In Town Report 2 26 2009

February 26TH, 2009

This WeeThis Weekk ...

The fundamental thingsfundamental things apply, as time goes by

A CutCut above the rest?

It Ain't Necessarily SoAin't Necessarily So

MeetMeet the Candidates

Odds and EndsEnds

Hot Time In The Old Town (Halls) Tonight!Housing Authority proposals move on to Town MeetingHousing Authority proposals move on to Town Meeting

By Robert Moreau/CorrespondentChelmsford Independent

Tue Feb 10, 2009

CHELMSFORD - Amid a public outpouring of frustration about the Chelmsford Housing Authority’s Town Hall devel-opment proposals for the old Town Halls, the Board of Selectmen voted to send the articles to special Town Meet-ing scheduled for March 9. The Old Town Hall renovation plan, which would turn the historic Chelmsford Centerbuilding into a 14-apartment complex with parking and community space, was the target of special attention bytown residents Monday night, who filled the room and voiced concern over the recently announced plan.

Bernie Ready stated his desire to see the Center building remain owned by the commu-nity. “I’m a student of Chelmsford history, I believe in our town motto of ‘Let thechildren guard what the sires have won,’” he remarked. He emphasized the historyof the building he referred to as “Chelmsford’s Faneuil Hall” and asked the board notto put the article onto the Town Meeting warrant. “This is what happens when goodpeople try to do a bad thing,” he said of the plan.

In contrast, Veterans Agent Regina Jackson said, “theChelmsford Housing Authority was certainly thinking. They were thinkingabout our future” by creating a proposal that would provide needed affordablehousing while providing the unused Town Hall buildings with a new purpose.Jackson, who used to work in the building, said there were still issues such as leadpaint. She suggested that the food pantry’s location should be moved to the West-lands Community Center, and that rent issues for the Chelmsford High School Per-forming Arts Center be resolved to accommodate arts groups.

Susan Gates of Trotter Road argued that the Center Town Hall should not be consideredabandoned. “That building was in use until the first week of December,” she said.“This was not an unused building.” She added community arts organizations havean interest in using the building. Gates mentioned that an e-mail address she created,[email protected], received several supportive messages soon after being set up,and that historic preservation restrictions from use of Massachusetts Historical Commissionrenovation money were an issue.

After the residents’ comments during open session, Chelmsford HousingAuthority Executive Director David Hedison addressed the meeting regardingthe proposals. Hedison opened by saying “I don’t know what’s moredifficult, hearing comments made by residents at the meeting or tellingpeople on the organization’s waiting list no housing is available.”After the public debate and some discussion, the Board of Selectmen agreedto turn the proposals over to discussion at Town Meeting during itsMarch 9 session.

FOR THE COMPLETE STORY CLICK HEREhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/town_info/government/x682883340/Housing-Authority-proposals-move-on-to-Town-Meeting

02-9-09Chelmsford Board of Selectmen

Open SessionPeople comment on the

Center and North Town Hallsredevelopment plan byDavid Hedison and the

Chelmsford Housing Authority

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOhttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11669953

Bernie ReadyBernie Ready

ReginaReginaJacksonJackson

SusanSusanGatesGates

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Chelmsford puts housing issue to voteChelmsford puts housing issue to voteBy Rita Savard, [email protected]

02/10/2009

CHELMSFORD—It was a trip back in time.

For some, it was the place where they watched their first movie. For others, it was where they cast their first vote, orwhere their parents got hitched. Whatever the memory, one thing was clear from the crowd packing inside the Board of Selectmen meeting room last night—they aren’t prepared to let go.

Following a round of passionate pleas against converting two former town halls into affordable housing, the Board ofSelectmen voted unanimously to send the issue to a Special Town Meeting vote on March 9.

The proposal from the Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA) to place affordable rental units inside the old Center andNorth town halls seeks to fulfill an overwhelming need for housing as nearly 1,400 Chelmsford residents remain on await list seven to 10 years long. But residents came out in full force last night, saying that using two of the town's mosthistoric buildings is not the right move.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever,” said resident Dennis Ready. “I urge you not to do this.”

By redeveloping the sites for housing, CHA Executive Director David Hedison said that more than$1 million of funding from state historical tax credits can be used to preserve the exterior of thebuildings. CHA's proposal shows 17 studio apartments for the Old North Town Hall, and 10 one-bedroom units and four studios for the Center Town Hall, which was closed for the winter to saveChelmsford thousands of dollars in utility costs.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said the proposal is something for the town to consider since renovating the town hallswould be an enormous cost burden. The North Hall has sat empty for a generation, Cohen said. At the old Town Hall in Chelmsford Center, the cost of heat has been a big drain on town coffers.

If the problem came down to money, the town could do what it has in the past, suggestedReady, and rent out office space on the first floor of the Town Hall in Chelmsford Center.

“I have already been approached by people that would rent it,” he said. “It doesn’tmake sense when money gets tight to give away a million-dollar asset.”

Town Meeting representative Peggy Dunn said she’s tired of hearing that the Center hall was a “mothballed” building.

In 1981, the Old Town Hall in Chelmsford Center was restored to its 1879 glory.

“It took a lot of research, time and money just to get the chandeliers correct,” Ready added.

Town Meeting representative George Dixon talked about his childhood, back when he could buya bag of popcorn and catch a double feature for 25 cents at North Town Hall. Dixon urged select-men to give the issue more thought before taking any kind of vote on converting the historicbuildings into apartments.

Selectmen Bill Dalton, who supports the affordable-housingplan, said you couldn’t do one without the other, otherwise itwould divide the town.

Selectman Eric Dahlberg was opposed to the CHA proposals for both buildings, but, like the rest ofthe board, supported letting the town’s legislative body, Town Meeting representatives, debate theissue and take a vote.

Hedison said nothing in his proposals is etched in stone, but to receive the state funding, he needs tosend in the CHA’s application by the end of May.

“Regardless of whether these proposals go through or not, if they got people talking about howto use these buildings again then that’s a great thing,” Hedison said.

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/lowell-sun/TRV14Q7DLIICGO5TQ

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ERICERICDAHLBERGDAHLBERG

http://www.lowellsun.com/politics/ci_11710701LOWELL SUN POLITICAL COLUMN 2-15-09LOWELL SUN POLITICAL COLUMN 2-15-09

DIVIDE AND conquer. That's what some were shouting following last Monday’s Board of Selectmenmeeting in Chelmsford, where a large crowd debated turning two former town halls into affordablehousing. After many gave passionate arguments for keeping the old Town Hall in Chelmsford Centera community cultural spot, a few longtime North Chelmsford residents, including Town Meeting repGeorge Merrill, felt snubbed.

“We’re part of this town, too,” Merrill said.

The issue drove a wedge between a couple of board members, with Selectman Bill Dalton accusingSelectman Clare Jeannotte of favoring conversion for one building and not the other.

“Don’t put words in my mouth Bill Dalton,” Jeannotte said. “I never said that and I don’t knowhow you think you know what I feel.”

Dalton, who supports the project, said you have to convert both buildings or scrap the whole proposal.

He has been accused of being biased toward the proposal, because his wife works for the ChelmsfordHousing Authority. Dalton has denied the accusation, and the state Ethics Commission reported therewas no conflict of interest for Dalton to vote.

Selectmen voted unanimously to let Town Meeting decide the issue.

The redevelopment of the old Town Halls continues tobe the hot topic on the local cable talk shows.

POLITICALLY INCORRECT 2-10-09The Panelists discuss the redevelopment proposal for the two Town Halls

Panelists include:

•Colleen Stansfield Planning Board Member & Candidate

•Bernie Ready Town Meeting representative Candidate—Precinct 7

•Danielle Evans Town Meeting representative Candidate—Precinct 9

•Al Thomas Town Meeting representative Candidate—Precinct 5

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OFCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OFTOWN HALL SEGMENTTOWN HALL SEGMENT

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE POLITICALLY INCORRECT SHOW FROM POLITICALLY INCORRECT SHOW FROM

2-10-092-10-09

Town Talk with Dennis Ready 2-12-09

The Topic: The Town Halls conversion into

Affordable housing. Guests include Bernie Ready

and Shelly Constantino

CLICK HERECLICK HEREFORFORVIDEO OFVIDEO OFTOWN HALLTOWN HALLSEGMENTSEGMENT

North pushes to save its Town HallNorth pushes to save its Town HallBy Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer

Thu Feb 19, 2009

Chelmsford—North Chelmsford resident Matt Sheehan thinks the plan to turn the two old Town Halls intohousing provides a way to end the us-against-them squabbling in the community.

