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DECEMBER4th2008

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Selectmen Chairman Philip Eliopoulos

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By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.comUpdated: 11/13/2008

CHELMSFORD -- The hard decisions have only begun as Chelmsford officials stare down a$3.3 million deficit.

Although some services and programs survived the bare-bones budgets and down economiccycles of the past, no one could have predicted the current fiscal crisis, Town Manager PaulCohen said last night during a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School and Financecommittees.

"It's an historic time," Cohen said. "I've been looking at every department to see where wecan make further cuts. I just don't have an answer for how to do that tonight."

Several cuts already went into effect this year. A fire station and an elementary school wereclosed. Town and school employees were laid off. Fees were instated for school-bus trans-portation, and climbed across the board for school athletics and clubs.

Anticipating a drop in all the town's major revenue sources, including property taxes, stateaid and local receipts, there seem to be few alternatives left besides laying off more town andschool personnel next year, officials said.

Town Accountant Darlene Lussier said some of the biggest declines in revenue include a 20percent cut in motor-vehicle excise tax, dipping from about $4.1 million to $3.3 million, and a35 percent decrease in building permits, going from about $700,000 to $450,000.

State aid is expected to shrink by about $860,000.

Cohen said he can't see cutting public safety any further. The number of police calls areup, yet patrol officers have been reduced, sometimes with only four officers on the roadduring a shift, Cohen said.

Firefighters have also been reduced to a minimum of nine per shift. Cohen said the town

must be ready to respond to two simultaneous fire calls, requiring at least eight firefighterson duty at all times.

Superintendent of Schools Don Yeoman said the school district is prepared to operate withinits budget, but that would mean more cuts to vital programs and services across the board.

Chelmsford Finance Director John Sousa said the skyrocketing health-insurance cost for thetown's 663 active employees and 737 retirees is one of the town's biggest budget-busters.If health insurance continues to increase at the same rate, by 2012 nearly 10 cents onevery dollar the town spends will be on health insurance, Sousa said.

Cohen said the town could have saved $1.4 million on health-insurance premiums if thetown had been able to join the state's health-insurance plan. Although state legislators lastmonth extended the deadline to join the state's Group Insurance Commission, town officialssay it won't happen this year.

Part of the legislation signed in July 2007 by Gov. Deval Patrick requires that cities and townsnegotiate membership in the GIC with all local unions and earn at least a 70 percent positivevote from those bargaining units. That threshold, designed to protect the collective-bargainingrights of employees, has proven to be a major impediment for communities like Chelmsfordthat wanted to join GIC but couldn't muster the support.

Selectmen Chairman Philip Eliopoulos blasted the teachers union last night for failing torespond to town officials' request to come back to the negotiating table.

"The deadline was extended to help cities and towns save money, and when the teachersunion doesn't even respond, that's a disgrace," Eliopoulos said.

Eliopoulos requested that all union heads be invited to the next budget session to get abetter understanding of what the town is bracing for in fiscal year 2010.

All three boards will meet again Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Chelmsford Senior Center to dis-cuss next year's budget.

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http://www.lowellsun.com/letters/ci_11050160

Chelmsford teachers didn't halt negotiationsChelmsford teachers didn't halt negotiations

The Lowell SunUpdated: 11/22/2008

We of the teachers' union in Chelmsford respect the town leadership and the tenets ofgood-faith bargaining. It was therefore with great surprise that we read the article "Chelms-ford facing difficult decisions over $3.3M deficit" (Nov. 13). It is not a surprise that Chelms-ford is facing difficult times -- we all are.

What surprised us was that Philip Eliopoulos, chair of the selectmen, "blasted the teachersunion" for failing to respond to town officials' request to come back to the negotiating table.We were not the ones who ended negotiations. That was the decision of the selectmen.

All town unions are required by the state to meet together to discuss whether to join thestate insurance plan (GIC). No single union could meet in isolation from the others. But notown official made any request to the teachers' union or any other union in town, either inwriting or verbally, requesting further discussions about the insurance issue. Despite Mr.Eliopoulos' seeming contempt for teachers and unions, we would most certainly have re-sponded, had we been contacted. Mr. Eliopoulos seems to feel that blaming teachers ismore important than placing the truth before the public.

The town unions offered to put the original negotiations on hold in September becausethere was not enough time to communicate with our memberships and get back to the townbefore the deadline. We asked to suspend, pending new insurance-rate information from ourcurrent providers. The selectmen chose instead to end the negotiations.

Further, on the day before the story was published with Mr. Eliopoulos' comments, the In-surance Advisory group (representatives from all the town unions) met for over two hours todiscuss a variety of other insurance options that might better serve our members at lowercost than the GIC and therefore could provide greater savings to the town of Chelmsford.Historically we have moved to contain insurance costs more than surrounding communities,and were praised by The Sun for doing so.

While Mr. Eliopoulos' comments were upsetting, The Sun's editorial blast was insulting. Bypiggybacking on the selectman's comments, The Sun is taking its usual anti-Chelmsford,anti-education stance. In this case all Chelmsford unions, but especially the teachers'union, have been damaged by The Sun's negative comments. No retraction after the initialSun blast will reach the same number of readers and restore the good name of thesegroups. These groups work for the total betterment of Chelmsford. Such negative directionfrom the selectmen does nothing to help the town.

Perhaps it would have helped if Mr. Eliopoulos and The Sun had gotten their facts straightfirst.

KATHRYN CHAMBERLAINpresidentChelmsford Federation of Teachers***********************************************************************************http://www.lowellsun.com/letters/ci_11050158

Selectmen concerned for taxpayers, workersSelectmen concerned for taxpayers, workers

The Lowell SunUpdated: 11/22/2008

In her letter to the editor, Kathryn Chamberlain, president of the Chelmsford Federation ofTeachers, discusses the status of negotiations between the town and unions regardinghealth insurance, stating that "...no town official made any request to the teachers' union or

any other union in town, either in writing or verbally, requesting further discussions aboutthe insurance issue." ... She also makes an assertion that the town, and specifically Select-man Philip Eliopoulos, holds teachers themselves in less than favorable light. This issimply not the case.

It is important to understand that Chelmsford, along with other communities throughout thecommonwealth, is facing one of the more difficult economic times in recent history. Withthe prospect of significant layoffs of town employees, the Board of Selectmen last year de-cided to bring to the voters an override to raise an additional $2.8 million in property taxesto avoid cuts in education, public safety, and other town services. Following the failed at-tempt, the town worked collectively to achieve a fiscal 2009 balanced budget. This, however,could not be done without a significant cut in local service, most notably with the closing ofone of our elementary schools as well as our fire station in South Chelmsford, as well aspersonnel cuts in the Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Town Manager'sOffice and other town departments.

Going forward, we are predicting a deficit of more than $3million in next year's operatingbudget, which will mean further reductions in personnel unless we can achieve savings inother areas. This is why we as a board and the town manager worked diligently to get theunions to approve going into the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC),which could have achieved savings in excess of $1.4 million. We do not want to see furtherreductions in services, and we especially want to avoid layoffs in this difficult economic cli-mate. To say that we do not care about our employees is simply not the case. Any savingswe could have generated by going GIC would have been used to preserve jobs. This shouldalso be the primary objective of the union leadership.

Phil Katz, as a field representative for the American Federation of Teachers, was hired torepresent the Chelmsford teachers union during the GIC negotiations and served as thespokesman/principal negotiator for the entire Public Employee Committee during the GICnegotiations. It was, in fact, the Public Employee Committee that ended the negotiations onSept. 4, thus ending our efforts to achieve the Oct. 1 deadline for joining the GIC on July 1,2009. Teachers' union representative Phil Katz ended the discussions by the request for asix-month hiatus in negotiations, which would have made July 1, 2010 the earliest date forthe town to join the GIC. This delay in negotiations precluded any budgetary savings for theupcoming fiscal year when it will be most needed.

Sufficient time remained in September to achieve the Oct. 1 deadline for joining the GIC.The parties originally had another meeting scheduled for the second week of September.This meeting was canceled upon the union's demand for the six-month hiatus. It was the re-sponsibility of the unions to inform its membership of the information pertaining to enroll-ment in the GIC during the months of our negotiations. Therefore, the claim of insufficienttime for the union leadership to communicate with the membership before the Oct. 1 dead-line is not acceptable.

On Oct. 31, Human Resources Director Jeanne Parziale sent to union officials a request toresume discussions, immediately after the state Legislature extended the deadline untilDec. 1 for municipalities to join the GIC on July 1, 2009, expressing the town's sincere in-terest in resuming negotiations. An invitation to continue discussion on the insurance issuewas e-mailed to union representatives on Oct. 31. The teachers' union, through their repre-sentative Phil Katz, failed to respond. We are happy to share a copy of that e-mail with

anyone who is interested in reviewing it.

Our first responsibility is to the taxpayers by using every tax dollar as efficiently as possi-ble. However, we will continue to show our concerns for our employees and for the level ofservice we can offer this community during these challenging economic times.

PHILIP M. ELIOPOULOS and ERIC DAHLBERGChelmsford Board of SelectmenEEddiittoorr ''ss nnoottee:: CChhaammbbeerrllaaiinn sseenntt aa ccooppyy ooff hheerr lleetttteerr ttoo EElliiooppoouullooss eeaarrlliieerr tthhiiss wweeeekk..

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The most recent Politically Incorrect Cable TV Show presenteda lively discussion of the town of Chelmsford's proposal to

their local unions to incorporate the State GIC health insur-ance into their town employee benefit plan options. This change would have saved the town an estimated $1.4 mil-lion, which could have been used to avoid many lay offs oftown employees. During the show, Philip Eliopoulos and TomChristiano strongly recommended that the town incorporatethe GIC health plan, while Billy Martin argued that the unionsshould stay with the plans they currently have.

Pam Armstrong was also on the show, talking about the Plan-ning Board openings, and whether she'll run for re-electionnext April. Philip did the same from the Board of Selectmenperspective. The show also discussed the recent Selectmenvote not to put Tax Classification on the Townwide Ballot nextApril. A link to the Google Video of this entire Politically Incor-rect TV Show is as follows:

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Mass. budget crisis has Greater Lowell police bracing for cutsBOSTON -- The statewide budget crisis has forced Gov. Deval Patrick to make significant cuts insome of his most personal projects, including public safety, which has been a priority for the governorin both his campaign and early administration.

