Commentary by Frank Schroth

The summary provided by the Chair of the Board of Selectmen Denis Keohane regarding the Hendries property was welcome news to the neighborhood and town. A signature property that is a gateway to the town and could serve as the anchor in a small commercial pocket that is beginning to thrive thanks to the efforts of the merchants there may actually develop into something to be hoped for and desired: a mixed used development that delivers attractive public amenities (businesses and open space) on a scale that is compatible with the surroundings and financially rewarding to the developer. But as Senator Joyce, who resusitated this, knows, the devil is in the details.

But first . . . about these meetings. While one official was quick to say “there were no backroom deals,” it is a bit disingenuous to say that they were public. If a public meeting is held in a public space without informing the public that it is happening, is it public? (Reminds me of a tree falling.) Look – these folks (Whiteside, Mullin, Tougias, et al.) did good work and this is just a quibble – but suffice to say if it were made public that the meeting was public, I would have been there in a Hendries minute.

Other statements made by Mr. Keohane might also arch an eyebrow or two. For example, Tougias is now the architect of record for the project? That is how it sounds, but I doubt that is how it is. Regardless, if Tougias and Mullin, two of the most vocal critics of the plan that was denied a special permit, are now onboard, then that is a positive development. The key change is Tougias moving the building back from the street and allowing for a public space that will open up the street scape. That alone is a tremendous improvement, and we’re grateful the Connellys are open to it.

But then there is the appraisal – and that is the devil in the deal. The town received an appraisal for its portion of the building. The question that begs asking is whether that amount is something the Connellys will pay. In theory, this will go out to bid and be awarded to the highest bidder. But who might bid besides the Connellys? And what if the Connellys, being the only bidder, bid a number like $0? And what about that title regarding the mystery owner? Does anyone care at this point? Perhaps the Connellys take responsibility for demolishing the entire building (there is still a demolition order) in exchange for the town parcel? And there is a Conservation Commission enforcement order regarding the removal of the black oak (remember that?). These details can be resolved and resolved in the public interest and to the financial benefit of the developer. To paraphrase President Kennedy, our problems are man-made problems and they can be solved by man. Well, this mess was made by us. The selectmen, the Planning Board, and the Connellys all have some degree of responsibility here. We believe they can fix it.

Lastly, we thank Senator Joyce for unrelenting efforts to make this area of town sparkle, not only with regard to this effort, but the MassWorks grant and the previous state aid obtained to enhance the overall look, feel and character of Central and Eliot.