“We are looking to turn the page on the whole Hatfield vs. McCoy thing,” said Sheehan.

With less than three weeks before Town Meeting votes on the Chelmsford Housing Authority’s proposal toconvert the buildings into affordable rental units, Sheehan has helped to organize North residents to stopthe plan.

“There will be two separate votes so we need two different groups working on it,” said Shelley Costantino.“But we oppose both of them being converted into housing. Both of them are historic buildings.”

Another group of residents spearheaded by Bernie Ready and Peggy Dunn is already at work to save thebuilding in the Center.

Besides planning group meetings and petition drives, Sheehan said organizers need to make sure residentsand Town Meeting representatives understand the differences between the perception and reality surround-ing the North Town Hall.

“There is a perpetual myth about this building that nothinghas been done with it during the last 20 years,” said Sheehan.

That was right around the time Washington Street resident LauraLee moved to town.

She said over the last two decades, there have been numerous attempts to renovate the North Town Hall and restore it to a community center.

About 10 years ago, rehabilitation work including the removal ofthe inside walls started, using donated materials and free laborfrom Middlesex County House of Corrections, said Lee.

“It was all going to be at a minimum cost to the town,” said Lee. “There has been continual work astown funds allowed.”

Although the walls are stripped to the studs, the building is ready for electrical and plumbing upgrades.

The group understands those upgrades cost money but point out state funding is not limited to theChelmsford Housing Authority.

Community Preservation Funds could be utilized to cover costs, said Costantino.

Plenty of residents can also provide legal, architectural, fundraising and organizational skills toward thegroup effort.

“There is somebody in-house who can do whatever pro bono,” said Karen Dussourd. “We need to thinkoutside the box and not get caught up in the politics so we can move forward.”

Although the North group has secured enough private donations to keep the heat and electricity operatingfor the next two years, part of moving ahead entails figuring out a way to make the buildings self-sufficient.

“There are a lot of ideas out there,” said Costantino. “But one of the biggest concerns is that this isbeing rushed through. This idea should be a much more thoughtful process. Let’s put the brakes onthis process.”

Once the housing approval process slows down or even stops, residents who want to see both buildingspreserved can take their time and come up with a plan to accomplish that, said Dussourd.

“We are one town and should work together,” said Dussourd. “What a powerful place Chelmsfordwould be if we unite. Just look at all we could do.”

Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected].

Chelmsford Town Halls on Local CableShow "People & Places"

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Schools told to cut moreSchools told to cut moreBy Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Writer

Thu Feb 12, 2009http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/education/x114017229/Schools-told-to-cut-more

Chelmsford—Town Manager Paul Cohen presented a preliminary fiscal 2010 budget to the Boardof Selectmen Monday, which would cut municipal spending by $97,885 and the school depart-ment’s funding by more than $1.5 million.

Across the board, most line items will be slashed anywhere from 1.48 percent to44.71 percent in 2010.

The only increases will be in Snow and Ice Removal, which Cohen proposes in-creasing 36.04 percent up to $1.1 million for 2010; Nashoba Valley Technical HighSchool Assessment, which would go up 11.01 percent; Non-excluded debt, whichwould increase by 7.49 percent; Benefits and Insurance, scheduled to increase by5.48 percent and the Cemetery Commission’s personnel budget, slated to go up 3.03 percent.

Although these cuts would not go into effect until July 1, Town Meeting will have to vote on pro-posed reductions for fiscal 2009 in order to keep the town’s budget balanced.

Cohen had recommended dipping into the town’s Stabilization Fund for an additional $1.5 millionto cover fiscal 2009 expenses, but the selectmen would like to see a smaller number presented toTown Meeting in March.

School Committee members have offered $487,000 in cuts to its current budget but will have tolook again for additional savings.

“We have to ask them to do better,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman PhilEliopoulos. “The superintendent found an additional $100,000 in cuts thatcould be made and the School Committee said no. That is not a good messageto send.”

School Superintendent Donald Yeoman is on vacation this week and could not bereached for comment.

Because the school department will need to reduce its budget by more than $1.5 million next year,Cohen and the selectmen agreed some of those cuts should be made now.

“They need to follow the example of the town manager and bring forward every possiblecut they can make in 2010 and make it now,” said Eliopoulos. “Or Paul (Cohen) will set thenumber.”

Paul Cohen

PhilipEliopoulos

Chelmsfordand the

Budget WoesBudget Woes******************************************************************************

Selectman Eric Dahlberg questioned some of the school’s first round of cuts, suchas no longer providing caps and gowns to faculty for the graduation ceremony.

“That’s like one-thousandth of their budget,” said Dahlberg. “The messagehas been laid out and they may not agree but have to understand. Developa budget and rollback what you can.”

Although Selectman Clare Jeannotte agreed the school budget for this year needs to be reduced,she wants the School Committee to make the decision on where and howmuch to cut.

“I don’t want them to feel they have to take classroom teachers out inthe middle of the year,” she said. “I’d much rather not say, ‘Here’s ournumber, hit it.’”

Jeannotte made a motion that Cohen “should communicate with the SchoolCommittee to approach potential cuts for fiscal year 2009 in the samemethodology that the town has used.”The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to support the motion.

“Sharpen your pencils, $487,000 is not going to do it,” said Eliopoulos.

Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected].

Nashoba Va l l e y Te chn i ca l H . S . e y e sNashoba Va l l e y Te chn i ca l H . S . e y e s3 pe rc en t budge t h i ke3 pe rc en t budge t h i ke fo r FY10fo r FY10

The Lowell Sun02/19/2009

By Pierre Comtois

WESTFORD—The superintendent of Nashoba Valley Technical High School is seek-ing a 3 percent budget increase for the school for next year.

Klimkiewicz has submitted a budget of $10.2 million, up from the current budgetof $9.9 million.

Individual assessments for each of the school’s member towns for fiscal year 2010are estimated at: $1,790,816 for Chelmsford, which accounts for 25 percent of thestudent body; $1,032,171 for Pepperell (23 percent); $901,276 for Townsend (20percent); $591,918 for Westford (10 percent); $412,155 for Shirley (8.3 percent);$495,948 for Littleton (7.2 percent); and $469,457 for Groton (7.2 percent).

Klimkiewicz told committee members recently that she had already contacted dis-trict towns’ managers to inform them of the preliminary budget numbers and “re-ceived very positive responses.”

Klimkiewicz said she will hold a breakfast for town officials Friday, Feb. 27, followedby a public hearing on the budget to be held with the School Committee onMarch 10.

For the whole story ... http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_11738470?source=rss

ClareJeannotte

EricDahlberg

Chelmsford school board cuts another $89G,Chelmsford school board cuts another $89G,eliminating jobseliminating jobs

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11780837http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11780837

By Prudence Brighton, Sun CorrespondentBy Prudence Brighton, Sun Correspondent

Posted: 02/25/2009Posted: 02/25/2009

CHELMSFORD -- A reluctant School Committee has added another $89,000 in cuts to itsCHELMSFORD -- A reluctant School Committee has added another $89,000 in cuts to itscurrent budget, bringing the total of midyear reductions to $591,000 and eliminating 16current budget, bringing the total of midyear reductions to $591,000 and eliminating 16School Department employees.School Department employees.

After slashing the 2009 budget at the board's last meeting, Superintendent of Schools DonAfter slashing the 2009 budget at the board's last meeting, Superintendent of Schools Don--ald Yeoman met with Town Manager Paul Cohen and learned that the town needed deeperald Yeoman met with Town Manager Paul Cohen and learned that the town needed deepercuts. The cuts he proposed last night had been on next year's list for reductions.cuts. The cuts he proposed last night had been on next year's list for reductions.

