Group: FirmGroup: Firm violates zoningviolates zoning in the Westlandsin the Westlands

Group: Firm violates zoningGroup: Firm violates zoninghttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13608131

By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com10/21/2009

CHELMSFORD -- From the outside, the white colonial at 12 Stedman St. blends in with the rest of neighborhood.

Then, say neighbors, came the construction crew, marked lines in thedriveway, and a couple of parking signs.

Since March, O'Brien Compliance Management has been providing con-sulting services, offering on-site training and conducting tests on medicalequipment inside its Stedman Street laboratory.

The problem, said neighbors, is that it's operating a business in a neigh-borhood zoned only for residential use.

"No one ever contacted the residents to see if it was OK to runNo one ever contacted the residents to see if it was OK to runa business out of that propertya business out of that property," said Laurie Myers, who lives behindFrank Obrien's business.

After receiving calls from some concerned neighbors, the town Building Commissioner Scott Hammond conducted a siteinspection of the property and confirmed that O'Brien was in fact operating a business in a residential zone. O'Brien wasadvised to cease and desist or obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

O'Brien, whose company services medical companies throughout the country, including Zoll in Chelmsford, is seeking avariance.

In the meantime, according to the neighborhood group the Westlands Watchdogs, Town Manager Paul Cohen said the thebusiness can remain open.

"The property owner has explained to the Building Commissioner there had been a business operationThe property owner has explained to the Building Commissioner there had been a business operationat the site prior to his purchase of the propertyat the site prior to his purchase of the property," Cohen wrote in an e-mail to a member of the neighborhoodgroup.

"Therefore, he was unaware of the zoning violation. It is reasonable in this instance to allow the use toTherefore, he was unaware of the zoning violation. It is reasonable in this instance to allow the use tocontinue for a brief period of time until the Board of Appeals can decide on this case. Apparently, thiscontinue for a brief period of time until the Board of Appeals can decide on this case. Apparently, thisbusiness has been in operation for quite some time without any complaints arising until last week. Ibusiness has been in operation for quite some time without any complaints arising until last week. Iam unaware of any serious public-health or public-safety issues that would justify more seveream unaware of any serious public-health or public-safety issues that would justify more severeaction.action."

Cohen was unable to be reached for comment yesterday.

But O'Brien told a reporter that he was aware of the zoning regulations when he purchased the property, and had intendedto apply for the variance but was busy setting up his new office, previously located in Lowell until 2004.

The parking signs, he adds, were temporary cardboard signs that were used for his open house to help guests locate andenter the driveway correctly.

"We do electrical tests and document safety settings on medical devicesWe do electrical tests and document safety settings on medical devices," O'Brien said. "All we're doingAll we're doingis safety testing, making sure people aren't going to get hurt. We're in the business of saving lives.is safety testing, making sure people aren't going to get hurt. We're in the business of saving lives."

The house, he adds, still blends into the neighborhood, without disrupting abutters.

Other members of the Westlands Watchdogs are concerned about changes that might have been made inside the house,which was formerly the Golden Cove School and is listed on the state register for historical homes.

"The town has to enforce zoning lawsThe town has to enforce zoning laws," Myers said. "You can't send a message that anyone can totallyYou can't send a message that anyone can totallyoverlook what the zoning laws are, and then once you're in there you can do whatever you wantoverlook what the zoning laws are, and then once you're in there you can do whatever you want."

Under the law, abutters will be notified of a public hearing on the matter when it is scheduled to come before the ZBA.

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By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com10/27/2009

CHELMSFORD -- After a tip from a neighborhood-watch group, town officials yesterday shut down a busi-ness that ignored zoning laws.

O'Brien Compliance Management was issued a written notice tocease operations at 12 Steadman St., about a week after neigh-bors raised concerns that property owner Frank O'Brien wasrunning a business in the residential zoned neighborhood.

While the bylaw allows a resident to operate a small office out ofhis or her home, O'Brien's operation was larger than what theregulations allow, said Town Manager Paul Cohen.

"The property owner was put on a more stringent noticeThe property owner was put on a more stringent noticethan what went out a week agothan what went out a week ago," Cohen said. "If he fails toIf he fails tocomply with those standards, enforcement action will becomply with those standards, enforcement action will betaken.taken.”"That action could include criminal charges,"That action could include criminal charges," Cohen said.

O'Brien, who has been operating a medical-equipment testing labout of 12 Steadman St., for about eight months, failed to obtain thenecessary permits from the town to operate a business, said Cohen,and also exceeded the area allowed for a home business -- not morethan 25 percent of the combined floor area of the residence.

O'Brien told town officials he was using 35 to 40 percent of his resi-dence for his business. Also under the local law, no person that isn'ta member of the household can be employed in the home business.O'Brien has two paid employees who do not live at the property,Cohen said.

O'Brien did not attend last night's meeting and was unable to bereached for comment. In a previous interview with a Sun reporter, O'Brien said he was aware of the town'szoning regulations when he purchased the property.

Several neighbors, including members of the Westlands Watchdogs who tipped off the town, said O'Brienshouldn't be able to skirt the law.

"Speaking to some of the comments coming from some of the residents, I am quite confident that I would help in any way to stop activities not legally allowed in any area!

Ignorance is no excuse for continuing something not permitted, therefore after a thorough investigation, I would expect the powers to be to put an end to these activities. I will do anything within my jurisdiction to satisfy each situation according to our local bylaws!"

- George Dixon: Board of Selectmen 10/21/09- George Dixon: Board of Selectmen 10/21/09

"I'm fine with Frank O'Brien being my neighbor,I'm fine with Frank O'Brien being my neighbor," saidKen Skelley of 14 Steadman St. "I'm not fine with his busiI'm not fine with his busi--ness being my neighbor. ...This is a business-basedness being my neighbor. ...This is a business-basedhome, not a home-based business.home, not a home-based business."

Deirdre Connolly of Sunset Avenue is concerned whetherO'Brien had upgraded the electrical system in the historic houseto test medical equipment. And if he had, O'Connolly wondered ifhe pulled a permit to do so.

Norm Aubert, a firefighter who lives behind O'Brien at 14 HiddenWay, also said town officials should be asking questions aboutthe safety of lab tests.

O'Brien Management conducts safety tests on medical devices including blood-pressure monitors, defibril-lators and X-ray equipment, according to the company's Web site.

"Mr. O'Brien said he wants to live in harmony with hisMr. O'Brien said he wants to live in harmony with hisneighbors,neighbors," Aubert said. "He expressed this after heHe expressed this after hewas notified that he was in violation of the zoningwas notified that he was in violation of the zoninglaws.laws."

Cohen said O'Brien would be allowed to operate his business ifhe adhered to the rules of the bylaw, which would mean he'dhave to reduce the size of his operation and cut at least twoemployees. The building inspector will return to the propertybefore the end of the week to make sure O'Brien is followingthe law, Cohen said.

"He may choose to operate his home occupation butHe may choose to operate his home occupation buthe cannot continue to operate it in the manner thathe cannot continue to operate it in the manner thatexists todayexists today, Cohen said.

From their website:From their website: http://www.obcompman.com/news.htm

OBCM Moves Into New Office and LaboratoryOBCM Moves Into New Office and Laboratory

OBCM has moved into its new facility at 12 Stedman St, Chelmsford, just north of exit 34 of Interstate 495,and south of exit 31 of Route 3.

The test laboratory is powered by a 100 A subpanel. For additional information about our medical productsafety test laboratory, see About Us page.

"We're very proud our growth has warranted this new facility," exclaims Frank O'Brien, President of OBCM.

OBCM to Host Open House, 9 OctOBCM to Host Open House, 9 Oct

All customers, present and prospective, are cordially invited to our OpenHouse on 9 October 2009, from 3p to 7p. This is our 5th year of operations. We will be showing off our new offices and laboratory space, including manynew equipment acquisitions. We will be serving hors d'oeuvres and refresh-ments.

"With our recent equipment acquisitions, we're now one of the premier med-ical device test laboratories in the area," explains Chris Studley, Senior Engi-neer, OBCM. "We can't wait to show off off our new lab."

Residents and abutters speak during Open Session at the Board of Selectmen meeting 10-26-09

CLICK HERE for VIDEOCLICK HERE for VIDEO

Business and town at odds over occupationBusiness and town at odds over occupationhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1717111861/Business-and-town-at-odds-over-occupation

By Chloe Gotsis/ staff writerGateHouse News Service

Oct 28, 2009

Chelmsford —A Stedman Street resident plans to defend himself against allegations he is violating town bylaws by running a businessfrom his home.

Frank O’Brien said he will apply for a special zoning permit and request a special variance for his business when he re-turns from a business trip in early November. O’Brien’s response comes after a group of his Westland neighbors filed acomplaint with town officials saying his home business is larger and has more employees than allowed.

But O’Brien’s delayed remedial steps may not be enough to save his business, O’Brien Compliance Management, LLC.Chelmsford Building Inspector Scott Hammond sent a letter to O’Brien Monday, Oct. 26 demanding he comply with zoningbylaws until a special permit is obtained. In order to comply O’Brien must let go two employees and downsize his business,which calibrates and tests medical equipment.

If O’Brien does not comply, Town Manager Paul Cohen said he could be fined or the town could take criminal action.

“I was aware that I was in violation,I was aware that I was in violation,” said O’Brien. “The fact is, that when I bought the place, I went toThe fact is, that when I bought the place, I went toChelmsford Town Hall and asked for the laws and zoning map. I was quite aware of what I wanted to doChelmsford Town Hall and asked for the laws and zoning map. I was quite aware of what I wanted to doand was quite aware of what the laws said. and was quite aware of what the laws said. I’m very guilty of not getting a permit as quick as II’m very guilty of not getting a permit as quick as Ishould’ve.”should’ve.”

O’Brien said in a phone interview this week that he acknowledges he is inviolation of the zoning bylaw that allows 25 percent of the floor of the resi-dence for business and one non-resident employee. He admitted that hiscompany occupies a little less than half his floor space and he has threeemployees who don’t live at the Stedman Street address.

