Special Town Meeting?
November 9, 2007
The 40R project has received almost no scrutiny or discussion for the public. An existing 588 unit complex would be granted a zoning change paving the way for a near doubling (additional 500 units) to the complex. Of the 500, 100 must be 'affordable' - the remaining 400, the owner can charge whatever the market will bear. That is fine as it is the American way. But, we should not be so ecstatic just because someone wants to double the size of their for-profit enterprise. As a community, we need to decide if this is right for Bridgewater. And, if the payments to the Town adequately cover the costs that the community will bear.
The cynical side of me wonders if the proposal to de-Regionalize B-R is merely a charade by the Selectmen to keep the focus and attention off the Waterford proposal.
Some concerns I have on this project:
(a) Water/sewer availability -- by accepting these new units, what effect will that have on existing homeowners because of the increased volumes? These units will draw more water out of our well system. And, the units will create new sewer needs. What effect will there be to current homeowners and future ability to tie onto town sewers if the Town commits to handling the sewer for 500 new families? Will the town be able to put sewers down your street when YOU need them?
(b) Schools. Perhaps the statistics being quoted are correct, and B-R should only anticipate 75 more students in the schools. According to the DOE 2006 on-line reports of school expenditures, B-R spent $8,860.39 per student (state average $11,210.77). So, those new 75 students will cost something to educate -- muliply 75 students by the average and you arrive at a cost of $664,529.
(c) Fire services. One of the proposals is for 6-story buildings to be built. From the road, heck, you might not be able to see the existing 3-story or the new 6-story (zoning says up to 6 stories). However, taller buildings like this is why we are getting a new ladder truck. But, who is going to man the station with that ladder truck?
(d) Traffic. Sure there can be a study. But what does the Town want or expect of that stretch of road? There is an entrance for commuter rail, entrance to BSC (at Burnell), BSC's athletic fields, and more already in that area. Plus, this zoning allows for the owner to develop shops, etc... on Route 104.
So, there are issues to consider, including who will be responsible for paying for these things. I would hope people would read through the Waterford 40R proposal, and the East Gateway District (to rezone rte 104 from Town Center to Hayward St.), and the others. These are important decisions, and I fear our focus has intentionally been diverted away from these community issues by the Board of Selectmen (the 40R is their submission to Town Meeting.) By the way, this Article comprises the first 31 pages of the 66 page Town Meeting warrant.
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
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