The committee voted 4-1 to approve the cuts, which include eliminating library aides, aThe committee voted 4-1 to approve the cuts, which include eliminating library aides, aChelmsford High School secretary, two middle-school secretaries and two nurses. TheChelmsford High School secretary, two middle-school secretaries and two nurses. Theboard also eliminated after-school detention, directed the removal of kitchen appliancesboard also eliminated after-school detention, directed the removal of kitchen appliancesfrom classrooms and ended the purchase of bottled water.from classrooms and ended the purchase of bottled water.

More austerity will be required in the fiscal year 2010 budget, when the department facesMore austerity will be required in the fiscal year 2010 budget, when the department facesa $2.9 million deficit, owing in part to step increases spelled out in the teachers' uniona $2.9 million deficit, owing in part to step increases spelled out in the teachers' unioncontract.contract.

Yeoman and others in the school administration began planning for midyear cuts in the fisYeoman and others in the school administration began planning for midyear cuts in the fis--cal year 2009 budget last July. After the town failed to override Proposition 2 1/2, thecal year 2009 budget last July. After the town failed to override Proposition 2 1/2, theSchool Department closed the Westlands School and eliminated 44 jobs in the 2008-2009School Department closed the Westlands School and eliminated 44 jobs in the 2008-2009school year.school year.

""The failed override made me a believer,The failed override made me a believer," Yeoman said." Yeoman said.

When he moved to Massachusetts, he thought the schools would beWhen he moved to Massachusetts, he thought the schools would beadequately funded. Instead, he found a system that allows revenues toadequately funded. Instead, he found a system that allows revenues togo up and down without much predictability.go up and down without much predictability."It is most painful for us to bring this to you tonight," Yeoman told the"It is most painful for us to bring this to you tonight," Yeoman told thecommittee. "But now we are told we need to cut some more. I hopecommittee. "But now we are told we need to cut some more. I hopethis amount is enough for now.this amount is enough for now.

""Remember that none of us wants to make these cuts,Remember that none of us wants to make these cuts," he added." he added.""Remember that none of us believes these cuts are good for childrenRemember that none of us believes these cuts are good for children ."."

Every town department has to make cuts, however. The budget crisis is affecting the FireEvery town department has to make cuts, however. The budget crisis is affecting the FireDepartment, snowplowing operations and other town functions.Department, snowplowing operations and other town functions.

School Committee member Angelo Taranto said "School Committee member Angelo Taranto said "an argument can bean argument can bemade to preserve every single one of these cuts and the potential immade to preserve every single one of these cuts and the potential im--pact on the schools.pact on the schools.""

One area that received particular attention involved a proposal to further defer replacingOne area that received particular attention involved a proposal to further defer replacing

Dr. DonaldYeoman

AngeloTaranto

outdated textbooks. This $50,000 cut was actually approved at the lastoutdated textbooks. This $50,000 cut was actually approved at the lastmeeting, but came up again as Assistant Superintendent of Schools Karenmeeting, but came up again as Assistant Superintendent of Schools KarenMazza described the effects it will have.Mazza described the effects it will have.

In prior years, the School Committee had asked her to institute a five-yearIn prior years, the School Committee had asked her to institute a five-yearcycle of replenishing texts. But it will now take two years to purchase acycle of replenishing texts. But it will now take two years to purchase ayear's worth of texts, thus effectively putting the town on a 10-year cycle.year's worth of texts, thus effectively putting the town on a 10-year cycle.

She related a recent request from the English coordinator at Chelmsford High School toShe related a recent request from the English coordinator at Chelmsford High School topurchase 70 new literature anthologies for the ninth grade. That request was cut to 35 newpurchase 70 new literature anthologies for the ninth grade. That request was cut to 35 newanthologies to serve 400 high-school freshmen. The last time any anthology was purchasedanthologies to serve 400 high-school freshmen. The last time any anthology was purchasedwas 1985.was 1985.

The purchase of new science texts for fifth-graders will be postponed despite concernsThe purchase of new science texts for fifth-graders will be postponed despite concernsabout MCAS testing results in that subject.about MCAS testing results in that subject.

School Committee member Kathy Duffet said her eighth-grade daughterSchool Committee member Kathy Duffet said her eighth-grade daughterrecently asked her to guess the age of the book she received as her classrecently asked her to guess the age of the book she received as her classwas reading Johnny Tremaine. Duffet was surprised to learn that herwas reading Johnny Tremaine. Duffet was surprised to learn that herdaughter's book had been in use since at least 1974. It might have been indaughter's book had been in use since at least 1974. It might have been inuse for many more years, but signouts prior to 1974 were covered up anduse for many more years, but signouts prior to 1974 were covered up andtaped over.taped over.

Calling the textbook situation "Calling the textbook situation "atrocious and it has been for years,atrocious and it has been for years,""committee member Kevin Porter made a motion to reconsider the earliercommittee member Kevin Porter made a motion to reconsider the earliervote. The motion was defeated.vote. The motion was defeated.

Duffet argued, "Duffet argued, "Our goal has to be to improve education, but in thisOur goal has to be to improve education, but in thissituation we also have to mitigate the impact on students. We're in asituation we also have to mitigate the impact on students. We're in aunique economic situation. These cuts are what we need to do in thisunique economic situation. These cuts are what we need to do in thiscrisis.crisis.""

Committee member Evelyn Thoren asked the board to consider going toCommittee member Evelyn Thoren asked the board to consider going totaxpayers for targeted, one-time tax increases to help with textbooks andtaxpayers for targeted, one-time tax increases to help with textbooks andsimilar well-defined objectives.similar well-defined objectives.

""People vetoed the override because they felt they had no control overPeople vetoed the override because they felt they had no control overwhere the money would go,where the money would go," she said." she said.

Taranto agreed. "Taranto agreed. "We have to starting thinking of different avenuesWe have to starting thinking of different avenues" to solve the budget" to solve the budgetcrisis," he said. "crisis," he said. "We're not getting a ray of hope from the Legislature.We're not getting a ray of hope from the Legislature.""

Taranto also said that a 190-page document now circulating at the Statehouse indicatesTaranto also said that a 190-page document now circulating at the Statehouse indicatesthat any stimulus money coming to school districts will go toward construction and notthat any stimulus money coming to school districts will go toward construction and not""coming into the classroomscoming into the classrooms ."."__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To see the DRAFT:To see the DRAFT: FY 2010 POTENTIAL BUDGET REDUCTIONSFY 2010 POTENTIAL BUDGET REDUCTIONS

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

Dr. KarenMazza

KatherineDuffett

KevinPorter

EvelynEvelynThorenThoren

Chelmsford and the 40B Law40B = Affordability ?It Ain't Necessarily So

Chelmsford mailing fuels housing debateChelmsford mailing fuels housing debatehttp://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11760851

By Rita Savard, [email protected]/22/2009

CHELMSFORD— A mailing raising questions about the state's 40B affordable housing laws has fired upthe six-man race for two open Board of Selectmen seats,

The letter that landed in nearly 14,000 mailboxes calls on residents to give selectmen an ultimatum: TellTown Manager Paul Cohen to stop Chapter 40B projects, “or find a new town manager that has the gutsand knowledge to stand up to the development industry.”

Sent by the non-profit group Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative, the mailing inspired two candidates torun in this year's selectmen's race. But as building projects grind to a halt in Chelmsford, town officialssay the mailing is driven more by politics than the truth.

“Look around Chelmsford,” said Cohen. “How many 40B projects do you see going on? Therearen’t any.”

Cohen said the mailing, which included a map of at least six 40B projects slated for Chelmsford, containsmany inaccuracies. First is the number of “planned” projects listed in the mailing.

The letter blasts Cohen and Community Development Director Evan Belansky for “rubber stamping”several projects. But a town manager has no such authority. That task falls in the hands of the town’sZoning Board of Appeals. And since becoming town manager two years ago, Cohen said only one 40Bhas been approved—a 48-unit affordable housing project on Riverneck Road that was tied up for sixyears as the town locked horns with developers.

Hillside Gardens, another 40B on Boston Road, was also approved after years of litigation but remains onhold following an appeal.

“The approval (of the Riverneck Road 40B) was the result of a remand by the court,” Cohen said.“The town has fought many proposals to try and make the best of a bad situation. In the end,the town has to abide by the law.”