But after a recent open house for clients and investors of his medicalequipment company with signs displayed outside the home and in-creased traffic, a group of residents decided enough is enough. LaurieMyers, a Pine Hill Avenue resident, and Roy Earley, a Chelmsford Streetresident, informed Town Manager Paul Cohen on Oct. 15 about O’Brien’sbusiness at 12 Stedman St.

Cohen said at a Board of Selectmen meeting Oct. 26 he immediately forwarded the concern to the town’s building inspec-tor/zoning enforcement office. According to Cohen, the building inspector visited the Stedman Street property and foundthat the complaint correct.

“The property owner has to comply with the existing bylaw immediately,The property owner has to comply with the existing bylaw immediately,” Cohen said.

Earley and other Westland neighbors remain concerned with the activities at 12 Stedman St.

“For eight months, he pulled the wool over our eyesFor eight months, he pulled the wool over our eyes,” said Earley at the Selectmen meeting. “But the eyes are now open.But the eyes are now open.”

O’Brien believes he will obtain a variance from the bylaw and the ZBA will allow him to continue to operate his business.

“I think I’ve got a good candidate for approval,I think I’ve got a good candidate for approval,” he said. “I don’t make any noise. I don’t make any polluI don’t make any noise. I don’t make any pollu--tion. I was hoping the one employee rule in my case could stretch to three. I know that I use up to a tion. I was hoping the one employee rule in my case could stretch to three. I know that I use up to a little less than half of my floor space. That’s an easy case where I can show a variance there is little less than half of my floor space. That’s an easy case where I can show a variance there is reasonable.reasonable.”

But neighbors such as Kevin Skelley are strongly opposed to allowing O’Brien to continue operate his business in its cur-rent state.

“I’m fine with Frank O’Brien being my neighbor,I’m fine with Frank O’Brien being my neighbor,” he said. “But I’m not fineBut I’m not finewith his business being my neighbor. That doesn’t feel like a residentialwith his business being my neighbor. That doesn’t feel like a residentialhome in the Westlands.home in the Westlands.”

O’Brien said he understands that his neighbors are upset and he wants to make themhappy, but both he and the town have other things to worry about.

“I hope we can all see there’s a reasonable way for everyone to do whatI hope we can all see there’s a reasonable way for everyone to do whatthey want to do,they want to do,” he said, adding that he had the same situation in Lowell and ob-tained the needed permits. “I’m a property owner. I worry about property valI’m a property owner. I worry about property val--ues and quality of life as well. I think I share the same goals as myues and quality of life as well. I think I share the same goals as myharshest critics.harshest critics.”

Paul Cohen giveshis Town ManagerReport on 12Steadman Street

CLICK HEREfor VIDEO

Rita Savardgets clarificationon the cease anddesist order givento the owner bythe town

CLICK HERECLICK HEREfor VIDEOfor VIDEO

12 Stedman Street in compliance or out of compliance???12 Stedman Street in compliance or out of compliance???ITRITR

10/31/0910/31/09The interior sign has one arrow pointing to "General Offices" and anotherpointing to "Engineering and Lab." So this would seem to point to twoviolations of the zoning bylaws (195-7 Home Occupation) that O’Brien Compliance Management isNOT in complianceNOT in compliance with:

- There shall be no sign or ex-terior display...

- The home occupation shallnot serve clients, customers,pupils,salespersons or the like onthe premises (If they were notserving clients at the site, theywould not need these signs.)

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Chelmsford —Chelmsford —Town officials and Westlands residents are awaitTown officials and Westlands residents are await--ing the special permit application from the ownering the special permit application from the ownerof a controversial home business on Stedmanof a controversial home business on StedmanStreet, which neighbors and officials say violatesStreet, which neighbors and officials say violatesthe town's regulations for in-home businesses.the town's regulations for in-home businesses.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said he anticipates Frank O’Brien, owner of O’Brien Compliance Town Manager Paul Cohen said he anticipates Frank O’Brien, owner of O’Brien Compliance Management LLC file his application for a special permit with the Zoning Board of Appeals for hisManagement LLC file his application for a special permit with the Zoning Board of Appeals for hishome occupation later this week.home occupation later this week.

“It’ll probably be in front of the ZBA by December,” said Cohen.“It’ll probably be in front of the ZBA by December,” said Cohen.

O’Brien was due to return from a business trip on Nov. 5.O’Brien was due to return from a business trip on Nov. 5.

In an e-mail, O’Brien said he will file the application in about a week.In an e-mail, O’Brien said he will file the application in about a week.

O’Brien, who moved to Chelmsford in February, owns a four-employee medical equipment testing O’Brien, who moved to Chelmsford in February, owns a four-employee medical equipment testing business out of his residence at 12 Stedman St. in violation of the town’s zoning bylaws. According tobusiness out of his residence at 12 Stedman St. in violation of the town’s zoning bylaws. According toSection 195-7 of the town’s zoning bylaw, residents must obtain a special permit in order to operate aSection 195-7 of the town’s zoning bylaw, residents must obtain a special permit in order to operate abusiness out of their homes.business out of their homes.

However, Cohen said a special permit does not allow the resident to dedicate more than 25 percent ofHowever, Cohen said a special permit does not allow the resident to dedicate more than 25 percent ofthe residential floor to the business. O’Brien said he believes his business occupies a little less than halfthe residential floor to the business. O’Brien said he believes his business occupies a little less than halfof his floor space.of his floor space.

Cohen said O’Brien is also violating the bylaw by employing two nonresident employees. The zoningCohen said O’Brien is also violating the bylaw by employing two nonresident employees. The zoningbylaw allows one nonresident employee. Cohen said a special permit won’t remedy this violation bylaw allows one nonresident employee. Cohen said a special permit won’t remedy this violation either.either.

Via e-mail, O’Brien has expressed regrets about the situationVia e-mail, O’Brien has expressed regrets about the situation

“I sincerely apologize to both my neighbors and town officials for my bad planning,” said O’Brien in“I sincerely apologize to both my neighbors and town officials for my bad planning,” said O’Brien inthe e-mail. “I intend to try to go the extra yard in satisfying my neighbors and town that my businessthe e-mail. “I intend to try to go the extra yard in satisfying my neighbors and town that my businesscan easily coexist with a residential setting.”can easily coexist with a residential setting.”

O’Brien said that in his application will indicate that he has three employees, one of whom is a residentO’Brien said that in his application will indicate that he has three employees, one of whom is a residentand his total business-occupied floor space is 25 percent. However, in a phone interview last week,and his total business-occupied floor space is 25 percent. However, in a phone interview last week,O’Brien told the Independent his business occupied just under 50 percent of his floor space.O’Brien told the Independent his business occupied just under 50 percent of his floor space.

According to the e-mail from O’Brien, his employees will be working from home until the application isAccording to the e-mail from O’Brien, his employees will be working from home until the application isapproved.approved.

O’Brien said he intended to apply for the special permit within six months of moving into his StedmanO’Brien said he intended to apply for the special permit within six months of moving into his StedmanStreet residence. O’Brien told the Independent last week that he was fully aware that he was in Street residence. O’Brien told the Independent last week that he was fully aware that he was in violation of town zoning bylaws when he moved in.violation of town zoning bylaws when he moved in.

But a recent open house for the business held at the residence with a number of signs and cars causedBut a recent open house for the business held at the residence with a number of signs and cars causedO’Brien’s neighbors to say enough is enough and notify the town.O’Brien’s neighbors to say enough is enough and notify the town.

Building Inspector Scott Hammond sent O’Brien a letter on Oct. 26 informing him that he must be inBuilding Inspector Scott Hammond sent O’Brien a letter on Oct. 26 informing him that he must be incompliance with the zoning bylaw or he will be forced to cease and desist.compliance with the zoning bylaw or he will be forced to cease and desist.

Cohen said Hammond visited the property on Monday, Nov. 2 and there was no change. However, aCohen said Hammond visited the property on Monday, Nov. 2 and there was no change. However, asign advertising the business was discovered near the entrance to the property and was removed, sign advertising the business was discovered near the entrance to the property and was removed, according to Cohen.according to Cohen.

PoliticalIy Incorrect talks about thePoliticalIy Incorrect talks about thezoning laws at 12 Stedman Streetzoning laws at 12 Stedman Street

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--------- Forwarded message ----------From: Frank O'Brien Date: Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 11:56 AMSubject: Re: For Frank O'Brien - Q & A for Chelmsford's In-Town ReportTo: In-Town ReportRoy & Tom,

I very much want to thank you for reaching out and asking for my side of my zoning problem. I wish wecould have done this before you contacted the town, as then you could have made a more informed compliant to the town. But it's certainly within your rights to go directly to the town, any time you want.

As a fellow property owner in the area I'm quite glad to see your group's type of involvement. On my zoning issue I think some of your group members might be asking for a disproportionate response than mytransgressions would deserve, but overall I'm sure we share many of the same concerns. All of us want anice quiet neighborhood and to see our property values remain protected. In fact please add me to yourmailing list. I'm happy to provide any support you might need for other issues. I'm happy with all my neighbors and am willing to do my part to protect our neighborhood.

I've provided my response to your questions below.

rgds, Frank O'Brien

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

MMMMEEEEEEEE TTTT TTTTHHHHEEEE NNNNEEEE IIII GGGGHHHHBBBBOOOORRRRIn-Town Report:In-Town Report:In the local newspapers there are conflicting reports. In the local newspapers there are conflicting reports.

In an article in the Lowell Sun it has the town manager stating that you were unaware of any zoning violation In an article in the Lowell Sun it has the town manager stating that you were unaware of any zoning violation and yet in the Chelmsford Independent newspaper you stated and yet in the Chelmsford Independent newspaper you stated ““ I was aware that I was in violation,” said O’Brien. “The fact is, that when I bought the place, I went to ChelmsfordI was aware that I was in violation,” said O’Brien. “The fact is, that when I bought the place, I went to ChelmsfordTown Hall and asked for the laws and zoning map. I was quite aware of what I wanted to do and was quite aware ofTown Hall and asked for the laws and zoning map. I was quite aware of what I wanted to do and was quite aware ofwhat the laws said. I’m very guilty of not getting a permit as quick as I should’vewhat the laws said. I’m very guilty of not getting a permit as quick as I should’ve ..””