Last month, Patrick eliminated his $4 million municipal police-grant program and cut funding to com-munity policing. Local police say those steps will end the hiring of new officers and lead to othercrime-fighting cutbacks.

As part of Patrick's efforts to plug a $1.4 billion budget gap, the governor slashed $5 million, or 24percent, of the $21.3 million community-policing fund that goes to cities and towns throughout thecommonwealth.

Chelmsford, slated to receive $26,000 in local policing funds, will now get $18,000. ChiefJames Murphy said the $8,000 cut will lead to fewer extra patrols for shoplifting during theholiday season and fewer patrols assigned to watch for car break-ins.Like Lowell, these cuts are hitting Chelmsford at a time when the Police Department is alreadyshort-staffed. The department is eight officers shy of an ideal complement and short on detectives, affecting drug and crime investigations, according to Murphy.

"We are functioning with a minimum level of patrol officers on shifts and we have scaled backdramatically on personnel over the last several years," Murphy said.

For full story CLICK HERE CLICK HERE http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_11040456

The intent of the state’s housing law (Chapter 40B) was to ensure that the state would pro-duce affordable housing. From urban neighborhoods to rural communities across the state,40B has produced mostly expensive market-priced housing. Each of the last four decadeshas witnessed severe declines in the percentage of affordable units being produced by 40B.

Whatever the problems are, one thing is clear: Massachusetts is the only state to use 40Band after 40 years, we rank 49th in the nation in housing affordabilityafter 40 years, we rank 49th in the nation in housing affordability ..

44440000BBBB IIIInnnn TTTThhhheeee NNNNeeeewwwwssssHearing on 40B housing statute slammedHearing on 40B housing statute slammedBy Christine McConville | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 By Christine McConville | Wednesday, November 19, 2008 http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Marketshttp://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets

Critics of the state’s affordable housing law say they weren’t told about a hearing today onsignificant changes to the statute.

This morning, officials at the state Department of Housing and Community Development expect tohear public comments on the agency’s plans to change the law.

The changes, if approved, will increase a developer’s profit while limiting a community’s ability to oppose the developments.

“I would have liked to have known about it,” said Sen. Robert Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican who serves on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing.

He and other foes of the state’s Chapter 40B law say they learned of the hearing only this week,when one of Hedlund’s aides was reviewing the agency’s Web site.

Phil Hailer, a spokesman for the housing agency, said in an e-mail that the state posted notices inseven Massachusetts newspapers and also notified legislative staff.

Hedlund and other Chapter 40B critics say the law has created overdevelopment because buildersare allowed to bypass zoning rules in exchange for setting aside 20 percent of their housing unitsfor lower income people.

Supporters say 40B is a valuable tool for creating affordable housing.

The law requires developers to limit their profits to 20 percent of the total project cost. Additional profit must go to the community that houses the project.

At a Senate hearing on Chapter 40B in September, state Inspector General Gregory Sullivan said many developers have skirted the profit limit and may owe cities and towns asmuch as $100 million.

At the time, housing agency chief Tina Brooks said theAt the time, housing agency chief Tina Brooks said theagency would respond to Sullivan’s concerns by changing theagency would respond to Sullivan’s concerns by changing thelaw.law.Article URL: http://www.bostonheald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1133344Article URL: http://www.bostonheald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1133344

LOWELL SUNLOWELL SUN

AAAAnnnntttt iiii ----44440000BBBB ggggrrrroooouuuupppp wwwwrrrr iiii tttteeee ttttoooo iiii ttttssss ppppooooiiiinnnnttttBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.comBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.comUpdated: 11/19/2008 Updated: 11/19/2008

CHELMSFORD -- The letter was mailed to every household in Chelmsford. CHELMSFORD -- The letter was mailed to every household in Chelmsford.

About 14,000 received the message from the anti-40B group, Slow GrowthAbout 14,000 received the message from the anti-40B group, Slow GrowthInitiative, which blasts town officials for pandering to developers at the exInitiative, which blasts town officials for pandering to developers at the ex--

pense of taxpayers. With 885 units of affordable housing in town, the grouppense of taxpayers. With 885 units of affordable housing in town, the groupsaid officials should be outraged Chelmsford "is no more affordable nowsaid officials should be outraged Chelmsford "is no more affordable nowthan it has ever been." than it has ever been."

Fred Marcks, a spokesman for the group, said one of the biggest problemsFred Marcks, a spokesman for the group, said one of the biggest problemsis Chelmsford has hardly any land left to build on, but must construct 3,235is Chelmsford has hardly any land left to build on, but must construct 3,235more units to meet the state's 10-percent mandate for affordable housingmore units to meet the state's 10-percent mandate for affordable housingstock. stock.

"Without the land to build on, developers will have to build denser and"Without the land to build on, developers will have to build denser andhigher structures," Marcks said. "This can't happen. If it does, it will destroyhigher structures," Marcks said. "This can't happen. If it does, it will destroythe character of the town." the character of the town."

The letter asks residents to hold town officials accountable, while it chalThe letter asks residents to hold town officials accountable, while it chal--lenges the Board of Selectmen to follow the lead of officials in Norwell. lenges the Board of Selectmen to follow the lead of officials in Norwell.

In June, the Norwell selectmen wrote Gov. Deval Patrick a letter asking himIn June, the Norwell selectmen wrote Gov. Deval Patrick a letter asking himto intervene on the state's 40B practices. The Norwell board called 40B ato intervene on the state's 40B practices. The Norwell board called 40B a"pro-developer, anti-community character, anti-home-rule weapon." "pro-developer, anti-community character, anti-home-rule weapon."

The board also told the governor that communities have no fair chance ofThe board also told the governor that communities have no fair chance ofupholding their interests when the state housing appeals committee "is anupholding their interests when the state housing appeals committee "is anagency run amok, drunk with its own powers and authority acting withoutagency run amok, drunk with its own powers and authority acting withoutthought to establish law, precedent or common sense." thought to establish law, precedent or common sense."

The Slow Growth Initiative said Chelmsford officials should be representingThe Slow Growth Initiative said Chelmsford officials should be representingthe taxpayers' interests as passionately as Norwell selectmen representthe taxpayers' interests as passionately as Norwell selectmen representtheir constituents.their constituents.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said the Slow Growth Initiative's letter is misTown Manager Paul Cohen said the Slow Growth Initiative's letter is mis--leading because it doesn't talk about the realities of 40B. leading because it doesn't talk about the realities of 40B.

"It indicates that we're giving the store away," Cohen said. "But the decision"It indicates that we're giving the store away," Cohen said. "But the decisionrests at the state level." rests at the state level."

The state's 40B law gives developers the power to override zoning rules inThe state's 40B law gives developers the power to override zoning rules intowns where less than 10 percent of affordable housing meets federal aftowns where less than 10 percent of affordable housing meets federal af--fordability requirements. If a developer plans to make 20 percent of his projfordability requirements. If a developer plans to make 20 percent of his proj--ect meet the state's guidelines of affordability, permission to build can beect meet the state's guidelines of affordability, permission to build can begranted by the state even if the town objects to the project. granted by the state even if the town objects to the project.

"We can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting developers, or we"We can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting developers, or wecan try to work with them to get something built that blends in with the comcan try to work with them to get something built that blends in with the com--munity," Cohen said. munity," Cohen said.

For six years, Chelmsford locked horns with developers over a proposedFor six years, Chelmsford locked horns with developers over a proposed40B for Riverneck Road. In the end, an agreement was reached, but the40B for Riverneck Road. In the end, an agreement was reached, but therecent approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals was the result of a remandrecent approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals was the result of a remandby the courts. by the courts.

While the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen have been vocal in theWhile the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen have been vocal in thepast about joining other towns to repeal 40B laws, Cohen said in the meanpast about joining other towns to repeal 40B laws, Cohen said in the mean--time, the town has to live within the law. time, the town has to live within the law.

Since the letters went out two weeks ago, about 100 people have joinedSince the letters went out two weeks ago, about 100 people have joinedSlow Growth. Marcks said the more town officials clamp down on the state,Slow Growth. Marcks said the more town officials clamp down on the state,eventually, the state will have to act. He hoped to meet with Selectmen toeventually, the state will have to act. He hoped to meet with Selectmen todiscuss ways of actively changing 40B because it ultimately influences thediscuss ways of actively changing 40B because it ultimately influences thetown's budget. town's budget.

"The frustration is you can say you disagree with the law and that the law is"The frustration is you can say you disagree with the law and that the law isbroken, but you don't have to sit back and take it," Marcks said. "There arebroken, but you don't have to sit back and take it," Marcks said. "There arereal actions the town could take tomorrow to confront this, they're just notreal actions the town could take tomorrow to confront this, they're just notdoing it."doing it."

Some interesting information about the proposed Some interesting information about the proposed new 40B development at 291-297 Boston Road.new 40B development at 291-297 Boston Road.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1213466042/New-40B-planned-for-Boston-RoadNew 40B planned for Boston RoadBy David Golann/CorrespondentMon Sep 15, 2008

CHELMSFORD - Carlisle Equity Partners III of Lexington wants to construct 40 housing units on 5 1/2 acres at 291 and 297 Boston Road, next to Immanuel Church.Southfield CrossingSouthfield Crossing would include 16 buildings, mostly three-story townhouses, and 160 parkingspaces.According to the group’s comprehensive permit application, 10 of these units will be affordable, whilethe rest will be market rate. This is the minimum proportion necessary for the developers to take ad-vantage of Massachusetts’ 40B law and build developments that override local zoning codes.

They plan to preserve the wetlands on the site and leave 290 feet of woods and vegetation in theback of the property intact. The property contains a vernal pool, a seasonally recurring body of water,and borders the Warren Wildlife Refuge and Mill Pond.

Unfortunately the developers and the Town had not contacted theChelmsford Land Conservation TrustChelmsford Land Conservation Trust and informed them thatthey are abutters to the new 40B development.They were however able to find out through the newspaper report

Hopefully the developers will have the utmost respect for the Open Space conservation land that borders theirs and the workthat has gone into the restoration of the land?