Fred Marcks, spokesman for Slow Growth, said the only way a “flawed” law will change is if townofficials put more pressure on Beacon Hill. Marcks' mailing prompted residents Steven Roberts andJim Murray to jump into the selectmen's race.

“The letter brought more awareness on the issue,” said Roberts. “But I don’t think it was fair tosingle out Paul and Evan.”

Marcks, who helped craft the Chelmsford mailing, said he realizes that it may make some public officialsuncomfortable, but it was a reaction following two years of frustration over a lack of action. In the past,Marcks has challenged the selectmen to follow in the footsteps of selectmen in Norwell.

Calling 40B a “pro-developer, anti-community character, anti-home-rule weapon,” Norwell selectmensent a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick last year asking him to intervene on 40B practices.

vThe selectmen can virtually do whatever they want,” Marcks said. “Whether it will be upheld inthe end is another story. The point is sending an assertive message to lawmakers that it’s time tochange a law that is clearly broken.”

Slow Growth has asked town officials to adopt a policy demanding that 40B developers make 75 per-cent of the units in a project affordable, instead of the state-mandated 25 percent minimum. If that isnot feasible for developers, than Marcks suggests town officials require they downsize the total numberof units.

“We have 40Bs everywhere, yet there’s a huge need for affordable housing,” Marcks said. “This isnot right, we have to stand up and demand for something more.”

Selectman Clare Jeannotte agrees that the state’s affordable-housing law needs changing. She evensigned on in support of Slow Growth’s earlier goals for sustainable development. But Jeannotte said shewas shocked when she found her signature from that earlier petition attached to the recent mailingslamming Cohen and Belansky.

“Before this mailer went out, I supported changing 40B,” Jeannotte said. “And I still supportchanging 40B, but the mailing makes me look at this group very differently. What they sent outwas fear tactics, supported by a lot of false information.”

Jeannotte said the closing of a fire station and an elementary school last year had nothing to do with40B, as the mailing suggests. She also questions the number of planned projects listed on the mailer.

Marcks confirmed that two projects listed on a map were only parcels hat developers had eyed in thepast—not actual 40Bs in the works.

The controversial mailer also refers to selectmen candidate Donald Van Dyne as a “40B developer.” VanDyne, a property investment manager, worked on the Village of Glen Isle, a 40B in Chelmsford.

“You didn’t hear about that project because no one complained about it,” said Van Dyne, agreeingthat the law needs to be repealed. “It was a good project that had support from abutters and openedup affordable units to teachers, firefighters and police officer who live and work in Chelmsford.”

Despite backlash from officials, Marcks said Slow Growth stands by every statement in the mailing as fact.

“People can get mad at us for asserting that officials aren't doing their job,” he said. “Or they canget mad at the officials for not doing their job.”

http://www.lowellsun.com/politics/ci_11760848Lowell Sun Political Column 02-22-09

WANTED: CANDIDATES for Slow Growth. Election season is heating up in Chelmsford, with affordablehousing taking center stage. A controversial mailing blasting Town Manager Paul Cohen and Commu-nity Development Director Evan Belansky for “rubber stamping” 40B affordable-housing proposals hadofficials fuming last week. Cohen, who said town managers have no authority in approving 40Bs, dis-missed the mail from Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative as “misleading, political propaganda.”

The mailer told voters to give selectmen an ultimatum: Tell Cohen to stand up against developers, orhire a new town manager with guts.

Ouch!

In the mailer, Slow Growth also asked potential candidates concerned about stopping undesired growthto contact their organization. But Slow Growth spokesman Fred Marcks told The Column that theorganization has no intention of supporting a candidate.

“We're nonprofit, so we won't do that,” he said. “The most we would ever do is send out a flierencouraging people to vote. Beyond that we’re not going to do more.”

Last Tuesday, Marcks showed his lack of support by helping Steve Roberts collect the 50 signaturesneeded for Roberts to become a contender in this year's race for Board of Selectmen.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENTCLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SEGMENT

Chelmsford selectmen bite back on 40B letterChelmsford selectmen bite back on 40B letterhttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11772796

By Rita Savard, [email protected]/24/2009

CHELMSFORD -- A mass mailing that accused town officials of failing to take hard action against the state's 40B af-fordable-housing law sparked friction at last night's selectmen's meeting.

Calling it a distortion of facts, selectmen took turns giving their view on the controversial letter that landed in about14,000 mailboxes two weeks ago, and lit up phone lines at Town Hall.

But when selectmen told the authors of the letter that they could not respond to comments, voices rose and tem-pers flared.

"I think it's despicable," said Selectman Bill Dalton. "There's lies all through their brochures. They went afterthe town manager, who has nothing to do with 40Bs."

The letter was sent out by a nonprofit group for sustainable development, Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative (SGI).It was a reaction following two years of pleas for help that fell on deaf ears, said Fred Marcks, the Director of SGI.

It blasts Town Manager Paul Cohen and Community Development Director Evan Belansky for allegedly "rubberstamping" 40B projects, and calls on residents to give selectmen an ultimatum: Tell Cohen to stop Chapter 40Bprojects, "or find a new town manager that has the guts and knowledge to stand up to the development industry."

But a frustrated Board of Selectmen said the letter painted a picture that was far from the truth.

Selectmen Chairman Philip Eliopoulos said the mailing neglected to point out what town officials have been doingtochange a law that favors builders more than cities and towns.

The state's 40B law gives developers the power to override zoning rules in towns where less than 10 percent of af-fordable housing meets federal affordability requirements. If a developer plans to make 20 percent of his projectmeet state guidelines for affordability, permission to build can be granted by the state -- even if the town objects tothe project.

Eliopoulos talked about the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the town has spent while fighting to get largeprojects scaled back, and give Chelmsford more power over the process.

"We've fought projects on inception and on completion," he said, adding that the town is currently tied up inlawsuits over two built 40B projects where officials believe developers have pocketed excess profits.

After Dalton called the authors of the letter "liars," the two men behind the mailing, Marcks and Assistant Directorof SGI Craig Chemaly, asked for an opportunity to respond. Not wanting to engage in a full-blown debate, theboard denied Marcks and Chemaly any air time, but invited them to return to the next meeting and speak duringopen session.

Marcks, who said all of SGI's data comes from the state Department of Housing and Community Development, stillattempted to address some of the board's comments until Dalton shouted out: "I don't know what other lies they'llcome up with and I don't want to hear it."

After the meeting, Marcks and Chemaly said they felt stonewalled, and stand by their position that the board hasdone nothing concrete to stop more 40Bs from going up in Chelmsford. Chelmsford, they said, has the most 40Bdevelopments of any community east of Interstate 495.

SGI said it has asked town officials to create a 40B advisory committee, and to adopt a policy demanding that 40Bdevelopers make 75 percent of the units in a project affordable, instead of the state-mandated 25 percent mini-mum. If that is not feasible for developers, then Marcks suggests town officials require they downsize the total num-ber of units.

Town officials said they can fight big developers, but at the end of the day, they are bound by the law.

"This is why residents are upset," Chemaly said. "The current board, for the most part, is fundamentally outof touch with the citizens of Chelmsford and what they want."

Fireworks at selectmen's meeting over Slow Growth letterFireworks at selectmen's meeting over Slow Growth letterBy Robert Moreau/Chelmsford Independent Correspondent

Tue Feb 24, 2009

Chelmsford - A controversial letter recently mailed to residents from the Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative (SGI)produced a flare-up at the Board of Selectmen’s Feb. 23 meeting, as members sought to rebut its claims that townofficials were not making any progress in working to curb 40B projects.

In the letter, SGI writes, “Time and again, Town Manager Paul Cohen and his appointed Development Director EvanBelansky have demonstrated a complete unwillingness to take the actions necessary to protect our town from Chap-ter 40B. Perhaps even more disturbing, Cohen continues to ignore feedback from residents.”

“It was despicable, what they did,” said Selectman Bill Dalton, voicing anger of the letter’s mentioning of Cohen,who, “has nothing to do with 40B. They said we have six [40B] projects…I don’t know what they are.”

Dalton said that he tried to look on the group’s Web site and could not figure out who was behind the organization,and that he felt the group could not be considered credible.