You have been in operation since February with out the proper permits or variances. You have been in operation since February with out the proper permits or variances. What were you thinking?What were you thinking?

Frank O’Brien:Both the town officials and I are accurate. It's important to understand the timeline as to when I knew what.

In late February, when I bought the house, I was only aware that there was a business there already. The prior owner operateda Motorola licensed dealership business and a painting contractor business. I wasn't aware of zoning details, other than Iknew my business was legal in Lowell, and I assumed the same would be true in Chelmsford. I mentioned this fact to town of-ficials on the19th of October. It was not in response to a direct question about what I knew about zoning rules, but was men-tioned as background. I did not intend to mislead town officials, but based on their quote, it would seem I did.

In early March, after I bought the house, I went to the town hall to obtain the zoning details. I then discovered that my busi-ness was in line with all home based business requirements in 195-7(A), except I had non-household employees. I knew forthis reason I would need a permit in accordance with 195-7(B). I mentioned this fact to the Lowell Sun in response to a directquestion about what I knew about zoning. Pleading ignorance would not have been accurate, and in any case would nothave been an excuse.

Since March, I continued to operate my business as, it seemed to me, I was more or less in line with town zoning. I had aparty when I moved in in March. Most of my neighbors attended. I gave all a tour of my garage with electrical lab and over-head office. No one expressed any reservations about my business. All seemed happy to have a new owner for a house thathad been foreclosed and vacant for 2 years. For the prior 4 years while operating the same business in my home in Lowell, Ihad the proper permits, and had never received any complaints from neighbors. I assumed it would be a similar process inChelmsford. Filing an application for the Permit was on my agenda, but other tasks seemed to always take priority. This wasbad planning and bad judgement on my part.

I feel terrible about my lack of a timely filing for a permit, 8 months after moving in, and recently hosting a business open-house has understandable invoked some fear in my neighbors. It has also caused our town officials to be subject to a some-what disproportionate response from my neighbors, rather than the reasoned and open application process that's intended bythe town. The business open-house was held on October 9th, from 3 to 5pm. We had 10 customers attending for a short talkand tour. I had done some door and painting related renovations before the open-house. I put lines on the driveway to helpwith parking. I placed temporary enter and exit business signs by my u-shaped driveway. This understandably invoked someconcerns from some of my neighbors. I sincerely apologize to both my neighbors and town officials for my bad planning andbad judgement.

I intend to try to go the extra yard in satisfying my neighbors and town that my business can easily coexist with a residentialsetting. I welcome further feedback from my neighbors and intend to make all reasonable accommodations. I ask my neigh-bors to reserve judgement until I've made my application, a copy of which all abutters are provided.

In-Town Report:In-Town Report:When you first went to Town Hall in February did you talk with any officials When you first went to Town Hall in February did you talk with any officials about the business you intended to run?about the business you intended to run?

Frank O’BrienFrank O’BrienResident at 12 Stedman Street& Owner ofO’Brien Compliance Management

Frank O’Brien:It was in early March, and no, it was only a visit to pick up the zoning rules.

In-Town Report:In-Town Report:What kind of variance from the town are you looking for?What kind of variance from the town are you looking for?

Frank O’Brien:I'm applying for a 195-7(B) Permit, which would allow 1 non-household employee. I currently have 2 non-household employ-ees. I'm hoping the town will grant the Permit and allow this additional employee. Both of my non-household employees areengineering professionals living in the area. With the overhead associated with a commercial site, it's not clear I could affordto keep 2 engineers.

Until I've filed a 195-7(B) Permit application, the town has required that I operate within 195-7(A) zoning rules. I am doingthis. My 2 non-household employees are working from their homes.

In-Town Report:In-Town Report:What is the nature of your business and why should the town grant you the necessary variances?What is the nature of your business and why should the town grant you the necessary variances?

Frank O’Brien:In 2004, my wife and I started the home-based business in Lowell. I did the engineering, and she did the office administra-tion. In August of 2007 we hired an engineer. After my wife unexpectedly passed away in September 2007, I needed to re-place her with an employee. I hired a 2nd engineer in September 2008, and it became necessary to find a bigger office. Ilooked at commercial options, and a larger home office option. The larger home office was the most cost effective option.It's very important to keep overhead low when operating a small business, especially during these slow economic times.

My business is an engineering consulting business, with an electrical test laboratory. We assist medical device manufacturerswith the regulatory safety testing and documentation needed for device approvals, from FDA, and other similar internationalregulatory authorities. Our customers include local startups like Breakaway Imaging in Littleton (now Medtronic) and Novelisin Methuen (now Volcano in Billerica). Our customers also include larger medical device firms like Zoll in Chelmsford,Draeger in Andover, and Depuy J&J in Raynham.

Rationale for why the town should grant me a Special Permit to operate a home based business in accordance with 195-7(B)includes:

A. My neighbors need a residential quality of life. My business can easily operate within a residential setting. I can do this, asI don't pollute. I don't make noise. I only have 2 non-household employees. Myself and my nephew, who live on the prem-ises, work for the business. My car is parked in the garage, the other 3 cars easily fit on my driveway. This is not more carsthan some residences with 2 kids over 16 years of age might have. During the day, while most residences are empty, my resi-dence is occupied providing some indirect security for the neighborhood. I have a customer visitor about once or twice permonth, in line with family visits. I also have UPS-type deliveries about once to twice per month, again in line with family giftor shopping deliveries. All employee and visitor cars fit easily in my driveway, with never parking on the street. No morethan 25% of my total floor space is business related. I had indicated to town officials and neighbors that my business mightuse up to 40% of my home floor space. This was a conservative estimate. I've since done a careful analysis with measure-ments, and prepared a scaled floor plan. The electrical test laboratory is in the garage, supplied from the 100A sub-panel thatwas there when I purchased the house. The house has a 200A main service panel. I have offices over the garage. All otherrooms are residential. The outside of the house remains untouched from it's residential look.

B. My neighbors need their property value to be protected. My residence was foreclosed and empty for 2 years before Ibought it. It's a 4 bedroom on a busy feeder road between a 495 exit and Lowell. The reason it was empty for 2 years isprobably because no 2 to 3 child family is going to want this 4 bedroom house due to the proximity of the highway exit, andthe volume of traffic. The prior owner of the house operated at least 2 businesses from the house. My residence was built in1896 by the town of Chelmsford and up until 1976 was a school. The large house 2 lots up from me remains unsold and hasbeen on the market for, I believe, a similar 2-year period. It would seem having an owner with a small business that blendsinto the residential setting, is a blessing for this neighborhood, as it's better than an abandoned house.

C. Chelmsford strikes me as a bedroom community, but a bedroom community of professional doctors, lawyers, accountantsand engineers. If Chelmsford is proud of this image, then you should be glad to welcome another professional engineer. It'smy impression that many of the professional doctors, lawyers, and accountants in Chelmsford got their start thanks to theability to start their business in their homes. I hope that I'll be afforded the same opportunity. Basically, in a time when theeconomic health and vitality of our local area is foremost on our minds, I'm trying to operate a business that employs 3 localpeople, and supports local medical device firms trying to sell in the US as well as globally.

D. I don't want my business to remain in my home indefinitely, and my goal is to move to a professional setting. It's some-thing that my business would benefit from if I could do it sooner rather than later. I estimate that if my business can stay onit's current growth, that this will be in about 3 years. Once I move my business, my home will be fully residential use. How-ever, this year is an excellent illustration of why you can't do this too early. The first half of this year, my business was veryslow, and had my overhead included commercial rent and it's associated costs, my business could well have failed. Hostingmy business in my home has provided my business with the flexibility of low overhead -- something that's critical for a smallbusiness starting out.

E. If we neglect the October 9th open-house event, which was less disruptive than most birthday parties, my neighbors havehad no complaints about my business. This was a one-time event to show off the new office. I have no plans for any similarevent.

Group to adviseGroup to advise Town Meeting of zoning changesTown Meeting of zoning changesBy Marie Donovan , Sun Correspondenthttp://www.lowellsun.com/ci_13693762

11/02/2009CHELMSFORD --

The Master Plan Committee begins this week to craft recommendations on municipal-regulation changes tobe enacted at the annual Town Meeting in April.

The group recently completed six public-input sessions on topics like preserving open space and the town'smany cultural, historic and natural resources.

"We heard a desire to maintain the open space the town has acquired and also to utilize the town halls,"Vice Chairman Philip Eliopolous said.

The public input will aid members in crafting the plan for the future of the two old town halls, in the centerand in the north sections of the town, said Eliopolous, a former selectman.

The committee has a goal of completing an initial draft of proposed changes by January.

Those may include recommended zoning changes along Route 129 to allow for services like restaurantsand banks to support workers at the office parks there.

"I support that," Community Development Director Evan Belansky said. "The Master Plan Committee hasidentified a lack of business services out in the area."

Belansky said he heard from both real-estate brokers and businesses located there that the lack of serv-ices is an issue; he said making some limited zoning changes, with square-footage restrictions, would helpkeep office parks filled; the commercial and industrial sector makes up 18 percent of the town tax base.

"You could do an overlay district or you could change the zoning in that area," Eliopolous said.

Other issues the new Master Plan shall cover: What types of economic development the town should at-tempt to attract, what types of housing it should be able to provide and in which locations, Eliopolous said.

It should include legislation to protect the quiet character of The Westlands, for example, and otherneighborhoods in town, in part by preventing so-called "creep" zoning. "We don't want to have thingstoo dense," Eliopoulos said.

This is the first time changes to the Master Plan have been proposed since spring 1996.

"It's done usually about every 10 to 12 years," Eliopolous said.

While the public-input sessions are over, residents are welcome to attend committee meetings, he said.