Warren Wildlife SanctuaryWarren Wildlife SanctuaryApproximately three miles south of downtown, in the midst of high-Approximately three miles south of downtown, in the midst of high-density suburban development, this sanctuary is mostly wetland,density suburban development, this sanctuary is mostly wetland,much of which is part of Russell Mill Pond. Russell Mill Pond ismuch of which is part of Russell Mill Pond. Russell Mill Pond isformed by a dam on River Meadow Brook approximately one quarterformed by a dam on River Meadow Brook approximately one quartermile north of the property boundary. On its south west side, themile north of the property boundary. On its south west side, thesanctuary abuts forty-five acres of Conservation Commission landsanctuary abuts forty-five acres of Conservation Commission landknown as the Thanksgiving Forest. On its north side, the pond conknown as the Thanksgiving Forest. On its north side, the pond con--tinues beyond the property boundary as part of the 132 acre Rustinues beyond the property boundary as part of the 132 acre Rus--sell Mill Pond and Forest property, also held and managed by thesell Mill Pond and Forest property, also held and managed by theConservation Commission. Immediately to the south of the sanctuConservation Commission. Immediately to the south of the sanctu--ary, in the town of Carlisle, is the thousand acre Great Brook Farmary, in the town of Carlisle, is the thousand acre Great Brook FarmState Park and Carlisle State Forest. The sanctuary is linked to theState Park and Carlisle State Forest. The sanctuary is linked to thestate park by River Meadow Brook and serves to connect the largestate park by River Meadow Brook and serves to connect the largecorridor of open space in Chelmsford with this substantial protectedcorridor of open space in Chelmsford with this substantial protectedspacespace..

http://www.chelmsfordlandtrust.org/node/15http://www.chelmsfordlandtrust.org/node/15

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x596328284/Billerica-40B-has-Chelmsford-residents-worried

Billerica 40B has Chelmsford residents worriedBillerica 40B has Chelmsford residents worriedBy David Golann/CorrespondentWed Dec 03, 2008, 10:08 AM EST

BILLERICA - Big housing developments often face criticism from neighbors, but aplan for a 14-bulidng 40B development on the town line is catching flack from resi-dents and officials in both Billerica and Chelmsford.

“This is quite a mammoth development,” said Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen.“I’ve got residents of Chelmsford who abut the project and are quite concerned.”

As proposed, Aspen Apartments would stretch from Rangeway Road in Billerica up tothe backyards of Chelmsford residents on Bishop and State streets. The developer’scomprehensive permit application features 14 four-story buildings, with more than 600housing units and roughly 1,500 parking spaces.

Billerica Selectman Jim O'Donnell is concerned that such a large development willsimply overload the town's public services. He says his community did not plan itssewer, water, school and emergency response systems to support this level of growth.

“It is a very big hit all at once,” said O'Donnell. “We have two intersections alongRangeway Road without signals at Chelmsford Road and Route 4. Right now they arenot suited for large volumes of cars.”

The developers also plan to build an emergency entrance onto State Street. Although,according to Chelmsford Community Development Director Evan Belansky, there issome question to the developer’s claim that the road ends at the town line.

Residents of this quiet, forested neighborhood claim that their living situation willchange abruptly if the project goes forward and their yards will face four-story build-ings.

Bishop Street resident and Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative Bill Griffinhelped to fight off a 55-and-over development on the same parcel back in 2003. Hefeels Billerica officials should have informed Chelmsford abutters about the projectwhen it first surfaced earlier this year.

“It is quite possible they could vote on this Wednesday night and we would have norecourse other than legal,” said Griffin, referring to the Billerica Zoning Board of Ap-peals’ Dec. 3 hearing on the project. “We were definitely blindsided by this.”The proposed building area contains significant wetlands and is not zoned forThe proposed building area contains significant wetlands and is not zoned forresidential building. The developers intend to get around these restrictionsresidential building. The developers intend to get around these restrictionsusing the state’s 40B law and offering a quarter of the units at affordableusing the state’s 40B law and offering a quarter of the units at affordablehousing rates.housing rates.

Garden Homes Development of Short Hills, N.J. is the company behind the project. Ac-cording to its promotional materials, it “takes advantage of tremendous volume buyingin order to cut down on overhead costs.”

The developers are represented by lawyers from Freeman, Davis and Stearns LLC, aBoston legal group specializing in property law. The firm has guided several controver-sial Billerica projects through the approval process, including the Villas at Old Con-cord.

Developers purchased the land for the Villas for roughly $1 million, only to sell it for$5.4 million one week after receiving final building approval in 2003. The complex latersold again for $80 million, raising concerns that developers were wiggling around the40B profit limits mandated by the state.

Billerica may feel powerless in this process, but Griffin claims the state gives prece-dent for towns to reject such huge developments. He says large communities that turndown 40B projects with over 300 units stand a reasonable chance of having its deci-sion upheld.

Billerica officials were able to find one benefit among the possible problems posed byAspen Apartments. If such a large-scale development was completed, it might allowthe town to achieve its state-mandated 10 percent portion of affordable housing.

“It is one positive along with all of the negatives,” said Billerica Town Manager BillAmes. “I suppose that is a small solace.”Staff Writer Kevin Zimmerman contributed to this report.

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Tax ClassificationTax Classification

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11069437

Chelmsford board KOs split tax rateChelmsford board KOs split tax rateBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com11/25/2008

CHELMSFORD -- After weighing in requests to shift the tax burden onto local businesses, the Boardof Selectmen voted unanimously last night to keep residents and businesses at the same tax rate foranother year.

"The way to provide true relief to taxpayers is having strong business taxpayers," said SelectmanChairman Philip Eliopoulos.

In a separate vote, selectmen also unanimously favored keeping a nonbinding question on tax classi-fication from appearing on the April election ballot. The request for a ballot question came to select-men in the fashion of a citizen's petition, signed by more that 30 residents.

"We shouldn't be governing by petition," said Selectman Bill Dalton.---------For complete story click here http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11069437

******http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/business/x541365042/Selectmen-nix-tax-classification

Selectmen nix tax classificationSelectmen nix tax classificationBy David Golann/Correspondent

Tue Nov 25, 2008

CHELMSFORD - On Monday night, advocates of tax classification suffered two stinging defeats in less than half anhour.The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to reject to create a split tax rate along with a citizen’spetition calling for a non-binding ballot question on the issue.

For more than 10 years the selectmen have stopped all attempts to levy higher taxes on commercial

properties in order to reduce the tax burden on homeowners.

“We should not be governing by petition,” said Selectman Bill Dalton. “We have the responsibility toset the tax rate given to us by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It’s up to us to make a decisionwith the whole picture, not just part of it.”The board gathered new information during a recent hearing on the issue, but most of it seemed toconfirm their existing beliefs. The proceedings were dominated by Chief Assessor Frank Reen’sstudy, which undermined the petitioners’ claim that the town was undervaluing commercial proper-ties.

“There is a perception that business are getting a sweetheart deal, but that is clearly not true,” saidSelectman Eric Dahlberg.The board struck a conciliatory note by renewing its pledge to make more businesses turn in theproper paperwork to town assessors. Reen noted that the compliance rate has increased from in thelast year, but still hovers at 36 percent.

The selectmen appeared to spend more time deliberating on a citizen’s petition for a spring ballotquestion on classification. Most board members went so far as to applaud the efforts of the petition-ers before rejecting their initiative.

“I do struggle a little bit with this,” said Chairman Phil Eliopoulos. “Unless it is a question that is offen-sive or out of bounds part of me tries to say, ‘I want to honor their request.’”

Outgoing board member Dalton was more confrontational.He challenged Eliopoulos for appearing to waffle on his earlier stand against classification.

“Do you mean your vote was wrong?” said Dalton. “Nothing would change my mind. If they want toget the 2,500 signatures or whatever, they can do it.”

In order to override the selectmen’s decision, petitioners must gather signatures from 10 percent ofChelmsford residents. Organizer Matthew Cilento previously pledged he would find the signatures if necessary.

***LOWELL SUN LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Let 'we the people' decideLet 'we the people' decideThe Lowell Sun11/29/2008

The Sun ran a story on Nov. 25 about Chelmsford's Board of Selectmen voting unani-mously to keep the town's residential and business tax rates the same, at least for an-other year. I applaud them for their unanimity and also their decision. What I do findreprehensible action by the board is the fact that they rejected the idea that a group ofcitizens should be able to promote an initiative petition, non-binding at that.

What makes Selectman Bill Dalton think that a non-binding petitionWhat makes Selectman Bill Dalton think that a non-binding petitiontakes the place of the board's responsibility for governing? I personallytakes the place of the board's responsibility for governing? I personallywouldn't have voted in favor of the petition, but this is America, The lastwouldn't have voted in favor of the petition, but this is America, The lasttime I checked, "We the People" have a larger right than a few selectmentime I checked, "We the People" have a larger right than a few selectmento promulgate what we think may be right for the town, state or country.to promulgate what we think may be right for the town, state or country.After all, we are the ones who ultimately are going to foot the bill.After all, we are the ones who ultimately are going to foot the bill.

It's a crying shame how, what started out as a representative government, has deterio-rated over the years to where bureaucrats, now, in towns, states and of course the fed-eral government, turn a deaf ear to the citizens they are supposed to be representing.What kind of representation are we getting when something as democratic as an initiative petition is trivialized and trashed?

BOB MOORESChelmsford

LOWELL SUN EDITORIAL

Let the people voteLet the people vote11/28/2008

Chelmsford's Board of Selectmen took a page out of the state Legislature'santi-democracy book, and residents should be concerned.

This is not a best-seller by any stretch of the imagination. While denyingcitizens' petitions is routine on Beacon Hill, it must not become businessas usual on Drum Hill.

On Monday night, selectmen denied a citizens' initiative petition on taxclassification from appearing on the April ballot.

The initiative would have asked voters to approve a change in the town'sneutral tax system, shifting more of the burden onto businesses and less-ening the load on residential taxpayers. It would also grant an exemption tosmall businesses.

As proposed, the initiative is nonbinding. That means selectmen wouldhave no obligation to make it law should the initiative pass. In effect, thequestion would serve as a sounding board for gauging public sentiment onthe debate-worthy issue of tax classification.

At present, Chelmsford business owners and residential property ownerspay the same tax rate.

For years, selectmen and citizens have debated splitting the tax rate with-out moving in that direction.

The initiative's architect, Matthew Cilento, says a tax shift wouldn't bring inmore revenue, but it would offer relief to homeowners who are being askedto pay the same as income-producing businesses.