Selectman Clare Jeannotte said she was surprised to see her name on the letter as a sponsor, and that she did notsupport what it said. She explained that she signed a 40B petition two years ago by the Slow Growth Initiative, andthat was what led to her being listed.

Selectman Eric Dahlberg said that he felt “any sane or literate person” would not support 40B, but “the [letter’s]tone was way over the top.”

Chairman Phil Eliopoulos addressed those in attendance and watching on television about actions he said the boardhad taken to stop 40B development, while calling the letter’s claims “unfortunate.”

Eliopoulos explained “some of the things” the board has done during his 12-year tenure, including supportingfailed legislation to grant increased local control over certain types of 40B projects and counting the ChelmsfordMobile Home Park towards affordable housing. Eliopoulos also mentioned that the town has spent over $100,000fighting the Riverneck Road development, which was passed with compromise after a court remand, and was cur-rently fighting two 40B development proposals. He said he felt that the board “was at the forefront” of fighting 40Bprojects.

Dalton then continued, saying that he had heard from other people who found their names attached to the letterbut did not agree to its content.

The discussion brought an attempt at a response by SGI Director Fred Marcks and Assistant Director Craig Chemaly,who were in attendance at the meeting.

They said Dalton’s remarks approached “slander” and wanted to discuss the letter and board remarks. Dalton statedthat he did not care to hear what the two had to say, and Eliopoulos tried to calm the escalating tensions by en-couraging them to come to Open Forum at the next meeting and work to give a presentation to the new boardafter the election. They then said they wanted it in the record that SGI tried to respond to the comments but wereunable to.

Outside the meeting, after the chaotic scene played out, Marcks and Chemaly voiced shock, stating that they didnot want to bring up the issue of the letter in open session and “did not know if it would be addressed.”

Marcks defended the letter, stating that “we take care to make letters based on facts” and that attempts by the or-ganization to suggest proactive strategies including creating an advisory body to the Board were consistently ig-nored. “This is why nothing has happened in two years,” Marcks stated.

Regarding Dalton’s statement about not knowing who runs SGI, Marcks said that the Slow Growth Initiative is astatewide nonprofit. “We’re not some secret society. We’re not The Skulls,” he said.

Chemaly said that “we had 50 responses overwhelmingly in support of slow growth” soon after the letter’s publica-tion, and that the only criticism he had received were from public officials. He also said he wanted to discuss whatSGI should do regarding the invitation to participate in open session during the next meeting, given the tension.

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Nick DeSilvio sets his sights on the schoolsNick DeSilvio sets his sights on the schoolsBy Kevin Zimmerman/Chelmsford Independent Staff Writer

Wed Feb 18, 2009http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/homepage/x1658745341/Nick-DeSilvio-sets-his-sights-on-the-schools

Chelmsford—School Committee candidate Nick DeSilvio believes it’s time to bring a bit of businessthinking to the job of educating Chelmsford students.

Instead of cutting personnel as a first option, DeSilvio would like to see the School Committee and ad-ministration try something new.

“Their answer to everything is to lay people off. They keep doing things the same way and expect differ-ent results,” said DeSilvio, 48. “There needs to be a restructuring of the organization,”

As the sole candidate for an open seat, the job is DeSilvio’s, but he is still wading his way through schooladministration policies and procedures and has already developed a money-saving strategy he hopes toimplement.

“It’s a three-phase approach,” said DeSilvio. “I’d like to see if there is some way the (union) step andgrade program could be put on hold for at least one year.”

Contractual increases cost the town about $1.75 million a year, said DeSilvio. Because the teacher con-tracts expire on June 30, he would encourage talks to put those programs on hold until the current eco-nomic situation improves.

And, because he understands union employees shouldn’t be the only ones to sacrifice, DeSilvio wouldimplement a salary freeze for non-union workers after requiring they each take a 5 percent pay cut.

Five pull papers for selectmen spotsFive pull papers for selectmen spotsBy Kevin Zimmerman/Chelmsford Independent Staff Writer

Thu Feb 12, 2009

Chelmsford—With less than a week before nomination papers are due, at least one town-wide officewill be a race in April.

Sean Scanlon, of 11 Sierra Drive, George Dixon Jr., of 15 Edgelawn Ave., andJohn Wadman, 23 Perham St., have all pulled papers for the two open seats onthe Board of Selectmen.

“I know the town is going through hardships and when I saw two vacanciesand only two candidates running, I decided to run,” said Scanlon. “I wanted togive the people of the town more of a choice.”

Scanlon, 28, grew up in Chelmsford and graduated from CHS. After earning a degree in history from UMass-Amherst he was commissioned into the U. S. AirForce.

While on active duty, he served a six-month stint in Afghanistan. He is still currently a captain in the AirForce Reserve. And he works as a civilian for the Department of Defense at Hanscom.

“I’m young but I have relatively unique experiences in leadership positions,” said Scanlon. He and hiswife Nancy moved to town in 2006. For Sean it was a homecoming.

“I grew up in town and went through the school system,” he said. “I understand that part of it. But I’mstill sort of an outsider so I have a fresh perspective too.”

SeanSeanScanlonScanlon

“You have to lead from the front,” said DeSilvio. “How as a leader can you lay off dozens of people whileyou take a 3 percent increase? How can you honestly go in front of them?”

DeSilvio would bring what he calls a business approach to the schools.

As one of the founders and a current vice president of a communications technology company, DeSilviosaid he expects accountability across the board.

“I demand it from myself and my family,” he said. “And I’ll demand it from the school administration.You can’t go to the town and ask for money unless you can show the money they gave you in the pastwas spent correctly and wisely.”

He points to the recent School Building Committee, where he served as a citizen representative, as anexample of the right way to handle the town’s money.

“We hit the budget and got $17 million back,” he said. “Now we could say, ‘The last time you gave me$32 million, I spent it correctly and didn’t go over budget, and I got you $17 million back.'”

DeSilvio said he has a vested interest in seeing the schools succeed.

He and his wife Christine, who works at McCarthy Middle, have five children in the system — three atParker Middle and two at Byam Elementary schools.

And although he believes his children are getting a good education, he wants see if there are other waysto ensure they continue to receive a quality teaching while saving the town money.

“I don’t have all the answers and I’m going to ask a lot of stupid questions,” said DeSilvio. “But I’m goingto be brutally honest with you. Actually that’s the best and worst thing you’re going to get from me.”

Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected].

Bill Dalton pulls nomination papersBill Dalton pulls nomination papersBy Kevin Zimmerman/Chelmsford Independent Staff Writer

Fri Feb 13, 2009

Chelmsford - Selectman Bill Dalton’s name will appear on the April7 ballot, just not where voters might expect to find it.

On Friday, Dalton pulled papers to run for the Sewer Commission.

“I have a hard time seeing things go unfilled,” said Dalton. “I’m just going to put my name out there. I just wanted to seethe slot filled.”

Sewer Commissioner George Dixon Jr. withdrew his name from thatrace once he decided to run for Board of Selectmen.

If elected, Dalton would be one of the last commissioners as the entire town is expected to havesewer lines installed within the next two years.

At that point, running the sewer system will revert to the Department of Public Works. Last November, Dalton announced he would not seek reelection to the seat he has held since 1994.

Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected]://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x602817899/Bill-Dalton-pulls-nomination-papers?popular=true

Scanlon is currently a member of the Chelmsford Cultural Council. In May, Scanlon was one of eightcandidates to apply for an open Planning Board alternate position.

During his interview with that board, he said he had grown up in Chelmsford and returned to raise afamily. He served five years in the Air Force, where he was involved in research and analysis.

“I’m looking for a way to help out the community,” he said in May.

Although already on a town board, Dixon believes there is still more he can do forChelmsford.

“I have a passion for the town and a passion for the people,” said Dixon. “I think I can make a difference.”

Dixon currently serves as a member of the Sewer Commission, a position to whichhe was appointed about four months ago.

Wadman could not be reached for comment on Thursday when he pulled papers.

With the additional of Dixon, Scanlon and Wadman the Board of Selectmen’s race has five potentialcandidates for the two open seats.

The Town Clerk’s Office has certified the nomination papers from Finance Committee member DonaldVan Dyne of Brentwood Road and Matthew Hanson of Wedgewood Drive and their names will appearon the April 7 ballot.