Eliopolous said it's likely the committee will recommend the creation of a new Affordable Housing MasterPlan. The committee may recommend efforts to work with developers to use the Local Initiative Process, orL.I.P., to create affordable housing in a way that is amenable to town goals for its future, he said.

"We may take the position that we don't want to do anything other than oppose 40Bs," Eliopolous added.

The new Master Plan also shall likely include recommendations to promote some residential units in thetwo villages, so residents who can't afford to have a car can live somewhere they can walk to services suchas convenience stores, he said.

Town Meeting is scheduled for April 26.

ON THE AIRON THE AIR

POLITICALLY INCORRECTPOLITICALLY INCORRECT with with TOM CHRISTIANOTOM CHRISTIANO

11/3/0911/3/09Selectman Selectman Clare JeannotteClare JeannotteSelectman Candidate Selectman Candidate Jon KurlandJon KurlandMaster Plan Committee Chairman Master Plan Committee Chairman Jim LaneJim Lane& Town Meeting Representative & Town Meeting Representative George RipsonGeorge Ripson

Topics Topics The October 6th townwide voteThe October 6th townwide voteThe Selectmen raceThe Selectmen raceThe Master PlanThe Master PlanBillboardsBillboards12 stedman street zoning violations12 stedman street zoning violationsLocal option taxesLocal option taxesTrash collection Trash collection

10/20/0910/20/09SelectmenSelectmen Eric DahlbergEric Dahlberg & & Pat WojtasPat WojtasTM Rep TM Rep Kirk MarshallKirk Marshall & & new Editor of the Chelmsford new Editor of the Chelmsford Independent Independent Jesse FloydJesse Floyd

TopicsTopicsReflections on the October 6th townwide voteReflections on the October 6th townwide votePat announcing if she's running again for selectmanPat announcing if she's running again for selectmanEric - talking about his run for State SenateEric - talking about his run for State SenateKirk - the NOV 5th spelling beeKirk - the NOV 5th spelling bee

The Fall Town Meeting reviewThe Fall Town Meeting reviewThe 40B Law The 40B Law Casinos in MASSCasinos in MASSHealth Insurance in MASSHealth Insurance in MASSTaxes in MASS....are they too high, or too low?Taxes in MASS....are they too high, or too low?Texting while drivingTexting while driving

CLICK HERECLICK HEREforfor Video Video

Click Here Click Here for for VideoVideo

ERIC DAHLBERG HOLDS CAMPAIGN EVENTby Tom Christiano

Chelmsford Selectman & current State Senate candidate, Eric Dahlberg, held one of his first Senatecampaign events at the Java Room in Chelmsford on October 24th. Mr. Dahlberg was introduced bya former Chelmsford Selectman, Dr. Stuart Weisfeldt.

Many local residents stopped by to wish Eric well and to talk about politics. Former State Representative Carol Cleven and her husband Walter were there, along with manymembers of Eric's family, and many townwide office holders & Town Meeting Representatives.

Photos by Tom ChristianoPhotos by Tom Christiano

Paradise lost in center?Paradise lost in center?Building plan draws fire in ChelmsfordBuilding plan draws fire in Chelmsford

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13667375#atBy Michael Wurm, Sun Correspondent

10/29/2009

CHELMSFORD -- The proposal to build a barn-style of-fice building with paved parking on the open space be-hind the historic Emerson House in town center ran intomajor opposition last night at a public hearing held bythe Planning Board.

The board decided to ask town counsel to evaluate thelegality of the project in light of a 1978 preservation re-striction on the property. The hearing was continued toNov. 18.

The project was presented by Epsilon Group Inc., ownedby Michael Eliopoulos, who is being represented by hisson, attorney Philip Eliopoulos, a former Chelmsford se-lectman.

Joseph Shanahan, who was a selectman in 1978, when the town decided to sell the property to Dr. L. Rodger Currie, saidthe Board of Selectmen and Planning Board first approved the sale for $120,000 along with a preservation restriction onthe deed that guaranteed the land behind the house would be open space for the town, including the restoration of a pondand the creation of "Central Park."

Town Meeting approved the transaction, including the preservation restriction.

Shanahan, who is also a former Planning Board member and is an adviser to Michael and Joanne Sargent, who own anabutting property, said the restriction allowed the rebuilding of a barn and silo on the property. It also allowed the rebuildingof other minor outbuildings that had been on the land historically, specifically two small barns and two chicken coops.

Shanahan said the proposal to build a large office building disguised as a barn, no matter how well-designed, violates thespirit and intent of the restriction. "I ask you to review the preservation restriction in historical perspective," he told theboard. "This proposal is what the preservation restriction was specifically intended to prevent."

Peter Lawlor, representing the Evergreen Condominium Association of Village Square, said he polled residents and foundthat 17 oppose the project and one favors it.

Lawlor said the view abutters enjoy of the land is almost paradise-like.

"My grave concern is, as Joni Mitchell sang, we're going to pave paradise and put up a parking lot," he said.

The Public comments on the proposed projectCLICK HERE CLICK HERE for Video

Joe ShanahanJoe Shanahanof Shanahan and of Shanahan and Associates.Associates.&&Former SelectmanFormer Selectman

Peter LawlorPeter LawlorLawyer Lawyer &&ForFormer Selectman

OOOOvvvveeeerrrrsssseeeeeeeerrrrssss:::: DDDDiiii ssssbbbbaaaarrrr rrrreeeedddd llll aaaawwwwyyyyeeeerrrr sssstttt iiii llll llll pppprrrraaaacccctttt iiii cccc iiiinnnnggggBy Lisa Redmond, lredmond@lowellsun.com

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_1373688811/07/2009

BOSTON -- A disbarred Chelmsford lawyer is facing contempt charges, based on allegations he has been acting as an attorney atChelmsford board meetings.

Joseph B. Shanahan Jr. was once the premier development lawyer in Greater Lowell. Attorneys for the Board of Bar Overseers willargue before the state Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday that Shanahan's conduct "constitutes unauthorized practice of law."

But Shanahan, of Chelmsford, told The Sun he no longer practices law. Shanahan, who runs the Chelmsford-based Shanahan & Associates, refers to his occupation as a "property development adviser."

"I do not hold myself out as an attorney; my clients know that I am not an attorney; and the local officials before whom I appearknow that I am not an attorney," Shanahan wrote in a prepared statement. "I only provide services that any number of non-lawyers provide every day in every city and town in Massachusetts. That group of advisers includes engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, wetlands consultants, real estate bro-kers and contractors."

Shanahan added, "I am fairly confident about and look forward to the outcome of these proceedings on Tuesday. I am also pleasedthat those from Chelmsford who have initiated this complaint feel that I am representing a client so effectively that they need to goto these lengths to prevent me from standing in front of the local boards and decision-makers."

Shanahan was disbarred in January 2002 and will be eligible to apply for reinstatement next year. If the SJC finds Shanahan in con-tempt, the deadline could be extended.

The Board of Bar Overseers said it has warned Shanahan twice that he cannot engage in legal or paralegal work. The warnings came after he appeared before Chelmsford boards at public meetings.

The overseers have affidavits and minutes from a Feb. 5 Chelmsford Zoning Board of Appeals meeting and a video of Shanahan'sappearances before selectmen on July 27 and Sept. 14, according to the court docket.

At the September meeting, developer Glenn Kohl of Chelmsford wanted to construct two three-bedroom units on Arlington Street,but most of the 72,300-square-foot parcel is in wetlands, requiring special permits. Under state law, developers adding to the community's affordable housing stock have room for negotiations.

Shanahan, acting as Kohl's adviser, spoke to selectmen on Kohl's behalf.

At an October Planning Board public hearing, Shanahan also described himself as an adviser to Michael and Joanne Sargent, whoowned property next to a proposed office building behind the historic Emerson House.

Shanahan was convicted in 2001 in federal court of bankruptcy fraud and was sentenced to one year in federal prison. Shanahanfailed to disclose his personal bankruptcy petition. In February 2003, Shanahan was sentenced to an additional 41 months in federalprison for stealing $803,836 from four clients.

Shanahan used the stolen money to pay his mortgage on his Shedd Lane property; to pay his fees at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro; as alimony to his ex-wife; and to pay his son's tuition at Georgetown University, prosecutors said. He also withdrew substantial amounts for unknown purposes, effectively "cleaning out" his clients'bank accounts before surrendering to authorities on the bankruptcy charges, prosecutors said.

The scheme unraveled when Shanahan was sent to prison and was no longer able to shuffle the money from account to account toavoid detection.

Shanahan is being represented at the contempt hearing by attorney Charles Bookman. He was unavailable for comment.

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State: Disbarred Chelmsford lawyer still practicing lawState: Disbarred Chelmsford lawyer still practicing lawhttp://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_13756167

By Lisa Redmond, lredmond@lowellsun.com11/10/2009 11/10/2009

BOSTON -- If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and acts like a duck -- then it must be a lawyer.If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and acts like a duck -- then it must be a lawyer.

That's what Assistant Bar Counsel Nancy Kaufman argued at a contempt hearing for disbarred Chelmsford attorney Joseph Shana-han Jr. before a single justice of the state's highest court Tuesday.

Kaufman argued that Shanahan, who was once the premier development lawyer in Greater Lowell, should be found in contempt dueto allegations that despite his 2002 disbarment he has been acting as an attorney at Chelmsford board meetings.

If Supreme Judicial Court Judge Margot Botsford agrees, she could delay for up to 10 years Shanahan's ability to re-apply to get hislicense to practice law re-instated. If Shanahan avoids any sanctions, he can re-apply for his license in eight weeks. As a disbarredattorney, Shanahan is allowed to re-apply for his license after eight years, but there is no guarantee he will be re-instated.

Botsford issued no decision on Tuesday, rather taking the matter under advisement.

TOM GOLDEN'S OKTOBERFESTTOM GOLDEN'S OKTOBERFESTby Tom Christianoby Tom ChristianoState Representative Tom Goldenheld his second annual Oktoberfestparty at the Brewery Exchange inLowell on October 24th. There werehundreds of people there to help Tomraise funds for Thanksgiving Basketsfor local families in need. Last year,about 150 Thanksgiving baskets weredistributed by Mr. Golden and hishelpers. This year 300 Thanksgivingbaskets will be going out to those inneed.