We see no good reason why selectmen rejected bringing this issue to atownwide vote. It is incumbent on elected officials to listen to their con-stituents -- whether they agree with them or not -- and to act on theirbehalf. In this instance, several dozen citizens launched a petition drive tohear what all voters felt about a legitimate issue. They were not seeking totake power away from selectmen or any other town authority.

They just wanted their neighbors to weigh in. This is the cornerstone of ourdemocracy. It should not be denied.Sometimes, our elected officials become out of touch with the true senti-ments of the people they serve. The Founding Fathers instituted the initia-tive petition process so that citizens had a democratic avenue to redressgovernment. We don't take up arms to change the decisions of our electedleaders; we vote.

We urge the Board of Selectmen to reconsider its vote and allow law-abiding citizens their basic right to be heard in a truly democratic fashion.

It's disheartening that a local municipal board would place a higher valueon its authority to deny democracy than to willingly embrace it in a directvote of the people.

Chelmsford business owner & CBA member Chelmsford business owner & CBA member speaks to the Board of Selectmen speaks to the Board of Selectmen about the citizen ballot question about the citizen ballot question

Click Here for Video LinkClick Here for Video Link--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chelmsford Board of Selectmen give reasons for theirChelmsford Board of Selectmen give reasons for theirVote on Citizens Ballot Question concerning Vote on Citizens Ballot Question concerning

Split Tax rateSplit Tax rate

Click Here for Video LinkClick Here for Video Link

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11078647

Signing on for a tax fixSigning on for a tax fixBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.comUpdated: 11/26/2008

CHELMSFORD -- It will take 2,100 signatures to get tax classification on the April ballot.

Matthew Cilento is determined to make it happen.

In the wake of a unanimous decision by the Board of Selectmen to block theissue from going to voters, supporters of shifting the tax burden onto local businesses are ready to do some serious legwork.

"The people who pay taxes in town should at least have"The people who pay taxes in town should at least havetheir voices heard," their voices heard," said Cilento, the chief architect behind a petition toput tax classification on the ballot. "There are networks in place to gather thosesignatures. The numbers will speak for themselves."

Voters have been debating the town's tax rate for more than a decade, but thisyear marked the first time in history town officials were petitioned for a townwidevote.

Before rejecting the request Monday night, the Board of Selectmen said levyinghigher taxes on commercial properties would not benefit the town as a whole.

"The way to provide true relief to taxpayers is having strong business taxpayers,"said Selectmen Chairman Philip Eliopoulos during Monday's vote, adding that hestruggled with the decision of keeping a non-binding question off the ballot.

But Eliopoulos said yesterday the board ultimately felt that setting the tax ratewas something the board was elected to do by the residents.

"At what point do you not put something on the ballot?" he asks. "If you're goingto do anything by referendum, then you don't need a Board.

You can just put everything on the ballot."

Supporters of tax classification said that if larger companies like Wal-Mart, Hannaford and Kohl's were paying more in taxes, it would ease some financialstrain on families trying to make ends meet in a slow economy.

Opponents argued that shifting the tax burden onto businesses would hurt smallbusinesses, result in lower commercial and industrial property values, and actually force homeowners to shoulder more levies.

Chelmsford had a split tax rate from 1987 to 1998. Since then, every attempt toreinstate classification has been halted.Homeowners and business owners pay the same tax rate, $13.50 per $1,000 ofassessed valuation.

Selectmen ruled this week that the level tax rate will apply for 2009 as well, andis expected to go up about $14.33 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or, according to assessors, about $50 per single family household.

During the past five years, the average single family property tax bill in Chelmsford has climbed from $3,948 to $5,105, or a 29.31 percent increase.********************************************************************************************

Matt Cilento told me he has been getting calls andemails about his ballot petition.Interestingly he has gotten calls from those who own businesses in town asking to sign his petition.

When asked why, Matt was told that even though theywould vote against Tax Classification they thought thecitizens should have the right to have the question onthe April town election ballot.

Also other citizens who would not vote for classification expressed the same opinion such as Chelmsford cable’spolitical talk show host Tom Christiano...

From: Tom Christiano Date: December 3, 2008 9:29:35 AM ESTTo: Matt Cilento Subject: Hi Matt

Hi Matt:

I'll sign your petition, as I believe in hearing from the people, even on non-binding ballot questions, and even though I am against tax classification. 8-)

-- CHRISTIANO PRODUCTIONS:POLITICALLY INCORRECT: Tues & Weds 8:30 PM;

Thurs 7:00 AM; Sundays 11:00 AMREEL TALK: Thursdays 8:00 PM and Saturdays 8:30 PMSPOTLIGHT ON CHELMSFORD: Various Times Chelmsford Cable TV Channel 8

For those interested For those interested in the ballot petition in the ballot petition andandthe the story story behind behind the story the story contact contact MATT MATT atatLetThePeopleSpeak@gmail.comLetThePeopleSpeak@gmail.com

N

Taken from theTewksbury Town CrierNovember 20

Power Plant Inches Closer to State ApprovalPower Plant Inches Closer to State ApprovalSiting Board drafting tentative letter

By Jayne W. MillerBOSTON- The Energy Facilities Siting Board last week voted unanimously todirect staff to draft a “tentative determination” to approve the proposalfor siting a 348 megawatt power plant in Billerica, directly on Tewks-bury’s border.

While a seemingly minor development, not even meriting a mention on theEFSB website, the vote tips off the beginning of a process. Once the EFSBissues the letter, which insiders tell the Crier is likely, a seven-daycomment period begins where interveners, the proponent and similar inter-ested parties may respond. After the comment period closes, the boardwill vote again, moving toward a tentative decision.

DG Clean Power, LLC, together with Montgomery Energy Billerica PowerPartners LP, proposed a 348 Megawatt “peaking” power plant for a site inNorth Billerica near Baker Commodities and Jack’s Auto Parts, just overthe Tewksbury town line. Entrance to the plant will actually be in Tewks-bury. At 348 MW the plant would be the 13th largest power plant in Massa-chusetts. As a peaking power plant it will operate during periods of highelectricity demand, typically winter cold snaps and hot summer days andon average 1,500 hours per year up to a maximum 2300 hours per year. Theplant, should it pass the hurdles before it, will use natural gas topower the facility, with up to 200 hours of ultra low sulfur diesel oper-ation during periods of peak natural gas demand.

BillericaPowerPlant.org wrote in a weekly email to subscribers, “Whiledisappointing, this decision was not unexpected. A final decision fromthe EFSB must still be rendered. The proposal must still receive permitsfrom several other state agencies, and pass the scrutiny of several Bil-

PPPP oooo wwww eeee rrrr PPPP llll aaaa nnnn tttt IIII nnnn ffff oooo

lerica boards. This process is far from over. Stay tuned ...”

Billerica Watchers Group member, and Tewksbury resident, Karyn Sliva, toldthe Crier in a written statement that Billerica Watchers “were not al-lowed to submit a response following what amounted to be many unsubstan-tiated assertions made by DG Power at the hearings.”

Billerica Watchers, the only legal intervener, believes members of theEFSB had incomplete information presented in large part by “embellishedstatements and inconsistent mapping and site layouts” presented by theproponent DG Clean Power. Billerica Watchers says that the site layoutsused “were previously found to be in error at the hearings.”

Both the Billerica Watchers Group and BillericaPowerPlant.org noted inconversations with the Crier that the proponent has not yet presented theFinal Environmental Impact Report (FEIR). In the case of a proposed powerplant in Brockton, a process going on longer than Billerica and a projecthigher up the list than Billerica, submitted its FEIR before the hearingsprocess began. The Billerica Energy Center hearings already closed.

DG Clean power did submit a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), butit is typical to give the FEIR report to the Board to ensure that allmembers know the full extent of the expected environmental impact eluci-dated in the report.

Sliva adds, “BWG will be awaiting the formal Tentative Decision whichwill be collaborated and written by the Presiding Officer and Board Ana-lyst of the EFSB who conducted the full hearings, and the BillericaWatcher will be expecting that they will perform their due diligence andcomprehensively review the complete record.”

Paige Impink, of BillericaPowrPlant.org, reminded the Crier that “Nothingchanges for us because this is just a step in a very long process.” Shealso adds that there is a precedent for plants being sited but later notbuilt.Both groups agree that the process remains far from over.

A representative from DG Clean Power did not respond immediately to an email Tuesday afternoon.

from “LEFT IN LOWELL” from “LEFT IN LOWELL” Member of the reality-based community of progressive Massachusetts blogsMember of the reality-based community of progressive Massachusetts blogs

by Lynne Lupien by Lynne Lupien

http://www.leftinlowell.com/2008/12/02/we-dont-need-the-power-now-and-shouldnt-later-either/

December 2, 2008December 2, 2008

We Don’t Need The Power Now - And Shouldn’t Later, Either!We Don’t Need The Power Now - And Shouldn’t Later, Either!

The biggest argument from the proponents looking to build CO2-pollutThe biggest argument from the proponents looking to build CO2-pollut--ing power plants in MA, like ones proposed in Billerica and Brockton, ising power plants in MA, like ones proposed in Billerica and Brockton, isthat we’re constantly in need of more power, and need to ramp up ourthat we’re constantly in need of more power, and need to ramp up ourinfrastructure to meet tomorrow’s needs. And anyway, natural-gas-firedinfrastructure to meet tomorrow’s needs. And anyway, natural-gas-firedplants are sooo much better than coal, so really, we need these in theplants are sooo much better than coal, so really, we need these in theinterim…let us build these plants so we can make money hand over fist,interim…let us build these plants so we can make money hand over fist,your air quality won’t get that bad, and you need us. Sure we’ll be tranyour air quality won’t get that bad, and you need us. Sure we’ll be tran--sitioning to renewables and conservation someday, but in the meansitioning to renewables and conservation someday, but in the mean--time…time…

Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong.Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong.

The gas- and diesel-burning plant would produce 350 megawatts of elecThe gas- and diesel-burning plant would produce 350 megawatts of elec--tricity and is slated to open by 2012.tricity and is slated to open by 2012.

But new sources of power won’t be needed until 2014 at the earliest, acBut new sources of power won’t be needed until 2014 at the earliest, ac--cording to a recent report from electricity overseer ISO New England.cording to a recent report from electricity overseer ISO New England.

