TM rejects mixed-use plan for Plymouth Rubber site
By Mike BergerSurprised by a last-minute offer from the owners of the Plymouth Rubber property on Revere Street, the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, and the Finance Committee united in opposition to a proposed rezoning of the former factory site — and the voters followed suit, defeating the developer-sponsored article by a fairly wide margin Monday night.
What was originally explained to the various boards as an extension of the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District turned into a specific proposal that would have allowed the developer to build up to 397 residential units. Selectmen first learned of the proposed agreement — drafted by Canton Development Properties, a subsidiary of the Illinois-based Napleton Company — just 30 minutes before the start of town meeting.
Attorney Paul Schneiders, representing Canton Development Properties, told selectmen and town meeting voters that the zoning article would be good for the town and that the developer had come up with “several goodies” to sweeten the agreement.
In addition to setting the maximum number of housing units, the proposal called for a maximum of 50,000 square feet of commercial space and included a limit of 40 three-bedroom units so as to lessen the impact on the school system.
The developer also agreed to “use its best efforts” to restore and reuse the historic Revere barn and rolling mill; to clean up the oil and hazardous materials on site; to pay for a traffic study and perform any necessary roadway improvements; and to provide public walking trails throughout the 40-acre site and along the Neponset River.
Canton Development Properties had proposed a similar zoning change at town meeting in 2008, but it failed to secure the two thirds vote required for approval. The owners then put the property up for sale as an industrially zoned site, and it has remained on the market ever since.
Members of the Planning Board unanimously opposed this latest version of the article because they felt it would allow for an overabundance of apartments and create a major burden on school and municipal services, while including no guarantee that the historic structures on the property would be saved.
The Finance Committee voted to indefinitely postpone action on the article because of the significant increase in the density of the units, which could have an adverse impact on the town’s finances.
Meanwhile, School Committee Chairman John Bonnnazio disputed Schneiders’ claims that the new residences would only attract 35 additional students and estimated the actual increase to be closer to 90. He based his projection on Windsor Woods on Turnpike Street, which added 45 students to the schools with only 159 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Selectman Victor Del Vecchio, who supported the plan three years ago, said the latest plan is “woefully inadequate” and there were no guarantees of the extent of the hazardous waste cleanup.
The project did have its supporters other than Schneiders. John Marini, who has developed mixed-use projects in the downtown area, endorsed the article, as did Wally Gibbs of the Canton Historical Commission and a few other residents who said that something needs to be done to remove this blight and add to the tax base.
Jill Hayes of Green Street, a former Planning Board member, suggested that the article be postponed to allow for a citizens’ study committee to explore the issue further, but no action was taken on her suggestion.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=4639
Posted by Mike Berger
on Apr 28 2011. Filed under News, Town Government.
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