Many of Tom's friends from Chelms-ford were there. I'm looking forwardto next year's Oktoberfest, as it was avery enjoyable party for a very goodcause.

Photos by Tom ChristianoPhotos by Tom Christiano

Local agents optimistic as housing market brightensLocal agents optimistic as housing market brightensBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_1370203011/03/2009

The phones are ringing. People are yelling, running and grabbing their checkbooks.

Realtors Dennis and Donna Ready haven't seen the likes of it in a couple of years -- a feverpitch from first-time homebuyers trying to outbid each other.

After a recession-driven hibernation, competitive bidding is back, real-estate agents say, andit's inflating offers on homes in Greater Lowell.

"We saw volume started to pick up a little bit last year," said Donna Ready, an agent for Cen-tury 21 Landmark Realty. "Then the government threw in the $8,000 tax credit and poof! Thelower-priced properties took off to the point where there were bidding wars."

The homebuyer credit was a key element of President Barack Obama's $787 billionstimulus package enacted last February. Under the measure, low- and middle-income first-timehomebuyers purchasing a home between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 of this year can claim a credit ofup to $8,000 on their 2008 or 2009 income-tax return.

While median selling prices are still down 4.1 percent, from $318,000 in 2008 to $305,000 in 2009, according to the Massachusetts Associa-tion of Realtors, home sales have risen 5.6 percent. Experts take the news as a sign that the long-suffering real-estate market might havefound some footing as bidding wars bring sellers closer to their price mark.

When a gray split-entry at 15 Henry J. Drive in Tewksbury went on the market recently, the Readys knew it would generate interest. Locatedin a nice, quiet tree-lined section of town, the home features three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, two fireplaces and a family room inthe basement. The listing price was about $284,900.

Eight bids flew in.

The Readys can't disclose what the house actually sold for, but they said the tax credit has spurred a flurry of first-time buyers looking to lockin a deal before the Nov. 30 deadline.

"We had one gentleman that put in five bids on different properties before he found one that worked in his favor," Dennis Ready said.

Sales data from the Multiple Listing Service show that sellers of single-family homes throughout the Merrimack Valley received nearly 100percent of the listing price for the month of October. In Chelmsford, for example, nine single-family homes sold at an average of 99 percent ofthe listing price, which was $394,617. In Tewksbury, 15 homes also sold at an average of 99 percent of the average $350,400 listing price.

The increase in area home sales also reveals some troubling news, said Middlesex County Register of Deeds Richard Howe Jr.

Data for Middlesex County shows an uptick in the number of Orders of Notice, the document that kicks off the foreclosure process.

"That suggests a new wave of foreclosures is about to strike the area," Howe said.

Earlier this year, analysts forecast another 7 million homes going into foreclosure throughout the country. The difference this time around, ac-cording to Donna Ready, is that foreclosed properties aren't just sitting around.

"Buyers are taking advantage of record-low mortgage rates and the tax credit, and they're snapping up cheaper foreclosed properties," shesaid. "We've been getting offers from people before they've even set foot inside the property."

More than 1.2 million borrowers have claimed $8.5 billion of the $13.6 billion set aside for the home-buyer tax credits this year, according tothe Treasury Department. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 borrowers would not have purchased their homeswithout the credit.

In an effort to help further the shaky housing market's recovery, members of Congress are looking to extend the homebuyer credit as early asnext week, despite a probe sparked by an IRS watchdog group that found several fraudulent claims.

At one end, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the program should be extended for a month while lawmakers take another lookat how it's being run. On the other end, Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., with the backing of banking committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., wants to extend it through next June 30, and expand it to include all homebuyers at an estimated cost of $16.7 billion.

The Readys said real-estate agents everywhere are keeping their fingers crossed for an expansion of the credit that would include a broadernumber of homeowners.

"That could sustain the market well into next year," Donna Ready said. "More sales will also prevent more foreclosures from sitting on themarket for too long."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Realtors Dennis and Donna Ready ofChelmsford and Century 21 Landmark Realtyoutside a house on Henry J. Drive in Tewksbury that recently sold. Sun/Bob Whitaker

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Alpha Tae Kwon Do AcademyNorth Chelmsfordhttp://www.alphatkd.com/

The owners of Alpha Tae Kwon Do AcademyAndy and Michelle Rollinsonhosted a halloween party for the boys and gouls on October 31st. Fun was had by one and all!

Pictures byPictures byTheThe

RollinsonsRollinsons

Trailer park's lawyer:Trailer park's lawyer: Assessor changed his story on tax hikeAssessor changed his story on tax hikeBy Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com

10/22/2009

CHELMSFORD -- In what may be a precedent-setting case for mobile-home parks across the state, an at-torney for the Chelmsford Mobile Home Park alleges the town's chief assessor flip-flopped in his testimony.

Under state law, homes on wheels -- much like vehicles -- are generally exempt from real-estate propertytaxes. But more than a year ago, the Board of Assessors began taxing all 255 trailers in the Chelmsford Mo-bile Home Park like permanent homes.

When speaking before the Board of Selectmen in March 2008, Chief Assessor Frank Reen told town offi-cials that the trailers added value to the land, and the new assessment was based on average sales of mo-bile homes in the area, as well as an inspection of homes inside the park. Many of the trailers, Reen added,seemed to have attached patios and decks, with some appearing to have foundations underneath them.

"When mobile homes take on the characteristics of a permanent home, they become taxable property,"Reen has said.

On Monday, in a hearing before the state's Appellate Tax Board, Reen testified the town was never assess-ing the manufactured homes, according to Gregg Haladyna, the lawyer representing park owner Carl De-Cotis.

Reen declined to comment on the issue while the court is still deliberating.

Haladyna said a video recording of Reen speaking at the Board of Selectmen's meeting was played for thecourt and entered into evidence. In the video, Reen repeatedly informs selectmen that the dwellings them-selves were being taxed, Haladyna said."He now claims they're taxing the underlying land," he said. "It's definitely a change in their story."

Last year, assessors said they assessed each trailer in the 37.5-acre park at $30,000, raising DeCotis'property value from $3.8 million to $11.5 million. On Monday, Reen told the court the assessors looked atthe income and expenses the land itself generates, and from that, calculated what the property would beworth, Haladyna said.

DeCotis said the about $7 million spike in his property value, which increased his taxes by more than$100,000, forced him to increase rent to his tenants, many of whom are low-income.

As rents escalate, Haladyna wrote in the lawsuit, "evictions for nonpayment of rent would likely follow, (forc-ing) many of the very class of persons, i.e. the elderly, disabled and or low-income earners that the compre-hensive Manufactured House Act was designed to serve and protect ... to leave the park."

The Appellate Tax Board gave both parties until Dec. 31 to submit further legal documentation. A decisionwill most likely be rendered in 2010, Haladyna said.

In the long run, if DeCotis wins, a Superior Court judge also could award fees and damages, something thetax board cannot.

Board considering Chelmsford tax assessmenthttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x23528585/Board-considering-Chelmsford-tax-assessment

By Chloe Gotsis/ staff writerGateHouse News Service

Oct 28, 2009

Chelmsford —The state Appellate Tax Board is weighing its decision on whether Chelmsford assessed the Chelms-ford Mobile Home Park at greater than market value when it raised the owner’s taxes by more than$103,000.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said the board heard the mobile home park owner Carl DeCotis’s appealon Oct. 19 and it could take several months before the board returns with a decision.

“The town’s position is that we’ve assessed it at fair market value,” said Cohen on Wednesday after-noon.

In fiscal 2008 the Chelmsford Board of Assessors increased the value of the mobile park, consistingof 2.75 acres of land with 254 mobile homes, from $3.87 million to $11.53 million boosting taxes by$103,000.

In May 2009 Middlesex Superior Court Judge H.J. Smith Jr. dismissed Chelmsford Mobile HomePark’s lawsuit against Cohen and the town’s Board of Assessors. DeCotis alleged the town allegedtown officials violated his civil rights when it “unlawfully assessed the property value of the parkbased on the land and on the value of the 254 homes located there,” according to the decision.

DeCotis’s lawyer Gregg Haladyna also charged that the 2008 tax hike violated the terms of a con-sent judgment dating back to 1991 when the park’s previous owner threatened to shut it down for amore profitable investment. The judgment stated the park would remain open for at least 30 yearsand set a method by which monthly rents could be adjusted.

Smith wrote in his May decision that the Chelmsford Mobile Home Park failed to show that his civilrights were violated.

Byam’s Outdoor Learning Centerby Tom Christiano

Byam Elementary School has transformed the courtyard of the school into an Outdoor LearningCenter, with birdhouses (one with a camera inside), birdfeeders, weather stations and a butter-fly garden. The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony took place on October 29th, 2009. TheByam School principal, Dr. Jane Gilmore, spoke at the ceremony, along with Janet Askenburg,and Mrs. Hayes, of the Byam School PTO, and State Representative Jim Arciero.

Photos by Tom Christiano

Committee explores how to expand Chelmsford's economic landscapeChelmsford's economic landscape

http://www.chelmsfordmassnews.comhttp://www.chelmsfordmassnews.comKevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter

29.OCT.09

Chelmsford’s newest board is charged with the recruitment, retention and expansion of business in town.

At last week’s first session of the Economic Development Committee, six of the seven members discussedwhat they should do to promote commercial growth in Chelmsford.

“Hopefully, we become the mouthpiece for the town,” said Michael Kowalyk.

Kowalyk, along with members Joe Ready, Brad Marmo, David Morey, Janet Askenburg and Tony Delpapatossed around ideas about Chelmsford’s business climate and where it can go. Committee member LauraSchweizer was not able to attend the meeting.

The committee plans to use info gathered two years ago by the town’s economic development consultant.

A consultant spent a year taking an inventory of all larger commercial and industry office space availablefor lease or sale in town, said Community Development Director Evan Belansky.