And it may be even longer before the Brockton plant is needed if otherAnd it may be even longer before the Brockton plant is needed if otherplants come into service first, electricity projections show.plants come into service first, electricity projections show.

Yet that won’t mean state energy regulators will reject it. Under stateYet that won’t mean state energy regulators will reject it. Under statelaw, such forecasts aren’t considered by the Energy Facilities Sitinglaw, such forecasts aren’t considered by the Energy Facilities SitingBoard, the permit-granting board.Board, the permit-granting board.

That’s a disappointment to project opponents.That’s a disappointment to project opponents.

(And remember, the more natural gas plants go up, the quicker our resi(And remember, the more natural gas plants go up, the quicker our resi--dential gas bills, yours and mine, go skyrocketing too.)dential gas bills, yours and mine, go skyrocketing too.)

The thing is, by 2014, we should have long been seeing the effects ofThe thing is, by 2014, we should have long been seeing the effects ofbetter policies at the local, state, and federal levels - both in conservabetter policies at the local, state, and federal levels - both in conserva--tion (reducing our need for power overall) and in ramping up the use oftion (reducing our need for power overall) and in ramping up the use of

renewables, spurred on by such programs as Commonwealth Solar, orrenewables, spurred on by such programs as Commonwealth Solar, orlocal contests (to start with). Thereby, I predict (and am quite sure oflocal contests (to start with). Thereby, I predict (and am quite sure ofmyself) that even 2014 will not see an increased need for power. If we’remyself) that even 2014 will not see an increased need for power. If we’reseeing an increased need for power in five years, we have much biggerseeing an increased need for power in five years, we have much biggerproblems than having the cost of electricity go up due to scarcity (andproblems than having the cost of electricity go up due to scarcity (andhonestly, having scarcity might be the only thing at that point that willhonestly, having scarcity might be the only thing at that point that willforce us to conserve like we should be).force us to conserve like we should be).

Like the oil market these days, where a downturn has reduced demandLike the oil market these days, where a downturn has reduced demandso sharply we’ve seen the price slip to 1/3 its peak cost, below $50 aso sharply we’ve seen the price slip to 1/3 its peak cost, below $50 abarrel (a price I never thought I would see in my lifetime again!), powerbarrel (a price I never thought I would see in my lifetime again!), powerand electricity demand should be going down, and also be suppleand electricity demand should be going down, and also be supple--mented by decentralized power, where every rooftop which is prime realmented by decentralized power, where every rooftop which is prime realestate for solar will have it, and every windy backyard will have a windestate for solar will have it, and every windy backyard will have a wind--mill, and home owners will begin to look beneath their foundations formill, and home owners will begin to look beneath their foundations forgeothermal.geothermal.

Decentralized power, as discussed by such people as Jeremy Rifkin inDecentralized power, as discussed by such people as Jeremy Rifkin in“The Hydrogen Economy,” is a huge threat to the profits of Big Power“The Hydrogen Economy,” is a huge threat to the profits of Big Powertypes that like to pressure us with warnings of electrical scarcity, sotypes that like to pressure us with warnings of electrical scarcity, sothey can keep building giant, polluting plants in our backyards. Thisthey can keep building giant, polluting plants in our backyards. Thistime, we don’t have to listen to them. We’re on our way to true energytime, we don’t have to listen to them. We’re on our way to true energyindependence - including from our own industrial power giants. Theindependence - including from our own industrial power giants. Theplants in Brockton, or Billerica, or the myriad other sites being considplants in Brockton, or Billerica, or the myriad other sites being consid--ered in MA, are not needed.ered in MA, are not needed.

Let them go the way of the dinosaurs. Evolve, or get out of the way.Let them go the way of the dinosaurs. Evolve, or get out of the way.

BILLERICA MINUTEMANBILLERICA MINUTEMANhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/billerica/news/x541375226/Special-Town-Meeting-supports-new-power-plant-bylaws

Special Town Meeting supports new power plant bylawsSpecial Town Meeting supports new power plant bylawsBy Liana Measmer/Correspondent

Wed Dec 03, 2008

BILLERICA, MASS. - If Jeanne Landers had any doubt as to the viability of her warrant article, it wasIf Jeanne Landers had any doubt as to the viability of her warrant article, it wasclearly dispelled at Tuesday night’s Special Town Meeting.clearly dispelled at Tuesday night’s Special Town Meeting.

Representatives voted to support Article 2, a proposal to add bylaws whichRepresentatives voted to support Article 2, a proposal to add bylaws whichwould regulate and oversee electric generating power plant facilities in Billerica.would regulate and oversee electric generating power plant facilities in Billerica.

The Finance Committee recommended the article while the Rules Committee The Finance Committee recommended the article while the Rules Committee opposed it, saying it lacked certain definitions of what a power plant was.opposed it, saying it lacked certain definitions of what a power plant was.

Precinct 11 representative Arthur Torrey came to the microphone to gave his Precinct 11 representative Arthur Torrey came to the microphone to gave his “minority opinion” report and outlined what amendments he wanted to see“minority opinion” report and outlined what amendments he wanted to seeadded. Before discussion, Town Moderator Scott Winchell read off a list of fouradded. Before discussion, Town Moderator Scott Winchell read off a list of fouramendments put forth by Landers to bring the article in line with what Torreyamendments put forth by Landers to bring the article in line with what Torreywas suggesting.was suggesting.

Town Counsel Pat Costello gave his opinion this article was doing nothing moreTown Counsel Pat Costello gave his opinion this article was doing nothing morethan setting up a regulatory committee. He pointed out that facilitates like thisthan setting up a regulatory committee. He pointed out that facilitates like thisare regulated by state law.are regulated by state law.

“Committees and boards on local and state levels will maintain their own power,”“Committees and boards on local and state levels will maintain their own power,”said Costello at the Tuesday, Dec. 2, Special Town Meeting.said Costello at the Tuesday, Dec. 2, Special Town Meeting.Landers explained she gathered more than 400 signatures in order to get the Landers explained she gathered more than 400 signatures in order to get the article added to the warrant.article added to the warrant.

“It was interesting to find out what people don’t know,” said Landers, a “It was interesting to find out what people don’t know,” said Landers, a representative of Precinct 7.representative of Precinct 7.

DG Clean Power has proposed a 348-megawatt gas-fired peaking power plant inDG Clean Power has proposed a 348-megawatt gas-fired peaking power plant inNorth Billerica. Last month, the plant was given tentative approval by the EnergyNorth Billerica. Last month, the plant was given tentative approval by the EnergyFacilities Siting Board. Landers pointed out there has never been a facility thisFacilities Siting Board. Landers pointed out there has never been a facility thislarge in Billerica before and she said there could be unexpected consequenceslarge in Billerica before and she said there could be unexpected consequencesfrom the environmental impact.from the environmental impact.

“We must be careful and take responsibility,” said Landers. “We need to “We must be careful and take responsibility,” said Landers. “We need to understand what is needed.”understand what is needed.”

Landers listed all the bylaws the town has, but pointed out there are none forLanders listed all the bylaws the town has, but pointed out there are none forpower plants. The proposed plant is due to move through the next phases ofpower plants. The proposed plant is due to move through the next phases ofstate approval within the month.state approval within the month.

“At this time, the town has an opportunity to have standing,” said Landers.“At this time, the town has an opportunity to have standing,” said Landers.Precinct 11 representative Ed Bunker added historical information about a coalPrecinct 11 representative Ed Bunker added historical information about a coal

plant and another electric power plant which came into Billerica but did not plant and another electric power plant which came into Billerica but did not receive approval.receive approval.

State Representative Bill Greene, D-Billerica, stood in favor of the article, reState Representative Bill Greene, D-Billerica, stood in favor of the article, re--minding the floor that its intent was to provide a framework for a common goal.minding the floor that its intent was to provide a framework for a common goal.“It’s a great step in the right direction,” said Greene.“It’s a great step in the right direction,” said Greene.In the end, the floor voted in favor of the article and Landers thanked the bodyIn the end, the floor voted in favor of the article and Landers thanked the bodyfor their support.for their support.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/billerica/news/x541375226/Special-Town-Meeting-supports-new-power-plant-bylaws

Powerless power-plant Powerless power-plant proposal passes in Billericaproposal passes in Billerica

By Chris Camire, ccamire@lowellsun.comUpdated: 12/03/2008 10:05:58 AM EST

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LLaannddeerrss ssaaiidd sshhee hhooppeess iitt wwiillll eennccoouurraaggee ttoowwnn lleeaaddeerrss ttoo ttaakkee aaLLaannddeerrss ssaaiidd sshhee hhooppeess iitt wwiillll eennccoouurraaggee ttoowwnn lleeaaddeerrss ttoo ttaakkee aacclloosseerr llooookk aatt tthhee pprrooppoossaall ffoorr tthhee BBiilllleerriiccaa EEnneerrggyy CCeenntteerr..cclloosseerr llooookk aatt tthhee pprrooppoossaall ffoorr tthhee BBiilllleerriiccaa EEnneerrggyy CCeenntteerr..

""TThhiiss nneeeeddss ttoo bbee llooookkeedd aatt ccaarreeffuullllyy aanndd iinn aa ccoonncceerrtteedd wwaayy,,"" sshhee""TThhiiss nneeeeddss ttoo bbee llooookkeedd aatt ccaarreeffuullllyy aanndd iinn aa ccoonncceerrtteedd wwaayy,,"" sshheessaaiidd.. ""TThhee llooccaall bbooaarrddss aanndd ooffffiicciiaallss aarree tthhee oonnllyy oonneess wwiitthh aannyy ssaayy..ssaaiidd.. ""TThhee llooccaall bbooaarrddss aanndd ooffffiicciiaallss aarree tthhee oonnllyy oonneess wwiitthh aannyy ssaayy..AA hhuuggee pprroojjeecctt lliikkee tthhiiss sshhoouulldd bbee ggeettttiinngg ccaarreeffuull ssccrruuttiinnyy..""AA hhuuggee pprroojjeecctt lliikkee tthhiiss sshhoouulldd bbee ggeettttiinngg ccaarreeffuull ssccrruuttiinnyy..""

