A recent article in the Patriot Ledger highlighted concerns voiced by some Easton residents regarding Senator Joyce’s involvement with the redevelopment of the Ames shovel project under Chapter 40B. This project was initially awarded to a developer who was going to tear down a number of the Ames historic buildings. This alarmed residents and officials and David Colton, Town Administrator (who was previously in Milton) sought assistance. Senator Joyce was among those he reached out to.
Joyce’s law firm brought in another developer who presented plans that would preserve the historic structures. However, the Ledger article raised questions from some involved in an initiative to repeal 40B (the state law permitting developers to bypass certain local zoning regulations when building affordable housing). The article states, ” . . .at the legislative hearing last week, John Belskis, chairman of the Coalition to Repeal 40B, singled out Joyce as an example of the coziness between legislators and developers that has made reform of the 40B law impossible.” But even the 40B opponents acknowledge that Joyce’s actions resulted in a positive result. Priscilla Almquist-Olsen Olsen, who was among those seeking repeal of Chapter 40B said, “It’s as if they’re not even doing a 40B. They’re respecting the property and the integrity of the buildings. They’re not going to do anything to harm the environment. All of the things about 40B that are harmful, they’re not going to do.” You can find the full Ledger article here.
Colleen Corona, Chair of the Easton Board of Selectmen issued a statement that read:
“Last year, the Town of Easton was faced with the prospect of imminent destruction of one of our community’s most historically significant sites, which would have been replaced by an unwanted development. Community leaders asked Brian Joyce whether his firm could locate a developer willing to purchase and preserve the Ames Shovel Works. Now, thanks to Brian and the support of the community, this nationally recognized historic mill complex will be preserved, and the Town’s historic center will be revitalized. While any other attorney or broker would have earned a sizable fee for negotiating such a deal, Brian did not take any fee. When the developer asked Brian’s firm to represent them before local boards such as zoning and the historic commission, Brian insisted on first receiving a written opinion from the State Ethics Commission, and has publicly disclosed this at every meeting. Brian is well-respected in our community for his hard work, which helped us rebuild our schools. His intervention and assistance in this matter has only enhanced my respect for him.”
Easton town meeting passed the article regarding this development 560-209.