Voters unanimously accept town takeover of Rez

Article 35, the Reservoir Pond article that everyone had been waiting for, finally came up for a vote late in the second session of Canton’s annual town meeting, held last Wednesday, April 27. Every resident who attended the session voted affirmatively for the article, which authorizes the town to acquire both the pond and dam from its current owners, Canton Development Properties, a subsidiary of the Napleton Company.

The unanimous vote was followed by a loud ovation. Without this transfer, Napleton would have breached the dam, but instead has agreed to make all necessary repairs and then donate the property to the town as a gift.

Finance Committee Chairman Alan Hines told the audience that the dam, once repaired, will cost the town about $5,000 in annual maintenance costs. If the total value of the property — which is not yet determined — is 15 percent above the estimated $10 million, Napleton is willing to donate a portion for future maintenance costs.

Selectman Sal Salvatori, who represented the town in a lengthy negotiations process with Napleton officials, called the transfer a win-win for all. Napleton receives a tax benefit and the town gets control of the sizeable property for open space, recreational activities, water rights, and property protection for residents who live around the dam.

An environmental study done last fall that examined the water and soil around the dam concluded there was little or no contamination. Selectmen plan to establish a citizen advisory committee to help them address future issues and maintenance.

Salvatori acknowledged that while many town officials have issues with Napleton concerning the ownership of the Plymouth Rubber site, negotiations with Rick Brandstatter, the company’s director of real estate, were positive and productive.

In other town meeting news, voters approved the first step in the enactment of the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, which allows towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge that would go toward the purchase of open space, historic preservation, and community housing.

In Canton’s case, the surcharge would be 1 percent of the annual real estate tax levy and would not apply to the first $100,000 of taxable real estate. Low-income property owners would also be exempt.

The surcharge must also be approved at the next town election or at a special town meeting. The earliest the tax could be imposed is Fiscal Year 2013. Deb Sundin of the Conservation Commission, which proposed the article, said the surcharge would cost the average homeowner $42 per year.

In addition, the state would match an estimated 25 percent of the funds raised locally. Sundin said if the act was enacted this fiscal year, Canton would have had over $565,000 to spend on open space, historic preservation or affordable housing.

Proponents pointed to a number of potential sites for use while opponents cited an additional tax for businesses and for residents who are already struggling to pay their mortgages. Selectman John Connolly questioned whether the state would have any control over the properties, while also noting that the state has lowered its contribution in consecutive years. Selectman Avril Ekort said it is not the right time, given the current economic conditions, to impose this tax.

In other news, town meeting approved the selectmen’s request to enter into negotiations with the state on the future ownership of the Ponkapoag Golf Course. If the state decides to lease the course, Canton has the right of first refusal. The article authorizes selectmen to negotiate a lease agreement with a golf management company within the next three years.

If the state decides to sell to Canton, selectmen will be putting out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to interested golf management companies based on four principles: accounting and affordability, maintenance and improvement of the property, improved financial viability, and allowance of passive recreational activity. A consultant’s report to selectmen previously estimated it would cost $10 million to make the necessary improvements and repairs to the golf course.

A meeting held a few weeks ago between Selectman Victor Del Vecchio and state representatives reportedly went well, with officials expressing interest in Canton’s proposal.

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Posted by Mike Berger on May 5 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.