TToowwnn CCoouunnsseell PPaattrriicckk CCoosstteelllloo ssaaiidd tthhee aarrttiiccllee wwiillll ccrreeaattee aann ""aaddvviiTToowwnn CCoouunnsseell PPaattrriicckk CCoosstteelllloo ssaaiidd tthhee aarrttiiccllee wwiillll ccrreeaattee aann ""aaddvvii----ssoorryy ccoommmmiitttteeee"" ttoo ssttuuddyy tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt,, bbuutt wwiillll ddoo lliittttllee eellssee..ssoorryy ccoommmmiitttteeee"" ttoo ssttuuddyy tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt,, bbuutt wwiillll ddoo lliittttllee eellssee..

""RReegguullaattiioonn iiss ccoonnttrroolllleedd bbyy ssttaattee llaaww aatt tthhee ssttaattee aanndd llooccaall lleevveell,,""""RReegguullaattiioonn iiss ccoonnttrroolllleedd bbyy ssttaattee llaaww aatt tthhee ssttaattee aanndd llooccaall lleevveell,,""CCoosstteelllloo ttoolldd TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg.. ""NNoonnee ooff tthhaatt wwiillll cchhaannggee..""CCoosstteelllloo ttoolldd TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg.. ""NNoonnee ooff tthhaatt wwiillll cchhaannggee..""

SSeevveerraall TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg rreepprreesseennttaattiivveess ssppookkee ppaassssiioonnaatteellyy iinn ffaavvoorr ooffSSeevveerraall TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg rreepprreesseennttaattiivveess ssppookkee ppaassssiioonnaatteellyy iinn ffaavvoorr oofftthhee aarrttiiccllee,, ssaayyiinngg tthhaatt aa ppoowweerr ppllaanntt ppoosseess ggrraavvee rriisskkss ttoo tthheetthhee aarrttiiccllee,, ssaayyiinngg tthhaatt aa ppoowweerr ppllaanntt ppoosseess ggrraavvee rriisskkss ttoo tthheehheeaalltthh ooff BBiilllleerriiccaa''ss rreessiiddeennttss..hheeaalltthh ooff BBiilllleerriiccaa''ss rreessiiddeennttss..

""TThheerree aarree cchhiillddrreenn iinn tthhiiss aarreeaa wwhhoo wwiillll bbee iimmppaacctteedd bbyy tthhiiss ppoowweerr""TThheerree aarree cchhiillddrreenn iinn tthhiiss aarreeaa wwhhoo wwiillll bbee iimmppaacctteedd bbyy tthhiiss ppoowweerrppllaanntt,,"" RRoommee CCaappoobbiiaannccoo ssaaiidd..ppllaanntt,,"" RRoommee CCaappoobbiiaannccoo ssaaiidd..JJaammeess CCaassaarrjjiiaann--PPeerrrryy ssaaiidd mmaannyy ooff hhiiss ccoonnssttiittuueennttss aapppprrooaacchheedd hhiimmJJaammeess CCaassaarrjjiiaann--PPeerrrryy ssaaiidd mmaannyy ooff hhiiss ccoonnssttiittuueennttss aapppprrooaacchheedd hhiimmbbeeffoorree llaasstt nniigghhtt''ss mmeeeettiinngg aasskkiinngg hhiimm ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt tthhee aarrttiiccllee..bbeeffoorree llaasstt nniigghhtt''ss mmeeeettiinngg aasskkiinngg hhiimm ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt tthhee aarrttiiccllee..

""IInn tthhee ssttaattee wwee''rree iinn,, wwhheerree wwee aarree eexxttrreemmeellyy ccoonncceerrnneedd aabboouutt ffoossssiill""IInn tthhee ssttaattee wwee''rree iinn,, wwhheerree wwee aarree eexxttrreemmeellyy ccoonncceerrnneedd aabboouutt ffoossssiillffuueellss,, wwee sshhoouulldd hhaavvee aa bbyyllaaww aatt tthhee llooccaall lleevveell,,"" CCaassaarrjjiiaann--PPeerrrryyffuueellss,, wwee sshhoouulldd hhaavvee aa bbyyllaaww aatt tthhee llooccaall lleevveell,,"" CCaassaarrjjiiaann--PPeerrrryyssaaiidd..ssaaiidd..

LLaasstt nniigghhtt''ss mmeeeettiinngg wwaass ccaalllleedd aafftteerr LLaannddeerrss ccoolllleecctteedd mmoorree tthhaannLLaasstt nniigghhtt''ss mmeeeettiinngg wwaass ccaalllleedd aafftteerr LLaannddeerrss ccoolllleecctteedd mmoorree tthhaanntthhee 220000 ssiiggnnaattuurreess rreeqquuiirreedd ttoo ggiivvee sseelleeccttmmeenn tthhee aauutthhoorriittyy ttoo ccaallll aatthhee 220000 ssiiggnnaattuurreess rreeqquuiirreedd ttoo ggiivvee sseelleeccttmmeenn tthhee aauutthhoorriittyy ttoo ccaallll aaSSppeecciiaall TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg ttoo ccoonnssiiddeerr aa ssiinnggllee wwaarrrraanntt aarrttiiccllee..SSppeecciiaall TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg ttoo ccoonnssiiddeerr aa ssiinnggllee wwaarrrraanntt aarrttiiccllee..

SShhee hhaadd ppllaannnneedd ttoo bbrriinngg tthhee aarrttiiccllee ttoo tthhee fflloooorr ooff TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg iinnSShhee hhaadd ppllaannnneedd ttoo bbrriinngg tthhee aarrttiiccllee ttoo tthhee fflloooorr ooff TToowwnn MMeeeettiinngg iinnOOccttoobbeerr,, bbuutt sshhee mmiisssseedd tthhee ddeeaaddlliinnee ttoo ssuubbmmiitt iitt bbyy sseevveerraall mmiinnuutteess..OOccttoobbeerr,, bbuutt sshhee mmiisssseedd tthhee ddeeaaddlliinnee ttoo ssuubbmmiitt iitt bbyy sseevveerraall mmiinnuutteess..

TThhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt pprrooppoosseedd ffoorr NNoorrtthh BBiilllleerriiccaa hhaass ddrraawwnn ooppppoossiittiioonnTThhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt pprrooppoosseedd ffoorr NNoorrtthh BBiilllleerriiccaa hhaass ddrraawwnn ooppppoossiittiioonnffrroomm aa vvooccaall ggrroouupp ooff rreessiiddeennttss.. BBiilllleerriiccaa WWaattcchheerrss,, aa cciittiizzeennss aaccffrroomm aa vvooccaall ggrroouupp ooff rreessiiddeennttss.. BBiilllleerriiccaa WWaattcchheerrss,, aa cciittiizzeennss aacc----ttiivviisstt ggrroouupp ffoorrmmeedd ttoo pprreevveenntt tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt ffrroomm bbeeiinngg bbuuiilltt,, hhaassttiivviisstt ggrroouupp ffoorrmmeedd ttoo pprreevveenntt tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt ffrroomm bbeeiinngg bbuuiilltt,, hhaassaarrgguueedd tthhaatt iitt wwiillll ppoossee aa hheeaalltthh rriisskk ttoo tthhee ccoommmmuunniittyy..aarrgguueedd tthhaatt iitt wwiillll ppoossee aa hheeaalltthh rriisskk ttoo tthhee ccoommmmuunniittyy..

LLaasstt mmoonntthh,, tthhee ssttaattee EEnneerrggyy FFaacciilliittiieess SSiittiinngg BBooaarrdd vvootteedd uunnaanniiLLaasstt mmoonntthh,, tthhee ssttaattee EEnneerrggyy FFaacciilliittiieess SSiittiinngg BBooaarrdd vvootteedd uunnaannii----mmoouussllyy ttoo ddrraafftt aa tteennttaattiivvee ddeecciissiioonn ttoo aapppprroovvee tthhee BBiilllleerriiccaa EEnneerrggyymmoouussllyy ttoo ddrraafftt aa tteennttaattiivvee ddeecciissiioonn ttoo aapppprroovvee tthhee BBiilllleerriiccaa EEnneerrggyyCCeenntteerr wwiitthh ccoonnddiittiioonnss..CCeenntteerr wwiitthh ccoonnddiittiioonnss..

TThhee bbooaarrdd iiss eexxppeecctteedd ttoo rreeccoonnvveennee iinn JJaannuuaarryy ttoo ttaakkee aa ffoorrmmaall vvootteeTThhee bbooaarrdd iiss eexxppeecctteedd ttoo rreeccoonnvveennee iinn JJaannuuaarryy ttoo ttaakkee aa ffoorrmmaall vvootteeoonn wwhheetthheerr ttoo aapppprroovvee tthhee ddeecciissiioonn.. BBuutt tthhoossee ffaammiilliiaarr wwiitthh tthheeoonn wwhheetthheerr ttoo aapppprroovvee tthhee ddeecciissiioonn.. BBuutt tthhoossee ffaammiilliiaarr wwiitthh tthheepprroocceessss ssaayy iitt''ss uunnlliikkeellyy tthhee bbooaarrdd wwiillll ddeennyy aa ppeerrmmiitt..pprroocceessss ssaayy iitt''ss uunnlliikkeellyy tthhee bbooaarrdd wwiillll ddeennyy aa ppeerrmmiitt..

TThhee MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall PPrrootteeccttiioonn aanndd tthheeTThhee MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall PPrrootteeccttiioonn aanndd tthheeEExxeeccuuttiivvee OOffffiiccee ooff EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall AAffffaaiirrss mmuusstt aallssoo iissssuuee ppeerrmmiittssEExxeeccuuttiivvee OOffffiiccee ooff EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall AAffffaaiirrss mmuusstt aallssoo iissssuuee ppeerrmmiittssffoorr tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt.. OOnn tthhee llooccaall lleevveell,, tthhee ppllaanntt mmuusstt ggoo tthhrroouugghh tthheeffoorr tthhee ppoowweerr ppllaanntt.. OOnn tthhee llooccaall lleevveell,, tthhee ppllaanntt mmuusstt ggoo tthhrroouugghh tthheeBBooaarrdd ooff HHeeaalltthh,, CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoommmmiissssiioonn aanndd PPllaannnniinngg BBooaarrdd..BBooaarrdd ooff HHeeaalltthh,, CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoommmmiissssiioonn aanndd PPllaannnniinngg BBooaarrdd..