Information was also obtained through a survey sent to 250 businesses in town. About 100 business own-ers responded to that survey, said Belansky.

Funding for the consultant ran out before he was able to follow up with businesses to address concerns.

Chelmsford has plenty going for it, said Belansky.

“We have existing buildings of all sizes that can support all types of businesses,” said Belansky. “It’s prettyamazing how diverse Chelmsford is with the bricks and mortar.”

Members agreed one of the first things the committee should work on is developing a brand for Chelms-ford.

“We need to take a look at an identity for Chelmsford,” said Kowalyk. “What is Chelmsford? What does itstand for? Who are we?”

One thing that may already be clear is what Chelmsford is not, said Belansky.

“I’m not sure Chelmsford sees itself competing with Dracut and Pepperell, but that’s where the state seesus,” said Belansky. “We need to figure out what the target should be.”

Belansky does not believe the town should try to attract businesses from Burlington or Bedford – thosebusinesses think of themselves as part of the 128 corridor – but the town might pursue industries in South-ern New Hampshire.

No matter what brand the committee develops, Ready wants to ensure the town does not experience dras-tic changes.

“What makes Chelmsford cool is we are a small town,” said Ready. “It’s about balance. How do we get goodcompanies to come in and still keep Chelmsford Chelmsford?”

Parkhurst Road/Smith Street reconstruction project hits roadblockParkhurst Road/Smith Street reconstruction project hits roadblockhttp://www.chelmsfordmassnews.com/Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter

28.OCT.09

Plans to redesign the Parkhurst Road/Smith Street intersection hit a detour this week after Gov. DevalPatrick failed to include the project on the fiscal 2010 state highway funding list.

Although they know it won’t happen this year, town officials continue to push for the project.

“We will look for other funding,” said Town Manager Paul Cohen. “Maybe we’ll do it in phases.”

Two weeks ago, the Planning Board voted to spend up to $32,000 to finish the design phase of the projectto try to receive $1.7 million in federal stimulus money.

“We’re going to complete the design,” said Cohen. “It’s a worthwhile project.”

As proposed, the project will alter Smith Street so it would now intersect with Parkhurst Road at a 90 de-gree angle. Parkhurst will be widened about 3 feet and raised while Smith will be lowered.

A sidewalk along the Palm Manor side will be added creating a continuous walkway from North Road tothe rear of Wal-Mart at the Drum Hill Shopping Center. Another sidewalk will be installed along SmithStreet from Parkhurst to Pleasant Street.

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Chelmsford chief backs redlight camera billChelmsford chief backs redlight camera billBy Chloe Gotsis/ staff writer

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1717109667/Chelmsford-chief-backs-redlight-camera-billGateHouse News Service

Oct 27, 2009

Chelmsford —

Chelmsford selectmen and law enforcement officials are backing legislation that would allow the installation of cameras atintersections across town, designed to catch drivers sneaking through red lights.

Police Chief Jim Murphy told the Board of Selectmen at its meeting Monday, Oct. 26 that the traffic safety bill is gainingsteam on Beacon Hill.

According to Murphy, the bill would allow for cameras to snap a digital photo of the rear end of the vehicle, capturing its li-cense plate after it drove through a red light. Violators would then be mailed a time-stamped copy of the picture and a traf-fic ticket. The chief said the cameras could improve raffic in problem areas such as Drum Hill Road and Stedman Street.

Murphy said he fully supports the bill that was filed in both the House and Senate levels. If passed in Boston, ChelmsfordTown Meeting representatives would also have to adopt it.

“The goal is to enhance traffic safetyThe goal is to enhance traffic safety,” he said. “I certainly support it. I think it’s a great concept. I knowI certainly support it. I think it’s a great concept. I knowthere are 200 communities that have itthere are 200 communities that have it.

Violators caught blowing through red lights will not face any merit rating surcharges and it will not goViolators caught blowing through red lights will not face any merit rating surcharges and it will not goagainst their driving recordagainst their driving record, said Murphy. Drivers wishing to appeal the civil citation will see the localDrivers wishing to appeal the civil citation will see the localtraffic officer.traffic officer.

Selectmen Chairwoman Clare Jeanotte said when the bill first came beforethem she opposed it out of fear that it was an invasion of privacy, but nowshe and the four other members of the board signed a letter supporting themeasure to the town’s legislators.

“I was hoping there’d be some sort of shred of privacy left, butI was hoping there’d be some sort of shred of privacy left, butthat’s obviously gone,that’s obviously gone,” she said.

Murphy reminded the board and the public that cameras are in place at al-most every business and public location across the state including the Mas-sachusetts Turnpike.Murphy said studies have shown that at the initial installation of the camerasa number of drivers are caught violating the red light law. But eventuallydrivers catch on to the cameras and it creates a “halo effect all acrosshalo effect all acrosstown,town,” he said.

CLICK HERECLICK HERE for Video of Chief Murphy and the WBZ WBZ report

VARNEY PARK IMPROVEMENT DAYVARNEY PARK IMPROVEMENT DAYBy Tom Christiano

A well attended Park Improvement Day was held at Varney Park in North Chelmsford on October 31st. Thanks go out to everyone who volunteered....especially to Tony Dowd and his Old School Roofing Company for donating theentire new roof for the Park "Field House" (valued at about $6,000.00) and also for installing the new windows on October 31st.In addition, the Open Space Stewards did another outstanding job repairing the playground's "Bouncey Bridge" and helping outthroughout the Park, not just on this day, but for the many days they spent volunteering at Varney. Matt Sheehan & the VarneyPark Restoration Committee (VPRC) Members, along with many other Chelmsford residents, also did a great job working veryhard on this Park Improvement Day, and on many other days, fixing up the Park and making it one of Chelmsford's recreationaljewels.

Matt Sheehan & the VPRC organized and planned this event, beginning many months ago by: (1) obtaining the appropriateclearances from the Town Manager's Office; (2) requesting this very generous donation from the Old School Roofing Company;(3) soliciting help from the Open Space Stewards and from many other local residents; and (4) consulting with members of theChelmsford Historic Commission about the appropriate materials to use for this "Field House" restoration project.

Photos by Tom ChristianoPhotos by Tom Christiano

4400BB4400BBeside myself

Braintree developers must pay $2.275M settlement

By Christine McConvilleMonday, October 26, 2009

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20091026braintree_developers_must_pay_2275m_settlement/srvc=home&position=5

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has taken on two of the region’s most prominent housingdevelopers and won.

Today, Coakley reached a $2.275 million settlement with Edward A. Fish and Francis X. Messina, developersof Turtle Crossing, a Braintree condominium complex that was built under the state’s affordable housinglaw.

After a multi-year probe, Fish of Weston and Messina of Braintree agreed to pay the $2.275 million “to set-tle any claims arising from this investigation and claims related to the Chapter 40B cost certificationprocess,” Coakley’s office said.

“This is a victory for Braintree,” Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan said in a statement.

The settlement requires that Fish and Messina pay $1.8 million to the town of Braintree. Of that, $1 millionwill be used to create more lower-cost housing in Braintree, while $800,000 may be spent on other publicuses. The remaining $475,000 will go into the state’s general fund.

The settlement comes as part of a growing crackdown on illegal profits secured by 40B developers.

In the early 2000s, almost one third of all new housing built in the state was built under 40B, housing advo-cates have said.

The law allows developers to bypass local zoning codes as long as they set aside a portion of the units forlower-income people.

But the law also requires that developers limit their profits to no more than 20 percent of total develop-ment cost. Any remaining profit is to be handed over to the community that houses the development.

Massachusetts Inspector General Gregory Sullivan launched a probe into 40B developers’ profits a fewyears ago, after finding that hundreds of 40B developments had been built, but only a handful had beenchecked for excess profits.

Sullivan found multiple examples of developers shielding excess profits, by increasing their project costs.

In the Fish and Messina case, Sullivan and Coakley scrutinized several of the developers’ reported costs. Thestate officials looked at the land costs, because Messina had owned the land for years before selling it for asignificant profit to an entity he formed with Fish.

The state also looked at brokerage fees that the developers paid to Peabody Properties, which is owned byFish.

Sullivan has said that 40B developers may owe tens of millions of dollars to the state’s communities.

Meanwhile, a group of Bay State citizens are hoping to strip the law from the books in an upcoming elec-tion. They are collecting signatures in an effort to put the request on the state ballot.****************************************************************

FLASHBACK:The BOS discuss the Town Manager’s and Housing Authority’s contract award to Connery Associates of Melrose to perform a fiscal impact study on three 40B projects ocated in Chelmsford. CLICK HERE for VideoCLICK HERE for Video

To read the fiscal impact study CLICK HERECLICK HERE

Rep. calls for halt to 40BRep. calls for halt to 40BBy Chloe Gotsis/ staff writer

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x23524327/Rep-calls-for-halt-to-40BGateHouse News Service

Oct 26, 2009

Chelmsford —A Chelmsford lawmaker is pushing for a two-year moratorium on building housing units under Chapter 40B, the state lawhe argues costs too much and provides too little in the way of affordable housing.

State Rep. Tom Golden, D-Lowell, whose district includes three Chelmsford precincts,charges the law gives more assistance to developers than underprivileged and offers littlesupport for host communities. Instead of increasing meals, sales and gas taxes, Goldensaid the more effective way to reverse the faltering economy is to cut underperforming pro-grams and take a closer look at ineffective state laws such as 40B.

Housing advocates counter by saying Chapter 40B is the most effective way to create newhousing for lower income Bay Staters.

“While there is much talk of the outright repeal of 40B, I do not believe that there is currentlyenough support for the action,” said Golden in a letter to Gov. Deval Patrick.

In his letter, Golden points out Massachusetts is ranked 47th in providing affordable hous-ing.

“However, I do feel that 40B seriously needs to be revised to address the lack of oversightand problems it is creating in some communities,” Golden writes.