The clerk’s office has also certified the nomination papers of Coach Road resident Nicholas A. DeSilviowho became the first person to vie for the School Committee seated being vacated by current Chair-man Christina Walsh.Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/town_info/government/x114017300/Five-pull-papers-for-selectmen-spots

GeorgeGeorgeDixonDixon

BillBillDaltonDalton

Scramble on for Chelmsford seatsScramble on for Chelmsford seatsBy Rita Savard, [email protected]

02/18/2009

CHELMSFORD—Concerns about a tanked economy, affordable housing and public safety led toa last-minute election scramble yesterday, creating a six-way race for two open seats on theBoard of Selectmen.

Political newcomers Steven Roberts and Jim Murray, beat the 5 p.m. filing deadline by minutes.Roberts took out nomination papers yesterday morning, and spent his day collecting signaturesfrom voters at the library and local grocery stores.

He said he decided to run after receiving a letter from the anti-40B group,Slow Growth Initiative. The mailer talked about more than 20 affordable-housing developments in the pipeline for Chelmsford, which would spike thetown’s population in the wake of a shuttered fire station and elementaryschool.

vWith all the cuts the town has had to make, we need to look at preservingpublic safety and education as best we can,” said Roberts, of 11 Crooked

Springs Road, a software engineer who turns 30 on Saturday. “There’s no question the townneeds affordable housing, but not in the form of big developments that only really provide af-fordable housing for a handful.”

Roberts moved to Chelmsford with his fiancée in 2007. He said he has a vested interest inChelmsford’s future because he plans to raise a family there. He has volunteered with the nonprofit group Engineers Without Borders, with whom he traveled to southeast India to helptsunami victims rebuild their shattered communities.

Murray, a longshoreman and 30-year Chelmsford resident, said he is run-ning for one reason: big housing developments.

“I want to nail down the 40B problem,” said Murray, 60, of 331 BostonRoad. “That’s the only thing I'm interested in.”

Murray ran for the Board of Library Trustees in 1994, but lost the race.

George Dixon Jr., 62, withdrew his name from the Sewer Commission race to run for selectman.

“The biggest problem the town is facing is a budget problem and the only people that can helpus is Beacon Hill,” said Dixon. “I'm the only candidate with connections on Beacon Hill. I can geta foot in the door.”

Dixon, of 15 Edgelawn Ave., is a nine-year Town Meeting representative, and has served onseveral town committees, including the Superintendent Search Committee. He also spear-headed the effort to build the town's Vietnam War memorial in North Chelmsford.

Sean Scanlon, 28, of 11 Sierra Drive, said a military background—he spent six months inAfghanistan with the U.S. Air Force—gives him a different perspective. The Chelmsford Highgraduate has also lived out of state, and in England for a couple of years.

“My goal is to really examine what the town can slash before digging any deeper into the essen-tial functions of government, which I consider to be public safety and education,” Scanlon said.

JimMurray

Steve Roberts

Getting a jump-start were candidates Matt Hanson and Donald VanDyne.

Hanson, 20, of 16 Wedgewood Drive, announced plans to run in September. A graduate ofChelmsford public schools, Hanson said improving education tops his priority list. He waselected as a Town Meeting representative for Precinct 5 this year.

Hanson, who will turn 21 after the April 7 town election, said he plans to pursue a master's de-gree next fall.

VanDyne, 43, of 29 Brentwood Ave., is the vice chairman of the Finance Committee and has at-tended selectmen meetings regularly for a few years. He has said his financial background willbe an asset.

The Board of Selectmen's veteran members, Bill Dalton and Phil Eliopoulos, are not seeking re-election. Dalton is the lone candidate for a three-year seat on the Sewer Commission. The com-mission will dissolve once the entire town has sewer lines, during the next two years. The sewersystem will fall under the authority of the Department of Public Works.

There are no contested races in the town's 10 other openings for public office, including SchoolCommittee, which only drew one candidate, Nicholas DeSilvio, for a single three-year seat.

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11729501

Meet the CandidatesMeet the CandidatesThe Board of Selectmen meeting

02/23/09

Click Here for VideoClick Here for Video

Q & A Q & A with the Selectmen Candidates

*****************************************

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s existing zoning requirements?Please fully explain your answer.

2. September 1, 2009 is the first legal opportunity to attempt another citizen referendum on repealing Chapter 40B since it was last attempted in the fall of 2007.

Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the2010 state ballot that would repeal Chapter 40B Laws? If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?Please fully explain your answers

(responses from candidates in order as received)

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

George Dixon Jr.George Dixon Jr.1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s existing zoning

requirements?

No, 40B does not work as intended. It should be called “no builder left behind.” It holds a gun to each town's head. It eliminates all the town’s regulations, not justdensity, setbacks, and height requirements. 40B doesn’t includemany real affordable type of developments such as mobil parks!

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state

ballot that would repeal Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

YES. What is needed is a Law that allows the towns to zone areasthat would work for affordable housing. Any project then should be100 % affordable, therefore making a real contribution to the re-quired 10%. They should all be affordable units!

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Jim MurrayJim Murray1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s existing zoning

requirements?

For the record, I do not oppose housing assistance for our single parents, those withtwo jobs or two incomes who do not qualify under the guidelines of 40B or any otherdeserving member of our community.

What I do have a major problem with is developers targeting our town for projectsthey know will be approved in part due to the lack of control exercised by certaintown officials and our ZBA, people who seem to have no regard to the costs of servicesand infrastructure these projects will generate ($20K - $80K per unit). We simply can’tafford it. One has to ask why Chelmsford has the largest number of 40B projects in theeastern half of the state, with no end in sight.

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state

ballot that would repeal Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

I will absolutely sign a petition and vote to repeal (or amend) the 40B law.

If I am placed on the ballot for selection, I will focus on the following three points:

1. Declare an immediate moratorium on any existing or new 40B projects proposeduntil the vote of September 9, 2010, whether repealed or amended.

2. Require members of the Zoning Board to be elected like every other town officialand not appointed as if they were judges or Supreme Court Justices.

3. Create a seven member citizens fact finding committee to investigate the environ-mental, financial and long term effects of the 40B projects. Some of the figures putforth by the initiatives need to be substantiated and verified. Our town has a com-plex series of wetlands and the watersheds need to be protected, not looked uponas building lots for multiple density projects. The build out scenario from the mas-ter plan has been exceeded and weneed to control our population, main-tain fiscal responsibility and provide forour children and grandchildren a decentplace to live and work and play.

Thank youJim Murray

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Sean ScanlonSean Scanlon1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s existing zoning

requirements?

No. Where it makes sense, government should function at the lowest level possible,enabling citizens the greatest opportunity for representation regarding decisions thataffect daily lives. Allowing developers to circumvent a town’s Master Plan contradictsthe very premise of strategic vision, undermines the authority of local government,and ultimately, the will of town residents to shape the community in which they live.Though I support affordable housing as a way for young professionals, veterans, andseniors to stay and thrive in Chelmsford, 40B is evidence of a law working in benefit of developers, sometimes from out of state, over those locally hoping to live inChelmsford.

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state

ballot that would repeal Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

Yes. I would sign the petition and vote to repeal 40B. I would also work with othermembers of town government to craft a unified message to send to our state legisla-tors and the governor. In attempting to repeal 40B, we must offer changes to the sta-tus quo in order to send an effective message. Often, good ideas go unrealized simplybecause they were not heard. I would seek formation of a temporary committee to examine other ways to offer affordable housing so that in making our case, we presentnot only complaints of frustration against growth, but also propose well-considered alternatives for the betterment of all.

Thank you for reading. I am still seeking volunteers to help with my campaign. Pleasevisit my website at www.seanscanlon.us to learn more about me, and contact me [email protected] if you would like to get involved.

—Sean

Campaign Party: Sean Scanlon for Chelmsford Selectman

Sunday, March 15, 20094:00pm - 8:00pm

Chelmsford Country Club66 Park Road

Chelmsford, MA

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Donald Van DyneDonald Van Dyne1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s

existing zoning requirements?

No, I’m not in support of the State’s Chapter 40B Law (ComprehensivePermit law) as it is currently drafted. I believe the law should be reformed.