SSeelleeccttmmeenn rreecceennttllyy ccrreeaatteedd aa ccoommmmiitttteeee ccoonnssiissttiinngg ooff mmeemmbbeerrss ffrroommSSeelleeccttmmeenn rreecceennttllyy ccrreeaatteedd aa ccoommmmiitttteeee ccoonnssiissttiinngg ooff mmeemmbbeerrss ffrroommvvaarriioouuss ttoowwnn ddeeppaarrttmmeennttss tthhaatt wwoouulldd mmeeeett eeaacchh mmoonntthh ttoo ddiissccuussss aannyyvvaarriioouuss ttoowwnn ddeeppaarrttmmeennttss tthhaatt wwoouulldd mmeeeett eeaacchh mmoonntthh ttoo ddiissccuussss aannyynneewwss rreeggaarrddiinngg tthhee pprrooppoosseedd ppllaanntt..nneewwss rreeggaarrddiinngg tthhee pprrooppoosseedd ppllaanntt..

BBooaarrdd ooff SSeelleeccttmmeenn CChhaaiirrmmaann JJiimm OO''DDoonnnneellll hhaass ssaaiidd tthhee ccoommmmiitttteeeeBBooaarrdd ooff SSeelleeccttmmeenn CChhaaiirrmmaann JJiimm OO''DDoonnnneellll hhaass ssaaiidd tthhee ccoommmmiitttteeeemmaayy bbee ddiissssoollvveedd iiff LLaannddeerrss'' aarrttiiccllee ppaasssseedd..mmaayy bbee ddiissssoollvveedd iiff LLaannddeerrss'' aarrttiiccllee ppaasssseedd..

ChelmsfordChelmsfordand

HHHH2222OOOOChelmsfor IndependentChelmsfor IndependentPlanning Board wants more from North Chelmsford WaterPlanning Board wants more from North Chelmsford WaterBy Kevin Zimmerman/Staff WriterFri Nov 21, 2008

CHELMSFORD -

At its meeting last week, the Planning Board told engineers representing the North Chelmsford Water District not to return to TownHall until they address all the concerns from board members and resi-dents.The board asked why the engineers from Tata & Howard have not suppliedan architectural plan for its proposed water treatment plant.Other unresolved issues, according to the Planning Board, include a proposal for how the district would deal with a chemical spill and a guarantee that National Grid will grant an easementnecessary for access to the facility.“It’s the details that we’re lacking,” said Planning Board Chairman Pam Armstrong.

Wednesday’s continued public hearing on the water district’s $7.8 millionwater treatment plant proposed for Richardson Road was marked by accu-sations that the water district repeatedly has ignored concerns raised by North Chelmsford water takers.Attorney Doug Hausler, who represents some of the water takers, wantedto know why the district has not responded to requests to release copies of its bylaws along with a detailed budget for the

plant.“This is about transparency of government,” said Hausler. “They are usingpublic funds and need to justify the costs. At the rate this is going, it’sinviting litigation.”Hausler also questioned the district’s assertion that because an office willnot be incorporated into the plant, it would not need a dumpster onsite.“I’d like to see how an 11,000-square-foot facility will generate no trash,”said Hausler.Tata & Howard engineers replied the plant was not proposed as a mannedfacility; trash would be collected in a bucket then taken every couple ofweeks to another water district site for disposal.But it was the lack of agreement from National Grid for an easement that Hausler insists shows the district’s insincerity about open-ness.Although the water district does not an approval from National Grid, it isproceeding as if it does, said Hausler.“It just points to the arrogance of the applicant,” said Hausler. “It’s timefor them to put up or shut up.”Some Planning Board members seemed to agree that the district’s proposalstill lacks important components.Member George Zaharoolis said the district should obtain the easement —or at least a letter saying negotiation are ongoing — from National Grid before proceeding.Other members urged the water district to work with North Chelmsfordresidents to address concerns over property lines, easements and plantsafety.“You need to work with the abutters,” said Planning Board member SueSullivan. “They are your biggest threat for an appeal.”Planning Board member Ann McGuigan offered an even more direct order.“If you come back Dec. 3 without enough answers, we will continue the public hearing without comment,” she said.Kevin Zimmerman can be reached at chelmsford@cnc.com.*

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At the Dec.3rd meeting the North Chelmsford Water District’s At the Dec.3rd meeting the North Chelmsford Water District’s attorney’s sent the planning board a letter requesting a continuanceattorney’s sent the planning board a letter requesting a continuanceto their December 17th meeting to their December 17th meeting

CChheellmmssffoorrddCChheellmmssffoorrddHappeningsHappenings

******************************************TThhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr ooff CChheellmmssffoorrdd"" wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo tthhaannkk aallll ooff hhiiss ffrriieennddssTThhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr ooff CChheellmmssffoorrdd"" wwoouulldd lliikkee ttoo tthhaannkk aallll ooff hhiiss ffrriieennddssaanndd nneeiigghhbboorrss ffoorr ppaarrttiicciippaattiinngg iinn tthhee 22nndd AAnnnnuuaall DDaayy BBeeffoorreeaanndd nneeiigghhbboorrss ffoorr ppaarrttiicciippaattiinngg iinn tthhee 22nndd AAnnnnuuaall DDaayy BBeeffoorreeTThhaannkkssggiivviinngg WWaallkk iinn TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg FFoorreesstt.. TThheerree wweerree hhuunnddrreeddss ooffTThhaannkkssggiivviinngg WWaallkk iinn TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg FFoorreesstt.. TThheerree wweerree hhuunnddrreeddss ooffppeeooppllee tthheerree,, aallll eennjjooyyiinngg tthhee ddaayy,, ssmmiilliinngg aanndd llaauugghhiinngg,, lliikkee aa bbiiggppeeooppllee tthheerree,, aallll eennjjooyyiinngg tthhee ddaayy,, ssmmiilliinngg aanndd llaauugghhiinngg,, lliikkee aa bbiigg""ffaammiillyy"" ggaatthheerriinngg.. ""ffaammiillyy"" ggaatthheerriinngg..

SSppeecciiaall tthhaannkkss ggoo oouutt ttoo tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg ffrriieennddss ooff tthhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr::""SSppeecciiaall tthhaannkkss ggoo oouutt ttoo tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg ffrriieennddss ooff tthhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr::""** BBeecckkyy WWaarrrreenn,, wwhhoo ggaavvee aannootthheerr iinntteerreessttiinngg ttaallkk aabboouutt tthhee hhiissttoorryy** BBeecckkyy WWaarrrreenn,, wwhhoo ggaavvee aannootthheerr iinntteerreessttiinngg ttaallkk aabboouutt tthhee hhiissttoorryyaanndd ttrraaddiittiioonnss ooff CChheellmmssffoorrdd..aanndd ttrraaddiittiioonnss ooff CChheellmmssffoorrdd..** PPhhiill SSttaannwwaayy,, JJiimm TTrriibboouu,, aanndd aallll tthhee LLaanndd CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn SStteewwaarrddss,,** PPhhiill SSttaannwwaayy,, JJiimm TTrriibboouu,, aanndd aallll tthhee LLaanndd CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn SStteewwaarrddss,,ffoorr oorrggaanniizziinngg tthhiiss wwoonnddeerrffuull eevveenntt,, aanndd ffoorr tthhee sseett uupp aanndd cclleeaann uuppffoorr oorrggaanniizziinngg tthhiiss wwoonnddeerrffuull eevveenntt,, aanndd ffoorr tthhee sseett uupp aanndd cclleeaann uuppooff tthhee bbeeaauuttiiffuull TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg FFoorreesstt..ooff tthhee bbeeaauuttiiffuull TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg FFoorreesstt..** PPhhiill JJoonneess aanndd tthhee GGiirrll SSccoouuttss,, ffoorr tthheeiirr ttaassttyy ttrreeaattss aanndd hhoott** PPhhiill JJoonneess aanndd tthhee GGiirrll SSccoouuttss,, ffoorr tthheeiirr ttaassttyy ttrreeaattss aanndd hhoottcchhooccoollaattee..cchhooccoollaattee..

TThhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr"" bbeelliieevveess tthhaatt tthheerree iiss nnoo bbeetttteerr wwaayy ttoo bbeeggiinn oouurrTThhee ""GGooddffaatthheerr"" bbeelliieevveess tthhaatt tthheerree iiss nnoo bbeetttteerr wwaayy ttoo bbeeggiinn oouurrTThhaannkkssggiivviinngg HHoolliiddaayy tthhaann wwiitthh ffrriieennddss,, ffaammiillyy && nneeiigghhbboorrss.. HHeeTThhaannkkssggiivviinngg HHoolliiddaayy tthhaann wwiitthh ffrriieennddss,, ffaammiillyy && nneeiigghhbboorrss.. HHeetthhaannkkss yyoouu aallll ffoorr ccoommiinngg oouutt ttoo tthhee wwaallkk aaggaaiinn tthhiiss yyeeaarr,, aanndd rreetthhaannkkss yyoouu aallll ffoorr ccoommiinngg oouutt ttoo tthhee wwaallkk aaggaaiinn tthhiiss yyeeaarr,, aanndd rree----mmiinnddss yyoouu ttoo mmaarrkk yyoouurr nneeww 22000099 ccaalleennddaarrss ffoorr WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerrmmiinnddss yyoouu ttoo mmaarrkk yyoouurr nneeww 22000099 ccaalleennddaarrss ffoorr WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr2255tthh,, aatt 22::0000PPMM,, ffoorr oouurr 33rrdd AAnnnnuuaall TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg WWaallkk..2255tthh,, aatt 22::0000PPMM,, ffoorr oouurr 33rrdd AAnnnnuuaall TThhaannkkssggiivviinngg WWaallkk..

Holiday Prelude & Tree Lighting CeremonyChelmsford Town Common

Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 4:00 PM – 6:00PM

along with caroling,Hayrides, music,refreshments and Santa.

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X-tras X-tras from the neighborhoodfrom the neighborhood

******************************************Hi Roy - below is good info if you are sending to your list. Personally I would urge the gas tax and raise$300 million and toll only at the state lines. Folks hit with high gas cost / usage generally have anavenue to recoup - companies reimburse business mileage, self employeed people deduct business miles at adecent rate 58.50 cents per mile as of 12/31/08. Plus look at our neighbors in countries like Ireland - thegas tax is what keeps them afloat - I remember being there and paying for a liter what we paid for a gallonin usa. People keep traveling to Ireland and moving business there.......

