updated 02.23.10 – 11:55am
This evening the proponents for the zoning overlay article that would permit commercial development on the property owned by Temple Shalom made their case before Town Meeting. Presenting were Lynda Packer, President of Temple Shalom, Ada Rosmarin, a member of the Temple board, Jeffrey and Michael Coffman of Coffman Realty, Stephen Clifford and Mike St. Clair of Harvest Co-op, and Ned Corcoran, attorney representing the Temple and Coffman Realty. (Note: Ms. Packer, Ms. Rosmarin, and Mr. Corcoran are also all Milton Town Meeting Members).
Prior to their presentation, Peter Jackson, Chairman of the Planning Board, reviewed the amendments that had been made to the article since the warrant had gone to press. Seven revisions had been made. Perhaps the most significant being two changes in wording: 500 feet of a lot line ” was changed to include “vicinity” and “mitigate” to “negate.” Both wording changes related to clauses regarding property analysis. For example, section 3.G. now reads:
“Planning Board shall not issue a special permit for institutional/commercial development if it shall find that a proposed institutional/commercial development will likely cause a decrease in values of real property in the vicinity of the development at the one year anniversary of completion of construction unless the Planning Board shall provide for effective and adequate measures to negate such impacts in the special permit.”
Because of the scope of the changes, Moderator Brian Walsh did not feel it could be simply accepted by the Warrant Committee without discussion. Selectman Shields rose and offered a friendly amendment to return negate back to mitigate. This was accepted by Mr. Jackson. Shields then sought a second amendment requesting a fund be established regarding any adverse impacts on property values. However, Walsh decided to defer this until after the proponents and opponents to the measure had made their presentations. (Note: Ms. McEttrick, whose home is in the neighborhood, had recused herself from the discussions the Board of Selectmen had).
Mr. Jackson then reviewed the process the board had followed, the conclusions they came to and why. This included the formation of an Advisory Board, a review by an outside consultant regarding real estate market conditions for various options, and input from the residents and town at large. A majority of the board is recommending the article because they believe it will enhance the neighborhood, eliminate or mitigate potential impacts to the neighborhood, allow significant quality control over design, construction, and operation, and preserve two valued community institutions, Temple Shalom and The Campbell School. He closed by acknowledging “the weighty responsibility” this puts on the board but went on to say they believe the board “can and will discharge this responsibility effectively.
Lynda Packer reiterated points she has made in the past. She confirmed the desire of the synagogue to stay in Milton and noted that “Our best interests are wrapped up with the best interests of the town.” Ada Rosmarin followed Ms. Packers presentation with a more detailed explanation of the dire situation they were in and the process the temple went through to determine this course of action (i.e. seek a commercial zoning overlay). Ms. Rosmarin stated that the temple is in severe disrepair, that some decisions they made in an effort to survive only served to further reduce the congregation, and that through working with a consultant they reversed course, brought on a rabbi full time, have grown the congregation but still need to deal with their financial crisis. She emphasized that time was of the essence and that a choice had to be made. The temple wants to stay in the town and believes that is good for the town as it allows control over what happens to the property, amenities, and revenue to the town.
The Coffmans brought town meeting up to speed on the state of the proposed development and showed some sample designs for the development. Jeff Coffman, President of Coffman Realty, spoke to their long history with CVS and stated that they seek “success through understanding and accommodating community needs and concerns.” His son, Michael Coffman reviewed some of the specifics of the design. What came as something of a surprise was the announcement of an agreement with Harvest Co-op and local natural foods grocer (You can visit their web site here). Their general manager, Mike St. Clair, and the President of the Board, Stephen Clifford, each spoke. Clifford said their “triple bottom line was people, the planet, and profits.” Mr. St. Clair said simply, “We’re good neighbors.”
Ned Corcoran, attorney for the Temple and Corcoran, was the last to speak. He made the case that the proposal was not spot zoning but is guided by “specific legislative authorization.” He reminded everyone that town meeting never ruled on the proposed development at the public works yard. The decision was made to maintain the status quo rather than entertain a “consideration of change.” Corcoran’s argument is that the status quo is not an option in this case. He asked the question, “If you vote no, have you determined what you are voting for?’
He urged town meeting to vote yes to save the Temple and the Campbell School. A no vote Corcoran said, “will render a real tragedy upon this town.”
In other developments the Warrant Committee amended the amount it sought to reduce town appropriations. The warrant that went to press recommended a reduction of $700,000 which factored in a cut in state aid pending before the legislature and anticipated further 9c cuts. However, upon further review, the Warrant Committee does not believe there will be further cuts. They recommended reducing the appropriation by $241,487 with the reduction to any department being in proportion to its budgeted amount. The article passed.
Tomorrow night town meeting can expect to hear from the traffic engineer, Vanasse Associates, as well as presentations from opponents to the development.
Lastly, digital Comcast subscribers may have experienced video display issues during Milton cable’s live broadcast, MATV is aware of the issue. It is a Comcast equipment issue which they expect to be corrected by tomorrow’s town meeting session. Replays of tonight’s session will not have an issue with the display (audio was fine). RCN subscribers were not affected.