Members of the Columbine Cliffs Neighborhood Association (CCNA) hosted a public meeting last night to discuss views on the development of 131 Eliot Street, the Hendries site. Steve Connelly, the developer, was invited to the session but informed them he would not attend. He had attended a meeting on July 11th with a smaller group.
Peter Mullin, a Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member and CCNA board member, welcomed a group of about 20+ local residents. He explained that the meeting had come about at the suggestion of the planning board. Mr. Mullin, who has been present at a number of planning board meetings to voice his concerns over the current proposal, said that he had been in contact with Mr. Connelly about holding two meetings: one small meeting in which residents who had raised concerns could have a candid exchange with the developer, and a larger meeting in which the community at large could voice their opinions and would allow for a more open dialogue. Such a give and take discussion is not permitted in the “Citizen Speak” format of Planning Board. Mr. Mullin believed both meetings would be useful; but Mr. Connelly was only willing to come to the first meeting. According to Mullin, Connelly believed the first meeting was sufficient and any additional issues could be brought up at the planning board sessions.
Mullin said the meeting on the 11th was candid and helpful. However, he also expressed the concern that Mr. Connelly attended as a way of being able to check off a box and tell the planning board he went a neighborhood meeting.
Senator Brian A. Joyce was among those who spoke. He thanked people for their volunteer efforts and introduced a funding opportunity that might help achieve a solution. Senator Joyce referenced past funding that he had obtained (PWED – Public Works Economic Development) to improve infrastructure (e.g. brick sidewalks, lamp posts etc.) in the Milton Village and Central Avenue areas as well as others throughout his district. The Patrick administration has consolidated that initiative along with others into the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Joyce said that proposals were due at the end of August and he recommended that one be made that could be applied to that part of the construction project that would address public amenities and provide a public benefit. While he could not commit to a specific date he believed that a proposal had a high likelihood of success and could be achieved within 6 months. The amounts of funding can range from $500,000 to a $1,000,000. The concept is that such financial assistance for the public benefit could offset costs the developer will incur and provide a potential avenue to reach a mutually satisfactory outcome. Joyce suggested contacting Beta Engineering to assist with the drafting of a proposal which would likely cost ~$2,500. The suggestion was greet favorably by those present.