Voters make quick work of 2022 ATM warrant

In a little less than three hours on Monday evening, 166 Canton voters concluded all business from the 2022 annual town meeting warrant, including the conditional town acceptance of Revolution Way and funding for several new Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects.

In addition, voters approved a $1.5 million free cash transfer to fund a feasibility study for the renovation of the Galvin Middle School — the first step on the path toward potential state reimbursement funds — and established a new Capital Stabilization Fund with an initial investment of $1 million via free cash transfer. The account enables the town to set aside funds for future capital projects and could be used if the GMS renovation project progresses.

The most contentious article involved the acceptance of Revolution Way — the main road through the Paul Revere Heritage Site. With a number of technical improvements still to be done in order to bring the road up to town standards, the Select Board and Finance Committee supported giving the developer, Canton Holdings, an additional 120 days after the conclusion of town meeting to resolve any outstanding deficiencies.

The Canton Planning Board, however, led by Chair David McCarthy, opposed the measure, arguing that Canton Holdings had over a year to complete all of the town requests but failed to do so. McCarthy said the board considered the article twice but rejected it both times.

Voters ultimately approved the article with the caveat that the town acceptance of the road would be voided if the work is not completed within the 120-day timeline. If this were to occur, then the developer would have to wait until the 2023 town meeting to seek acceptance.

The Select Board held talks with Bernie Plante of Canton Holdings right up until the start of town meeting and feel confident that Plante will adhere to the agreed upon conditions. Plante told the board that Canton Holdings will be responsible for completing all work on the project.

In other news from Monday’s lone town meeting session, voters agreed to give the Select Board some flexibility as it decides what to do with a small piece of town-owned land at 25 Neponset Street. Article 19, authored by Canton resident Dr. Gabriel Solomon, an interested buyer, would have authorized the board to sell the property; however, the board wants to hold off for now as they investigate the possibility of constructing a parking lot for use by patrons of downtown businesses. After town meeting, Select Board Chair Mike Loughran said the board is considering buying the property for sale at 27 Neponset Street and combining the two for use as a parking lot. If the plans fail, the town, through the Select Board, could auction off the property at 25 Neponset Street.

Voters back CCPC recommendations

In accordance with the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, town meeting voters authorized CPA monies for eight new projects. Appropriations included $286,924 for replacement of the front playground at the Hansen School; $210,000 for a new restroom facility at the Paul Revere Heritage Site; $168,000 for the restoration of the town’s 1925 American LaFrance fire engine; $80,000 for emergency egress staircases at Hagan Court; $54,095 for renovation of the Galvin Middle School outdoor basketball courts; $50,000 for design and engineering services for the rehabilitation of the Mutch Outdoor Skating Rink; $47,500 to hire a part-time housing coordinator for the Municipal Housing Trust Committee; and $15,000 for a Reading Garden Design Study for outdoor open space at the Canton Public Library. Voters also approved approximately $40,000 for CCPC administrative expenses and $242,240 for debt service and for expenses associated with the open space acquisition at the Paul Revere Heritage Site.

In other town meeting action …

See this week’s Citizen for more highlights from the 2022 annual town meeting. Spring Subscriber Promo: $30 for 1 year or $50 for 2 years for new in-town subscribers. Click here to order your subscription today!

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Posted by Mike Berger on May 13 2022. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.