CABI asks selectmen to oppose Community Preservation Act

The co-presidents of the Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI) told selectmen Tuesday night that while they agree with the “pillars” of the proposed Community Preservation Act, the association will oppose its adoption in Canton because of the additional tax burden on businesses. The act would add a 1 percent tax on homes and businesses, with the money going toward open space and historical preservation, recreation, and affordable housing.

CABI’s two presidents, Steve Cesso of Computershare and Gene Manning, head of the town’s Economic Development Commission, both agreed that now is not the time to raise taxes on businesses. The current tax rate for commercial properties in Canton is $24.23 per thousand valuation, compared to $11.91 per thousand for residential properties.

Manning noted that CABI did support the Proposition 2 ½ override in 2008 “in order to support the schools and the town’s infrastructure.” “But we cannot support this at this time,” he said.

Selectman Avril Elkort said she will oppose adoption of the CPA because of the tax impact to homeowners and businesses, adding that the town is in “good shape right now” with respect to open space and affordable housing.

Selectmen will formally vote on the CPA and other town meeting articles at its next meeting on March 6.

In other news Tuesday night, selectmen were pleased with the new design plans for a housing development near the Canton-Randolph border, which includes a reduction from 317 apartments to 197 townhouse-style units. Originally proposed by the Roseland Property Company, the project was the subject of a lengthy legal battle between the town and the developer until the state’s highest court ordered the town to accept the project in 2010. Selectmen Chairman John Connolly, along with ZBA Chairman Paul Carroll and Building Inspector Ed Walsh, have since negotiated with the new owners, Avalon Communities, on a mitigation package worth an estimated $1.95 million.

Announced Tuesday night, the mitigation package includes a cash payment of $200,000, a sidewalk and paving on Randolph Street, and a new water line from York Street to the development.

Avalon has also agreed to provide a $300,000 cash payment in lieu of a traffic signal at York and Randolph streets; $65,000 in lieu of an equestrian crossing signal, $7,500 for a conduit line at York Street for a future traffic signal, and $130,000 to connect homes along Randolph Street to a new water line.

In other news:

* Police Chief Ken Berkowitz presented a budget increase of $241,553 to selectmen. Much of it is salary additions if selectmen decide to implement the deputy chief position approved at town meeting last year. If a deputy chief is appointed, the chief would add a lieutenant’s position at $86,000, patrol officer at $44,000, stipends of $20,000, and holiday pay of $7,000. He is also asking for $10,000 in vehicle repairs. Berkowitz said when he proposed the idea a year ago he knew it may take three years to implement.

* Company officials from Harbor LLC, a Canton-based tortilla manufacturer, asked selectmen for support of their Special Tax Assessment request at the April town meeting. Harbar, which currently operates at 320 Turnpike Street, wants to buy the vacant building at 10 Pequot Way for a second location and plans to invest $10 million in building renovations while creating 30 new full-time jobs over five years. In return, Harbar is asking for a stabilization of property taxes over 10 years, which would save the company an estimated $312,000. Harbar considered moving out of state or moving to Mansfield before deciding on the Pequot Way site.

* Selectman Sal Salvatori reported that the Napleton Company has submitted its Reservoir Pond Dam repair plan to the state office of Dam Safety and is awaiting their response to the plan.

* Town Administrator Bill Friel said the Recreation Search Committee has narrowed down a search for a new director from a list of 12 applicants to a final four, and each will be interviewed by selectmen in the next few weeks.

* EDC Chairman Manning said he will ask the town to approve a priority development site at 500 Turnpike Street, formerly the Merkert building. The state designation, which allows for expedited permitting, has been successful in attracting new businesses to the town.

* Selectmen were informed that there will be increased truck travel and earth removal from Greenlodge Street to Route 138 beginning March 12 and last throughout the summer as the state continues its Rte. 128 Add A Lane Project.

* Selectmen approved the all-alcohol license transfer from the Gefteas to the Brodigan families at the New Turnpike Café. Pat Brodigan said the cafe will remain as a family-run restaurant.

* The Halfway Café announced plans to take down a wall inside the restaurant to open up dining space. The café will also sponsor a 5K road race on Sunday, June 10.

* Selectmen also approved the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer through Canton May 19-20, the Blue Hills Cycling Club Bicycle Race May 6, and the Luce School CAPT Fun Run May 6.

* Selectmen will next meet on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library. The Salah meeting room will be used as the official counting location for the Republican Primary Election.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Feb 29 2012. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.