To clarify, the Comprehensive Permit Law also known as the ”anti-snob zoning law” wasan attempt by our legislators in 1969 to increase the supply of affordable housing pro-duction, especially in communities where local zoning and other restrictions were a hin-drance. The intent of the law may have merit, but the mandated execution is unfair,unreasonable and untenable.

The reality is the Town of Chelmsford is impacted by a poorly written state law that limitsthe power of our elected and appointed officials. Unfortunately, Chelmsford officials areblamed for upholding the law. Our focus should be on solving the problem. As a memberof the Board of Selectmen, I will propose policy that all affordable housing projects in theTown of Chelmsford be consistent with our Affordable Housing Plan drafted and approvedin 2005 and encourage 40R (Smart Growth Zoning) development. Further, I’ll work with theBoard of Selectmen to send the message to all proposed applicants that the Town will notentertain development of any project that is not consistent with a LIP- Local Initiative Program.Developments choosing to follow the path of a hostile 40B will run into stiff opposition.

The LIP process, established in 1990, allows many of the decisions to be made at thelocal level by a municipality. Within the guidelines of a LIP, the Town of Chelmsford willcontrol issues such as financing, design and construction. All future affordable housingprojects will be a marriage of elected/appointed officials and citizen ideas with the equityand sweat of the applicant.

Further, we should direct energy toward our state legislators, by means of writing lettersand making calls, so our united voice will be heard. We need to let Beacon Hill know theChapter 40B law should be reformed and provide relief for our town.

My two proposals will allow for increased community control, citizen participation andwill benefit all taxpayers in Chelmsford. My proposals are fair, reasonable and sustainable.

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state ballot that would repeal

Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

Repealing the law is only half the job. We need to reform the law. Simply repealing thelaw keeps the door open for a new adverse law which may work against the Town ofChelmsford in the future.

The Comprehensive Permit law must be reformed to give power to the municipalities.Elected and appointed officials in our town, working with the community, must be em-powered to control the development of responsible affordable housing. The Town ofChelmsford should not be forced by the State to submit to any unwanted affordablehousing development.

Because of this, I would only sign such a petition if it included reform.

The two proposals I mentioned in Question #1- Chelmsford’s Affordable Housing Planand a program similar to a LIP- are realistic approaches to dealing with the possible un-controllable growth and demands on town services from excessive affordable housing projects.

Thank you,Donald Van Dyne (978.256.6909)

Please Save the Date—Campaign PartySunday, March 1, 2009, 4pm-8pm

Chelmsford Country Club

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Matt HansonMatt Hanson1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’s

existing zoning requirements?

I support affordable housing and the idea of a 40B Law but I do not support the cur-rent 40B Laws. Currently, Chapter 40B has many flaws and everyone I have met agreesthat the Laws needs to be changed.

The term “local control” is sometimes used as a smokescreen when talking aboutChapter 40B but there is definitely some validity to this argument. With the currentLaw, not only do towns not have adequate time to work with the developers’ requests,they are essentially powerless to change them. According to the current 40B Law, aslong as a town has less than 10% affordable housing, even if the towns ZBA opposesit, it will still likely get passed by the state. Until a town has 10% affordable housing,they have virtually no say as to how they will reach that 10%. The Law with its currentrequirements does not promote responsible building, it promotes any project that hasa certain amount of affordable housing and that follows a certain number of flexiblestandards. This is not the best way to go about bringing more affordable housing intoour communities. Many towns are not against overriding their current zoning bylawsfor the purpose of affordable housing, but under the current 40B Laws they are notgiven any control over this and that is unacceptable.

The intent of the Law is good, but since it does not allow towns a say in the imple-mentation of affordable housing I cannot support it as written.

I would also like to note that I understand the other impacts that 40B and other afford-able housing projects have on towns and if you would like to talk further about those,please email me at [email protected]

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state ballot that would repeal

Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

I would rather support changes to the current 40B Law but since this is not happen-ing, I would therefore support a ballot question to repeal Chapter 40B Laws. This is notbecause I don’t believe in affordable housing, I simply believe that if the current Law isnot going to be fixed to allow towns a say in the implementa-tion of affordable housing, it should be repealed until a newLaw is passed. If the current Law stays in place, the ill effectsthat it brings about will continue and this is unacceptable.The current 40B Laws do not promote responsible buildingand they should be repealed until a new Law encompassingthe existing concerns can take its place.

Matt HansonCampaign Kickoff—You’re invited to meet and talk with MattSaturday, Febuary 28 2009, 4:00pm - 8:00pmPlace: Chelmsford Country Club, 66 Park Road, Chelmsford

Come in and discuss the issues with Matt. Voice your concerns and hear what he has to say. Refreshments will be served.

Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Steve RobertsSteve Roberts

1. Do you support the State’s 40B Law which allows developers to override a town’sexisting zoning requirements?

No, I do not support the State’s 40B Law in it's current form. I do support the need tomake available affordable housing in every community but not through a process thatcircumvents every town planning & development board with the exception of theZoning Board of Appeals, leaving the decision to an appointed official that may notnecessarily share the majority view of our town’s residents or have the perspective thatthe other boards bring (ie. Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Historic DistrictCommission, etc). 40B is heavily weighted to favor large developers without considera-tion of the fiscal burden on municipalities, ie. taxpayers.

2. Would you sign your name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state ballot that would repeal

Chapter 40B Laws?

If it does get on the ballot, would you vote to repeal 40B?

I would sign my name on a petition to place a question on the 2010 state ballot &vote to repeal Chapter 40B Laws if no progress is made to reform the existing law.Chapter 40B is a statewide issue effecting all communities, but Chelmsford has shownto be one of the most vulnerable communities to big development & abuse of the ex-isting 40B laws given the town’s attractive qualities like our education system, publicsafety record, location to major highways & vicinity to urban settings like Lowell &Boston. Chelmsford should be a leading community to push the state to reform 40B.Ideas like proposing amendments in having incentives towards redevelopment orcounting mobile homes as a full 1.0 low income housing unit (I believe they currentlycount as 0.5 units) must be pushed by our town leadership and not left to our state of-ficials alone to lead. This is more evident now in tough economic times when the veryqualities that have attracted commerce and families like mine to Chelmsford are beingthreatened by abuse of the very intent of the 40B Law.

The 13th annual The 13th annual Politically IncorrectPolitically Incorrect

selectmen debate selectmen debate WithWith

Tom ChristianoTom Christiano

CLICK HERE FOR DEBATE VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR DEBATE VIDEO

ChelmsfordChelmsford ’’ssBits & PiecesBits & Pieces

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------- Original Message --------Subject: [CPLfriends] The Chelmsford Library Needs Your Help TODAYDate: Mon, 23 Feb 2009From: Chelmsford Library Friends <[email protected]>

Dear Friend of the Library,

THE LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

The Friends of the Library just learned that severe cuts are planned for the Library's Fiscal Year2010 budget. This budget cut will be a larger percentage than most town department cuts. Thisdisproportionate cut will mean that the Chelmsford Public Library will almost certainly lose itsState Certification.

Loss of Certification means:

Loss of $55,000 in State Library AidAll Chelmsford residents lose borrowing privileges from all other Libraries in the stateChelmsford students lose the ability to obtain materials from other towns' libraries to completetheir school projectsTown residents no longer have access to interlibrary loans. (Chelmsford is the largest user of in-terlibrary loan of any town in the consortium, and processed 150,000 requests last year.)When asked about the disproportionate cuts, town officials responded that it is the 'Library'sturn' for deep cuts. This is an unacceptable penalty on residents and on our Library that servesthe people of Chelmsford so efficiently, and has such a large presence in our town's culture.

We acknowledge the town is having a tough time financially, and that the Library should do itspart to help with this struggle. However, we ask the town to ensure that the Library budget willmeet Certification requirements.

SO – WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Show your opposition NOW to the disproportionate budget cut. Reply to this e-mail; a sampleletter can be found below. Please include your name and address. We plan to present your lettersto the Selectmen at the town information session on Wednesday of this week, February 25.Numbers talk. Forward this email to all your Chelmsford friends and neighbors. They shouldsend their letters to [email protected] the Town Manager, the Finance Committee members, and Town Selectmen to tell them youwant the Library's budget cuts to be limited to an amount that will allow the town to keep itsState Certification.

