the MDC and MWRA to develop the area, Kennedy has spoken previously that it is imperative for Stoneham to "keep the momentum going." He reported in October that the MDC time frame for development of the area is still two years away.
Since the project progression is dependent on MDC and MWRA action, Kennedy voiced his concern that if Stoneham did not take a proactive stance, "two years will go by and still not much will be done."
"We will still be at the mercy of the MDC time frame," stated Kennedy, who suggested that the formation of such a lobbying committee would serve to put pressure on the MDC to get the work done in addition to hearing what Stoneham wants out of the project.
In his discussions with Stoneham's Open Space Committee, which also has representation at the MDC meetings, it was agreed that a separate committee would be beneficial to focus on this one area.
Finance and Advisory Board member John Warren suggested that the Selectmen consider broadening the scope of the committee by calling it the Spot Pond Woodland Fells Committee. Warren stated that by working with the communities of Medford and Winchester, the project could optimize the development of the woodland area with such features as a cross-country path for the high schools along with softball fields.
Warren stated that working with these towns would be more advantageous than if each town "does its own thing." This would prevent the woodland area ending up with three of the same features.
In addition, according to Warren, working together might also strengthen the political clout needed to assure the towns' interests in the MDC project.
Selectman John Biggio supported Kennedy's idea and stated he was concerned that the MDC was "not doing their job 100 percent."
Biggio reminded the Board that at a November meeting with the MDC, held in Stoneham, the MDC admitted that they had not taken into consideration any role that the Stone Zoo, which abuts the MDC property, might play in the area development.
"This committee will push them to do 100 percent," stated Biggio.
Selectmen Chairman Albert Conti stated that since the Life Care Center, located on the Boston Regional Medical Center property, announced its desire to participate in the development of the recreational area, the committee would need to actively pursue that and involve them instead of waiting for the MDC to do so.
Kennedy committed to working with Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, as well as Town Council William Solomon, on a charter for the committee.
Although the optimal number of committee members was not decided, the board will advertise for interested citizens who wish to participate on this committee.
Kennedy is optimistic about the role that the committee will have in assuring the town benefits from the long awaited recreation area that will have Stoneham's stamp of approval.
The board also advised on Tuesday night that it will be advertising openings on two other town committees.
The School Building Committee has one opening currently. The board advised that since the school building plan is an eight-year plan, this board would require a long-term commitment.
In addition, the October Town Meeting voted approval for a new Water and Sewer Review Board which is still looking for interested participants to serve on.
Conti advised the audience that while the town is currently going through a "growth phase," participation on such boards will have "a lasting effect on the quality of all our lives."
"It's your town; we're hoping you participate," stated Conti.
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