Golden is proposing that during the moratorium, the state’s Secretary of Housing should meet with community leaders todevelop a more cohesive affordable housing law. He said the moratorium will help save money spent on the law by redi-recting it towards funds for local banks to assist first-time homebuyers and nonprofit organizations seeking to rehabilitaterundown properties.

He is also hoping to direct funding spent on 40B to the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program that pro-vides short-term assistance to low-income families at risk of homelessness.

“I don’t think raising taxes is going to be the answer,” said Golden at a precinct meeting in Chelmsford last week. “I’d ratherfreeze a 40B project than cut our lottery aid. If we aren’t building affordable housing, which we aren’t, we should be freez-ing 40B.”

Lawmakers passed 40B 1969 as a response to a study of unmet housing needs in the Bay State. Criticism of the lawbegan in the 1990s as more and more projects were proposed under the law.

To build a 40B project, a developer must agree to construct 25 percent of the units for residents earning up to 80 percentof the area median income — about $87,000 for a family of four in Chelmsford in 2007.

Municipalities are required under state law to have 10 percent of their housing stock deemed affordable. Chelmsford cur-rently has 973 Chapter 40B units on inventory, part of an affordable housing stock that puts the town at 7.41 percent. Ap-proximately 336 additional units are needed to reach the 10 percent mark, according to Community Development DirectorEvan Belansky.

Phil Hailer, spokesman for the Department of Housing and Community Development, the state agency in charge of 40B,said the law has been used to build 53,000 units statewide, with approximately 28,000 of those placed at affordable ratesto families that do not make 80 percent of the median income.

Critics of the law, including the Massachusetts Slow Growth Initiative, allege the law fills towns with high-density develop-ments. The average density per acre for the 40B developments in eight to nine units per acre, said Belansky.

Craig Chemaly, director of operations for the Massachusetts Slow Growth Initiative, said he is a strong supporter ofGolden’s moratorium, but is unsure it can pass.

“The problem is that history has shown that the chairs of the Housing Committee don’t let bills like this out of their commit-tee,” said Chemaly. “It comes down to getting it out of the housing committee, which is a shame because I think this is oneof the great bills out there.”

Chemaly said there are presently 66 bills regarding the 40B law in front of the Legislature, but he doubts that any of themwill pass.

State Rep. Tom Golden

According to Chemaly, there are so many problems with 40B that legislative tinkering can’t fix it, so his group is advocatingrepeal.

“The developers make too much money off of 40B to make any changes,” said Chemaly. “The law has been transformedfrom a law that promotes affordable housing into a law that promotes high-density residential nonaffordable development,that’s the main problem. It produces next to no real affordable housing.”

Chemaly disputes arguments that his group is simply anti-affordable housing.

“There are two types of people that oppose 40B,” he said. “There are people that are concerned about the environment be-cause they are commonly built on wetlands and there are the people that say we’ve had 40B for 40 years and we areranked 47th in affordable housing. The reason why you see so many local groups supporting 40B is because they getmoney from DHCD.”

But David Hedison, executive director of the Chelmsford Housing Authority said the law has numerous benefits such askeeping seniors out of nursing homes by providing them with affordable housing alternatives. The Chelmsford Housing Au-thority was recently awarded a $4.58 million grant to construct 37 housing units for seniors as part of the CHOICE Centerin North Chelmsford.

“You’ve now eliminated the mechanism which we use to build elderly housing,” said Hedison. “You don’t throw the baby outwith the bathwater. Every elderly housing development we’ve built is 40B. We are saving the state almost 85 percent ofwhat it costs to keep seniors in a nursing home. We have to create more housing units.”

Hedison said people want more local control, yet there are vacant seats on Chelmsford’s affordable housing committee.

“These people are saying they want more local control and it should be stopped, but where are they?” he said. “What morelocal control do you want? I don’t believe it’s an issue of local control, I believe they just don’t want affordable housing, pe-riod.”

Golden said since sending the letter to the governor’s office he has received calls from the office of secretary of the Hous-

ing and Urban Development to arrange a meeting to discuss Golden’s concerns with the law.

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

Chelmsford appeals 40B decisionChelmsford appeals 40B decisionBy Chloe Gotsis/ staff writerGateHouse News Service

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1312013907/Chelmsford-appeals-40B-decision

Nov 04, 2009

Chelmsford —

Chelmsford officials have appealed a Middlesex Land Court jury’s decision that ruled a developer did not collectexcessive profits for a Turnpike Road affordable housing development.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said town counsel filed an appeal in October with the state Appellate Board on the Mid-dlesex Land Court’s denial of the town’s claim that Orchard Woods LLC and ALTID Enterprises and developer Ray-mond Carye collected excessive profits for the Orchard Woods development.

“We imagine it’ll be taken up,” said Cohen. “[But] we haven’t received any dates yet.”

The jury ruled in September profit’s earned by Carye’s companies, Orchard Woods LLC and ALTID Enterprises,were within legal limits for the nine-building affordable housing complex.

Cohen previously said that the state’s affordable housing law, Chapter 40B, limits the profit a developer can gainfrom a 40B project to 20 percent. The Chelmsford Housing Authority, the designated monitor of Orchard Woods, al-leged that a $1.4 million profit received by Carye exceeded his allowed limit by about $300,000. The housing au-thority argued that Carye overstate land acquisition costs for the project and they conflicted with the regulatoryagreement he entered with the town.

The one week-long land court trial came after almost three years of attempted negotiations between the town andCarye, where the town expended approximately $100,000 to pursue the claim against Orchard Woods and ALTID.

Carye filed a comprehensive permit in May 2003 to build 30 units on a 2.33-acre site on Turnpike Road with 25percent of the lots rented or sold at affordable rates based on income guidelines. The town’s Zoning Board of Ap-peals granted the permit in December 2003 for 24 units, with six designated at an affordable rate.

Affordable housing meeting generates sparksAffordable housing meeting generates sparksBy Chloe Gotsis/ staff writer

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1312017504/Affordable-housing-meeting-generates-sparksGateHouse News Service

Nov 06, 2009

Chelmsford —The second generation of the town’s Affordable Housing Committee is working on developing a five year blueprint for af-fordable housing.

But the committee’s first meeting Nov. 4 showed it will be a long road for the committee over the next six to eight monthsmet with sharp contention from the Massachusetts Slow Growth Initiative, a statewide nonprofit group leading the chargeagainst repealing the state affordable housing law, Chapter, 40B.

The results of a recently completed independent study on four Chelmsford 40B developments was met with harsh criticismfrom two Slow Growth Initiative group members at the meeting. The Board of Selectmen commissioned the studying May2009 to examine the actual cost of four diverse 40B projects to the town after the Slow Growth began disseminating factsaround that town officials said they could not prove.

“The ‘Affordable Housing Developments Fiscal Impact Study’ is a flawed document with replete misrepresentation andoversights,” said Austin Simko, policy researcher for the Slow Growth Initiative and Chelmsford resident. “Though this reportprovides useful information in some places, it does a great disservice to the town by studiously crafting a rosy portrayal ofwhat 40B developments cost the community.”

Of the four projects studied, Robin Hills Meadows was found to have the highest municipal service cost per year, per unit of$12,038, compared to about $3,000 for the other three projects. Consultants determined Robin Hills Meadow requires$1.99 in service costs for every dollar received as revenue, indicating there is a net fiscal loss to the town.

The remaining three projects require less than $1 in municipal costs per dollar generated in revenue and therefore show aneutral or positive fiscal impact.

Simko and Assistant Director of the Slow Growth Initiative charged that the study neglected to incorporate other importantcosts such as lighting, water treatment, road maintenance and storm drainage management. They argued that further de-veloping the town by 40B projects will impinge on Chelmsford resident’s quality of life by resulting in congested roads, neg-lected infrastructure, increased noise pollution and crowded classrooms.

But Connery challenged that new growth does not always bring negative effects to the environment and diminish the qual-ity of life to residents in town.

“I think it’s really important to understand if you don’t grow and change your level same and your quality of life will godown,” he said. “It’s a balancing game. It’s not just all no growth and we’re all hunky dory.”

Connery urged the committee to take a broader look at growth and development for the town.

Community Development Director Evan Belansky asked Simko to conduct an independent study and compile data beforethey continue to make such claims about the cost of development to the community.

“My advice to you is that you define what you mean,” said Belansky. “The fact of the matter is that you still have not pro-vided the data. If you are going into these concepts we need the data. This study was done because we did not have thedata and now we have the data.”

The Affordable Housing Committee will next meet on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

The WESTLANDS PLACEThe WESTLANDS PLACE40B proposal before the40B proposal before theBoard of SelectmenBoard of Selectmenhas been postponed andhas been postponed andContinued to December 7Continued to December 7

The REPEAL 40B Coalition has The REPEAL 40B Coalition has reported that after 8 weeksreported that after 8 weeksthe movement has collectedthe movement has collected75,000 signatures so far to get the 75,000 signatures so far to get the question on the 2010 Novemberquestion on the 2010 NovemberState wide election ballot.State wide election ballot.This time around their goal isThis time around their goal is100,000 signatures,with a few100,000 signatures,with a fewshort weeks left until the deadlineshort weeks left until the deadline

The Fourth Annual

SPELLING BEESPELLING BEENovember 5th 2009November 5th 2009at the at the Radisson HotelRadisson Hotel

Photos by Colleen StansfieldPhotos by Colleen Stansfield

Breast cancer awareness:

SSSSoooonnnnggggssss ttttoooo ssssooooooootttthhhheeee tttthhhheeee aaaaffff ffff llll iiii cccc tttteeeeddddBy Staff reports

GateHouse News Servicehttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x1520368250/Breast-cancer-awareness-Songs-to-soothe-the-afflicted

Oct 31, 2009

Chelmsford —When Pam Espinosa thought she was having a relapse of her breast can-cer three years ago, she made a pledge: If she was O.K. again, she wouldbecome involved with a special choir that sings at the bedsides of the sickand dying.

Espinosa made good on her promise. Inspired by an article on the Califor-nia-based Threshold Choir and its founder Kate Munger, Espinosa ap-proached her bosses at Indian Hill Music in Littleton and, with theirblessing, started her own branch of the choir.