Ask your Town Representatives to call the Town Manager andFinance Committee members to express their support of the Library.

Thank you for your support of the Library.

Madeleine NeedlesPresidentChelmsford Friends of the Library- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To Town Manager Paul Cohen, the Chelmsford Finance Committee, and the Board of Selectmen:

I believe that the Library's mission is too important to our town to have drastic cuts made to itsalready small budget. Also, I am very concerned about losing my ability to use other town li-braries or to borrow materials from them through interlibrary loan if the Chelmsford Library losesits State Certification. This loss of Certification will also mean that the Library will lose an addi-tional $55,000 in state aid, making the impact of budget cuts even greater. Please restoreenough of the Chelmsford Library's Budget to remedy this problem.

(Please add your name and address here.)

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The Following Submitted by Phil Stanway - Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship

Chelmsford Community GardenChelmsford Community Garden

CHELSMFORD, MA—February 17, 2009—There has been a lot of buzz around town about anew community garden taking shape along Robin Hill Road in Chelmsford. So much so thatplots, that will be prepared and ready for planting in early spring, are already being reservedfor those who ask.

To learn more about what the town has planned and to reserve a plot, the public was invitedto an informational meeting at Jones Farm, 246 Acton Road, on Sunday, February 22nd. Dur-ing this meeting, Community Garden Manager Phil Jones talked about the town’s goal tokeep the 22 acre land it purchased in 2008 as agricultural property, as well as water solutions,a community tool shed, parking, organizational details, and access to the garden from thenew bike trail.

The half acreWalter F. Lewis Community Garden at Sunny Meadow Farm, as it is now known,will have 31 plots, measuring 15’ X 30’ each. Each plot will have an annual fee of $50 to coveroverall expenses of running the community garden. Five plots are reserved for non-profitgroups that may wish to grow fresh vegetables for people in need in our community. It is ex-pected the community garden will quickly be self-sufficient and that the annual fees will thenhelp to restore the property over time.

For more information about theWalter F. Lewis Community Garden at Sunny Meadow Farmcall Jones Farm at 978-256-8065.

Contribute to Community Garden Tool Shed

The newWalter F. Lewis Community Garden at Sunny Meadow Farm will have a tool shed for use by thegardeners who tend their own plots on the property. Some wood has been donated, but to keep expensesto a minimum, the following donations are being accepted:

-lumber (project leftovers)-hinges-locks

-cinder blocks-doors

-roofing material-gardening tools forgardeners to share

-money to purchase theitems above

-time to help constructthe shed

If you have anything tocontribute, please call

Jones Farm at978-256-8065.

The Following Submitted by Sheila Pichette - Precinct 4 Town Meeting Representative

Hi Roy,

I want to ask some people in town to use the town pages (link noted below) in order to connect with our legislative representatives.This communication would be to ask for their support of the Reform Package as indicated in the Massachusetts Municipal Association's letterwhich is enclosed on the same town page.It would be great if you could send the link along to others who might connect with our legislators in a similar way.

Sheila

http://www.townofchelmsford.us/whats-happening.cfmAs Town Representative in Chelmsford, MA I urge you to support issues set forth in theMassachusetts Municipal Association's letter regarding the ReformPackage.

We, as a community, are being stretched too thin financially andurge your support to enable us to continue to serve our residentsto a degree in which they deserve for public safety,education and other areas of our town life.

Thank you for your continued work on behalf of our town.

Sincerely,

Sheila PichetteTown RepresentativePrecinct 4

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The Following Submitted by Laura Lee - North Chelmsford Resident

Take a tour of the North Town Hall

Saturday, February 28th, 9:00 - 10:15am

View the past, present and future

value of this historic landmark

Meet and Greet with Town Representatives and Constituents

March 3rd, 7:00pm, St. John's Church, North Chelmsford

Please join us to hear about a renovation and funding proposal with

minimal impact to the town and participate in the discussion regarding

alternate proposals for the future use of North Town Hall.

Visit our website:

"http://web.me.com/amsgpc/North_Town_Hall/Welcome.html"

Save Our History!

The Following Submitted by Jim Lane - Planning Board Member & 2009 Master Plan Committee

Mr. HollywoodMr. HollywoodMon Feb 23, 2009

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/fun/entertainment/x1362381373/Mr-Hollywood

CHELMSFORD -Greg Marcks andMartin Sheen onthe set of 'EchelonConspiracy.' Mar-cks, who grew upin Chelmsford,will release his lat-est film, a thriller,on Feb. 27.Besides Sheen, the cast includes Edward Burns,Shane West and Ving Rhames.

http://echelonconspiracy.com/

Chelmsford group statesbillboards equalequal revenue

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11780828

By Rita Savard, [email protected]

02/25/2009

CHELMSFORD -- In tough economic times, a few Chelmsford residents and some high-schoolstudents have drawn up a plan that could put $150,000 back into town coffers.

By placing one to three billboards along Interstate 495 and Route 3 in Chelmsford, Sal Lupoli,owner of the Sal's Pizza chain, said the town could earn enough money to build a new athleticfield and generate a substantial annual revenue stream. Lupoli attended Monday night's select-men's meeting with one request for town officials: "Let the people vote on it."

Tonight, the Chelmsford Planning Board will hear the proposal and vote whether to schedule aseries of public hearings on the issue before Town Meeting on April 27.

"This is a zero expense for the town but has the potential for makingthe town hundreds of thousands of dollars," Lupoli said.

The idea was hatched a few years ago, when Chelmsford High School students, coaches and

Sal Lupoli

athletic directors were brainstorming ways to give their beat-up athletic field a face-lift.

"We knew the town had no money to support this kind of project," Lupoli said.

Then they heard what happened in East Boston. The city approved a billboard that now standsnear Logan Airport. The structure has paid for a new school athletic field and city park improve-ments.

After hearing Lupoli's proposal for one billboard near CHS, town officials saw the potential forbringing in more money to a cash-strapped Chelmsford.

The town's proximity to I-495 and Route 3 is a desirable location that's sure to draw competitiveproposals from advertisers, Lupoli said. A billboard planning committee has suggested three lo-cations -- in North Chelmsford, abutting Route 3 on Oak Hill; at Chelmsford High School, inclose proximity to the Drum Hill rotary; and on a diamond-shaped parcel at the interchange ofRoute 3 and the Lowell Connector.

If the Planning Board agrees to move the proposal forward, the Board of Selectmen would needto approve a warrant article for Town Meeting on April 27. If two-thirds of Town Meeting ap-proves the plan, the town would begin looking at proposal requests from potential billboardcompanies. Any company the town selects would pay a monthly fee for the ability to advertisethere.

Chelmsford would have total control over revenue and advertising content, Lupoli said. Thatmeans forbidding certain types of advertisements, such as tobacco and alcohol, if it wishes.Chelmsford can even stipulate that a company carve out periods of time over the year to use abillboard for promoting Chelmsford's own events, like WinterFest.

The plan also requires that potential advertisers pay to maintain any billboards.

Ultimately, Lupoli said all revenue raised from advertisers could be used for any purpose thetown chooses. He just hopes a piece of it goes toward a new athletic field that the entire towncould use.

"It's no surprise that money is scarce right now, and we have no ideawhen the state's economy will improve," Selectmen Chairman PhilipEliopoulos said. "This is an opportunity worthy of being investigated."

The Chelmsford Planning Board will discuss the issue at its meeting tonight at 7, at Town Of-fices, 50 Billerica Road.(2/25/09)

PhilipEliopoulos

If you have friends, family or neighbors who would like to be addedIf you have friends, family or neighbors who would like to be addedto this news update list,to this news update list,

just have them drop me a line atjust have them drop me a line [email protected]@gmail.com

“Quote of the week”“Quote of the week”

““ Last year we said,'Things can't go on like this',

and they didn't,they got worse.””

- Will Rogers- Will Rogers

A Trip DownA Trip DownMemory LaneMemory LaneWhy can’t children’s TVWhy can’t children’s TVbe as intelligent as itbe as intelligent as itwas when I was a kid?was when I was a kid?

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