Posted by Caroline on January 9, 2007, 1:17 pm, in reply to "Meeting & Westford Vote" Westford facing controversial vote on Tuesday WESTFORD -- Signs perched on front lawns prompt voters to support the At issue is about 57 acres at a former granite quarry that developer While Selectman Bob Jefferies supports buying the land, Selectmen "Vote no on the 9th, and if you need a reason, read your tax bill," Tuesday's vote asks residents to increase their taxes via a debt * For $6.2 million, the town may buy 150 acres, plus Emanouil will * For $6.8 million, the town may buy all of the above, plus a parcel at In October, Town Meeting voted to buy the land for up to $7.4 million Five days later, Emanouil offered the $6.2 million option. The board has not decided which option to take, and is waiting for the "We're trying to find out step one, does the town wish to buy the No price will be listed listed on the ballot, which is standard for a Residents and selectmen who oppose the purchase are concerned about Jefferies did not return calls for comment. Last Thursday, the board met in public session to discuss comments Six out of eight Finance Committee members voted against purchasing the The resident group Citizens for Sustained Growth, CSG supports the "We want affordable housing and we want the town to meet the 40B quota, Romeo said the selling price is too expensive, considering the amount "I think we have other places and priorities where money like that "We need to increase our affordable housing stock, otherwise developers Bridget Scrimenti's e-mail address is bscrimenti@lowellsun.com.
128.222.37.21
Here's the article Ed was referencing regarding Westford, 40B housing and the town looking to buy the land (for 6.2 million --yikes! - if voted in their taxes will increase for 20 years with this one purchase)
(text below)
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_4967129
By BRIDGET SCRIMENTI, Sun Staff
Lowell Sun
Article Last Updated:01/07/2007 06:35:37 AM EST
purchase of Graniteville Woods. On Tuesday, residents will vote whether
to raise their taxes so the town can buy the property.
Chuck Emanouil proposed building 248 townhouses under the state's
Chapter 40B affordable-housing law.
Chairman Chris Romeo, and Selectmen Valerie Wormell and Jim Sullivan
said they oppose the purchase. Selectman Dini Healy-Coffin recused
herself because a family member lives next to the property.
Romeo said.
exclusion to Proposition 2 1/2. If voters approve, their taxes will
rise for 20 years. Emanouil has offered the town two options:
donate 16 acres near Allie Lane and 30 acres of open space. This will
cost the average homeowner $69.01 in the first year, according to Town
Treasurer Suzanne Marchand.
77-79 North Main St., which may be used for access. This will cost the
average homeowner $78.78 in the first year, Marchand said.
and upheld the vote at a Special Town Meeting on Dec. 12. Emanouil
lowered his price from $7.4 million to $6.8 million. Romeo, Jefferies,
Wormell and Sullivan voted to buy the property for $6.8 million, if the
town approves the purchase on Tuesday.
outcome of Tuesday's vote, Romeo said.
property via a debt exclusion?" Romeo said.
Proposition 2 1/2 referendum, said Town Manager Steve Ledoux.
possible perchlorate contamination on the property, an increase in
residential taxes, and setting a precedent to buyout developers to
prevent 40B projects.
about the 40B project, which must be given to the state. Romeo said the
board will submit their concerns about the proposed project's density
and impact on public safety.
property, while the committee posted a report to assess the project's
impact on the town's Web Site.
purchase and wants to preserve the land as open space. Resident Peter
Severance, a spokesman for CSG, said it's cheaper for the town to
purchase the property than pay for town resources if Graniteville Woods
is built, including the cost of educating new students.
but this particular 40B is so noxious to the town, while three town
planning instruments all indicate this property should be bought and
protected," Severance said.
of granite and other environmental challenges on the property.
could be spent," Romeo said.
are going to do it for us."
Message Thread:
« Back to thread