Frustration over lack of progress at Plymouth Rubber site

Dear Editor:

After reading an article about the Canton selectmen’s opposition to the latest Plymouth Rubber development proposal, I was more frustrated with this fine town we live in. The article made my stomach turn, not because I didn’t agree with some of the concerns, especially the overcrowding of schools, but because we don’t seem to be making any progress on getting this site settled.

I can’t remember how many years ago Napleton bought that property, worked diligently with the BOS, the zoning and planning boards, and each time they brought a proposal to the table, Napleton was asked to change it slightly. I know they did this many times before finally getting a proposal on the table that seemed to please everyone and in the end, I feel, based on the recommendation of the BOS at that time, the motion was denied at town meeting. A colossal waste of time and money on everyone’s parts.

I know that this is a major site for the town of Canton and there are many issues (far more than I am probably aware of) that effect this site, but I think we are doing the citizens of this town and any developer a disservice by letting developers come to the table time and time again without knowing what we do want.

What do we want in that space? Housing? Walking paths? Industry? Keeping in mind that the developer needs to at least make their money back. I would suggest that the town form a committee that puts down on paper what the town does want in that space — maybe a couple of options, housing and industry, and the number of children we can accommodate, etc.

This way, any developer has a place to start negotiations and might understand better what the town is looking at rather than guessing and getting turned away time and time again.

Sincerely,

Kristin Draper

Share This Post

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=21282