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Mary

From: Atkins, Cory - Rep. (HOU) From: Atkins, Cory - Rep. (HOU) Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 2:43 PMSent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 2:43 PMTo: 'beacon@cnc.com'; 'mail@carlislemosquito.org'; 'chelmsford@cnc.com'; To: 'beacon@cnc.com'; 'mail@carlislemosquito.org'; 'chelmsford@cnc.com'; 'concord@cnc.com'; 'jim@americantowns.com''concord@cnc.com'; 'jim@americantowns.com'Subject: Subject: FFOORR IIMMMMEEDDIIAATTEE RREELLEEAASSEE:: MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy AAnnnnoouunncceess PPuubblliicc FFOORR IIMMMMEEDDIIAATTEE RREELLEEAASSEE:: MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy AAnnnnoouunncceess PPuubblliicc HHeeaarriinnggss:: RReepp.. AAttkkiinnss UUrrggeess LLooccaall PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonnHHeeaarriinnggss:: RReepp.. AAttkkiinnss UUrrggeess LLooccaall PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonn

FFOORR IIMMMMEEDDIIAATTEE RREELLEEAASSEEFFOORR IIMMMMEEDDIIAATTEE RREELLEEAASSEECCOONNTTAACCTT:: NNAATTAALLIIEE KKAAUUFFMMAANN,, ((661177)) 772222--22001133CCOONNTTAACCTT:: NNAATTAALLIIEE KKAAUUFFMMAANN,, ((661177)) 772222--22001133

MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy AAnnnnoouunncceess PPuubblliicc HHeeaarriinnggss::MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy AAnnnnoouunncceess PPuubblliicc HHeeaarriinnggss::

RReepp.. AAttkkiinnss UUrrggeess LLooccaall PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonnRReepp.. AAttkkiinnss UUrrggeess LLooccaall PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonn

RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee CCoorryy AAttkkiinnss ((DD--CCoonnccoorrdd)) aannnnoouunncceedd ttooddaayy tthhaatt tthhee MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee CCoorryy AAttkkiinnss ((DD--CCoonnccoorrdd)) aannnnoouunncceedd ttooddaayy tthhaatt tthhee MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy wwiillll hhoolldd ffoouurr ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss iinn tthhee mmoonntthh ooff DDeecceemmbbeerr iinn TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy wwiillll hhoolldd ffoouurr ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss iinn tthhee mmoonntthh ooff DDeecceemmbbeerr iinn rreessppoonnssee ttoo tthhee MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy BBooaarrdd''ss rreecceenntt ddeecciissiioonn ttoo iimmpplleemmeenntt rreessppoonnssee ttoo tthhee MMaassss TTuurrnnppiikkee AAuutthhoorriittyy BBooaarrdd''ss rreecceenntt ddeecciissiioonn ttoo iimmpplleemmeenntt ttoollll iinnccrreeaasseess iinn sspprriinngg ooff 22000099.. TThheessee hheeaarriinnggss hhaavvee bbeeeenn sscchheedduulleedd ttoo rreecceeiivvee iinnppuutt ffrroomm tthheettoollll iinnccrreeaasseess iinn sspprriinngg ooff 22000099.. TThheessee hheeaarriinnggss hhaavvee bbeeeenn sscchheedduulleedd ttoo rreecceeiivvee iinnppuutt ffrroomm tthheeppuubblliicc oonn tthhee BBooaarrdd''ss ddeecciissiioonn ttoo rraaiissee ttoollllss aatt tthhee WWeessttoonn aanndd ppuubblliicc oonn tthhee BBooaarrdd''ss ddeecciissiioonn ttoo rraaiissee ttoollllss aatt tthhee WWeessttoonn aanndd AAllllssttoonn--BBrriigghhttoonn ttoollll ppllaazzaass bbyy 7755 cceennttss aanndd ttoo rraaiissee ttoollllss oonn tthhee TTeedd WWiilllliiaammss aanndd SSuummnneerr ttuunnAAllllssttoonn--BBrriigghhttoonn ttoollll ppllaazzaass bbyy 7755 cceennttss aanndd ttoo rraaiissee ttoollllss oonn tthhee TTeedd WWiilllliiaammss aanndd SSuummnneerr ttuunn----nneellss ffrroomm $$33..5500 ttoo $$77.. RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee AAttkkiinnss ssttrroonnggllyy eennccoouurraaggeess nneellss ffrroomm $$33..5500 ttoo $$77.. RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee AAttkkiinnss ssttrroonnggllyy eennccoouurraaggeess hheerr ccoonnssttiittuueennttss ttoo aatttteenndd aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ooff tthhee ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss ttoo vvooiiccee tthheeiirr hheerr ccoonnssttiittuueennttss ttoo aatttteenndd aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ooff tthhee ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss ttoo vvooiiccee tthheeiirr ccoonncceerrnnss wwiitthh tthhee pprrooppoosseedd ttoollll iinnccrreeaasseessccoonncceerrnnss wwiitthh tthhee pprrooppoosseedd ttoollll iinnccrreeaasseess

TThhee ddaatteess,, ttiimmeess,, aanndd llooccaattiioonnss ooff tthhee ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss aarree aass ffoolllloowwss::TThhee ddaatteess,, ttiimmeess,, aanndd llooccaattiioonnss ooff tthhee ppuubblliicc hheeaarriinnggss aarree aass ffoolllloowwss::

BBoossttoonnBBoossttoonnWWeeddnneessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1100,, 22000088WWeeddnneessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1100,, 22000088SSttaattee TTrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn BBuuiillddiinnggSSttaattee TTrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn BBuuiillddiinngg1100 PPaarrkk PPllaazzaa,, 22nndd FFlloooorr1100 PPaarrkk PPllaazzaa,, 22nndd FFlloooorrBBoossttoonn,, MMAA 0022111166BBoossttoonn,, MMAA 002211116666::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..66::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..

LLyynnnnLLyynnnnMMoonnddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1155,, 22000088MMoonnddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1155,, 22000088LLyynnnn CCiittyy HHaallllLLyynnnn CCiittyy HHaallll33 CCiittyy HHaallll SSqquuaarree33 CCiittyy HHaallll SSqquuaarreeLLyynnnn,, MMAA 0011990011LLyynnnn,, MMAA 001199001166::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..66::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..

FFrraammiinngghhaammFFrraammiinngghhaammWWeeddnneessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1177,, 22000088WWeeddnneessddaayy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 1177,, 22000088FFrraammiinngghhaamm MMeemmoorriiaall BBuuiillddiinnggFFrraammiinngghhaamm MMeemmoorriiaall BBuuiillddiinnggNNeevviinnss HHaallllNNeevviinnss HHaallll115500 CCoonnccoorrdd SSttrreeeett115500 CCoonnccoorrdd SSttrreeeettFFrraammiinngghhaamm,, MMAA 0011770022FFrraammiinngghhaamm,, MMAA 001177002266::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..66::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..

WWoorrcceesstteerrWWoorrcceesstteerrWWeeddnneessddaayy,, JJaannuuaarryy 77,, 22000099WWeeddnneessddaayy,, JJaannuuaarryy 77,, 22000099WWoorrcceesstteerr CCiittyy HHaallllWWoorrcceesstteerr CCiittyy HHaallll445555 MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett445555 MMaaiinn SSttrreeeettWWoorrcceesstteerr,, MMAA 0011660088WWoorrcceesstteerr,, MMAA 0011660088

66::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..66::3300 pp..mm.. -- 88::3300 pp..mm..

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WWhheenn ddooiinngg yyoouurr CChhrriissttmmaass ccaarrddss tthhiiss yyeeaarr,, ttaakkee oonnee ccaarrdd aanndd sseenndd iitt ttoo tthhiiss aaddWWhheenn ddooiinngg yyoouurr CChhrriissttmmaass ccaarrddss tthhiiss yyeeaarr,, ttaakkee oonnee ccaarrdd aanndd sseenndd iitt ttoo tthhiiss aadd----ddrreessss.. IIff wwee ppaassss tthhiiss oonn aanndd eevveerryyoonnee sseennddss oonnee ccaarrdd,, tthhiinnkk ooff hhooww mmaannyy ccaarrddssddrreessss.. IIff wwee ppaassss tthhiiss oonn aanndd eevveerryyoonnee sseennddss oonnee ccaarrdd,, tthhiinnkk ooff hhooww mmaannyy ccaarrddsstthheessee wwoonnddeerrffuull ssppeecciiaall ppeeooppllee wwhhoo hhaavvee ssaaccrriiffiicceedd ssoo mmuucchh wwoouulldd ggeett.. tthheessee wwoonnddeerrffuull ssppeecciiaall ppeeooppllee wwhhoo hhaavvee ssaaccrriiffiicceedd ssoo mmuucchh wwoouulldd ggeett..

From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross providesservice members, their families and veterans with the care and assistancethey need.The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for theHoliday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re col-lecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veteransand their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowesis generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holi-day card program possible.Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spreadholiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and fami-lies.Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:HHoolliiddaayy MMaaiill ffoorr HHeerrooeessHHoolliiddaayy MMaaiill ffoorr HHeerrooeessPPOO BBooxx 55445566PPOO BBooxx 55445566CCaappiittooll HHeeiigghhttss,, MMDD 2200779911--55445566CCaappiittooll HHeeiigghhttss,, MMDD 2200779911--55445566

Joyce Johnson, RealtorCBRB

NNeeww wweebbssiittee ccrreeaatteedd bbyy NNeeww wweebbssiittee ccrreeaatteedd bbyy tthhee CChheellmmssffoorrdd RReeccyycclliinngg CCoommmmiitttteeeetthhee CChheellmmssffoorrdd RReeccyycclliinngg CCoommmmiitttteeee

cchheecckk iitt oouuttcchheecckk iitt oouutt

http://www.chelmsfordrecycles.org/http://www.chelmsfordrecycles.org/

http://www.townofchelmsford.us/Recycling-Department.cfhttp://www.townofchelmsford.us/Recycling-Department.cfmm

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Joint Budget Meeting -Joint Budget Meeting -Senior CenterSenior CenterDec. 11, 7pmDec. 11, 7pm

TOMORROW’S HEADLINES TODAYTOMORROW’S HEADLINES TODAY

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Thursday December 4th 2011

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