The group travels to local nursing homes and hospitals hoping lift the spir-its of patients with a song.

The Independent recently talked with Espinosa.

Q Does your experience as a cancer survivor provide you with any differ-ent outlook on this project?

A It definitely provides me with a unique outlook. I think anyone who doesthis work has to have faced their own mortality and come to terms withthat on an emotional basis. You have to remember that it’s not about me,it’s about us. You don’t want to be weeping and sobbing at someone’s bedside. Sometimes there’s a husband who is los-ing his wife and it’s very sad. But I’m not afraid of death. My parents are in their 80s and they don’t want to talk about it atall. But if you face it, we’re all dying, it’s just a matter of when or how. I’m not afraid, but I’m not ready to go. Not to say Idon’t get afraid. I have situations where I think it’s coming back. I do get terrified. I don’t think I’m done with my work hereyet. I do think being a survivor gives me a different perspective on this. We’ve all come to terms with our mortality.

Q What do you think helped you face your own mortality?

A When you get a cancer diagnosis and having to deal with that at a young age I did, I realized, ‘my goodness, I mightdie.’ We talk about death in our family. I’ve not had an immediate family member pass away. With my daughter even whenshe was little we would talk about death. It’s a possibility especially with the diagnosis [ I had]. I can remember when shewas little, maybe about 3-years-old, we’d say, ‘If I die first I’ll be your guardian angel and if you die first you’ll be mine.’Everyday is a gift. Every year is a celebration. I do believe I’ve survived as long as I have because of my love of musicand the power of prayer and my family’s prayers. I think having a 3-month-old when I was diagnosed you can’t sit and wal-low. I’m thankful for that too. She’s a freshman at Chelmsford High School now. Every year I get to see her grow. My goalis to see her grow. Someday I really do want to be a grandmother.

Q What is the experience like for you to be singing at someone’s bedside?

A It’s hard to describe because every situation is different. I definitely feel like we are sharing this really intimate momentwith a family and yet I’ve never had a bad experience. It doesn’t bring you down. It’s hard to describe. I don’t have wordsfor it. I know, I can see in many instances that we have brought peace to a person. Sometimes we enter a room where theperson has been audibly agitated and we’ve calmed them down. Their breathing just really calms down. Sometimes it is asad moment and there are tears. Sometimes it does help the family members work through their grief and we are there forthe person and the client.

Q What kinds of songs do you sing at the bedsides? How do you decide what to sing?

A We kind of sing anything from lullabies to rounds. We aren’t a performance group. We offer 20 to 30 minutes. It’s almostlike a mother singing to a child. We don’t charge anyone. It doesn’t have to be this sad and heavy song. We customize itbased on talking to the family and finding a little bit out about the person. It’s chosen based on the person’s taste, theirspiritual direction. Depending upon someone’s pace, we try to keep it simple. Sometimes we don’t even use words. Wejust hum. Sometimes it’s a simple song. A lot of it is original songs that the founder has passed on to us. I’ve had requestsfor Patsy Cline before. We try to tailor it for them. Some people aren’t responsive or verbal at all and in that case we try togo by the family. In one case we sang a Polish carol by the bedside of a Polish woman.

For more information on the Threshold Choir at Indian Hill Music or to arrange a bedside visit call 978-486-9524. To speak to Pam Espinosa, the Threshold Choir director directly dial extension (317).

Courtesy photoCo-directors of the Threshold Choir at Indian HillCharlotte Russel, left, and Pam Espinosa flankThreshold Choir founder Kate Munger of Californiaat the recent Threshold Choir hospice singingworkshops hosted by Indian Hill Music in October.

On the BorderOn the BorderWestford board plans to take closer look at emissions dataWestford board plans to take closer look at emissions data

Panel has 'broad discretion' in ruling if asphalt plant meets zoningPanel has 'broad discretion' in ruling if asphalt plant meets zoning

By Prudence Brighton, Sun CorrespondentBy Prudence Brighton, Sun Correspondent

http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_13701980?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.comhttp://www.lowellsun.com/ci_13701980?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com

11/03/2009 11/03/2009

WESTFORD -- The Planning Board last night took a new look at the process used to obtain emissions data for the proposed asphaltWESTFORD -- The Planning Board last night took a new look at the process used to obtain emissions data for the proposed asphalt

plant at 540 Groton Road.plant at 540 Groton Road.

"We want to regroup and reacquaint ourselves with the air-quality study, so we can then look more deeply at the data," Planning"We want to regroup and reacquaint ourselves with the air-quality study, so we can then look more deeply at the data," Planning

Board Chairman Mike Green said.Board Chairman Mike Green said.

Green also disclosed the response of town counsel for a ruling on whether the proposed plant meets the criteria for light industrialGreen also disclosed the response of town counsel for a ruling on whether the proposed plant meets the criteria for light industrial

zoning, as set in Westford's bylaws.zoning, as set in Westford's bylaws.

The Planning Board has "broad discretion to make that determination," Green reported.The Planning Board has "broad discretion to make that determination," Green reported.

He said data submitted is viewed in that context.He said data submitted is viewed in that context.

Douglas Deschenes, attorney for applicant Newport Materials, said he intends to refocus "on the underlying data and the process forDouglas Deschenes, attorney for applicant Newport Materials, said he intends to refocus "on the underlying data and the process for

the air-quality study and a health-risk assessment study."the air-quality study and a health-risk assessment study."

He described the process that was used to obtain an air-quality permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection. HeHe described the process that was used to obtain an air-quality permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection. He

added that the DEP said the "analysis is far beyond anything ever done in Massachusetts."added that the DEP said the "analysis is far beyond anything ever done in Massachusetts."

For some board members and opponents of the plant, however, at least one aspect of the process was flawed.For some board members and opponents of the plant, however, at least one aspect of the process was flawed.

Air-quality samples were taken from the nearest monitoring locations. Those locations include Lowell, the Drum Hill rotary in ChelmsAir-quality samples were taken from the nearest monitoring locations. Those locations include Lowell, the Drum Hill rotary in Chelms--

ford and Haverhill.ford and Haverhill.

Each monitor tests for a specific pollutant. The Lowell monitor, for example, tests for carbon dioxide.Each monitor tests for a specific pollutant. The Lowell monitor, for example, tests for carbon dioxide.

Board member Andrea Peraner-Sweet questioned the locations, as did Patrick Costello, attorney for the Route 40 Clean Air Coalition.Board member Andrea Peraner-Sweet questioned the locations, as did Patrick Costello, attorney for the Route 40 Clean Air Coalition.

"How fairly or accurately can this depict the situation?" Costello asked."How fairly or accurately can this depict the situation?" Costello asked.

Lloyd Schulman of TRC, a Lowell-based environmental engineering firm, explained that not every town has a monitor and that moniLloyd Schulman of TRC, a Lowell-based environmental engineering firm, explained that not every town has a monitor and that moni--

tors chosen for the study were the ones closest to Westford.tors chosen for the study were the ones closest to Westford.

Deschenes added that although those sites have high concentrations of pollutants, the study was not skewed.Deschenes added that although those sites have high concentrations of pollutants, the study was not skewed.

The project emissions from the Groton Road plant were added to the measured pollutants from the monitoring devices. The resultsThe project emissions from the Groton Road plant were added to the measured pollutants from the monitoring devices. The results

showed that emissions of each of the pollutants would be "well below the DEP limits," Deschenes said.showed that emissions of each of the pollutants would be "well below the DEP limits," Deschenes said.

The only issue was with 2.5-micron particulate matter samples taken at the Drum Hill site, which were over the limits, The only issue was with 2.5-micron particulate matter samples taken at the Drum Hill site, which were over the limits,

according to Schulman.according to Schulman.

The health-risk assessment study, initiated by the Board of Health, was described as an expanded version of the air-quality study. It isThe health-risk assessment study, initiated by the Board of Health, was described as an expanded version of the air-quality study. It is

still a draft document, but the final version will have only minor modifications, Deschenes said.still a draft document, but the final version will have only minor modifications, Deschenes said.

Green said it would be important to have the Board of Health present at subsequent discussions of air quality, and said he is lookingGreen said it would be important to have the Board of Health present at subsequent discussions of air quality, and said he is looking

into that possibility.into that possibility.

In other business, the Planning Board closed the public hearing for a request to install a wireless communications facility on the HuntIn other business, the Planning Board closed the public hearing for a request to install a wireless communications facility on the Hunt

Road water tower. The board will make a decision on the application at its next meeting.Road water tower. The board will make a decision on the application at its next meeting.

The water tower is located near the Chelmsford town line and has drawn opposition from residents of both towns who live in the area.The water tower is located near the Chelmsford town line and has drawn opposition from residents of both towns who live in the area.

The application was submitted by Omnipoint Communications, a subsidiary of T-Mobile.The application was submitted by Omnipoint Communications, a subsidiary of T-Mobile.

One of the primary points of concern has been the possibility that other carriers might want to install equipment there as well.One of the primary points of concern has been the possibility that other carriers might want to install equipment there as well.

CHELMSFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS GRAND OPENINGCHELMSFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS GRAND OPENINGby Tom Christianoby Tom Christiano

The Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) held its Grand Opening Celebrationon Saturday, November 7, 2009 in the historic building in the center of town formerly known as the Old Town Hall. Our Town Manager, Paul Cohen, had thehonor of cutting the opening ribbon. Many Chelmsford residents came by to joinin the celebration, along with two of our State Representatives, Tom Golden &Jim Arciero (Jim also presented and read a citation from the State to commemo-rate this important day for Chelmsford).

The afternoon celebration included many activities & displays related to the arts.There are four resident artists with studios in the new CCA, with three of theseart studios open for tours by anyone who wanted to stop by and view their artwork.

The evening celebration started with a reception downstairs, followed by musicalconcerts upstairs in the Grand Ballroom. The first musicians to play were theProfessional Guitar Duo of Mike Loce & Jimmy Gaudette. They were extraordi-nary in their versatility and ability. The second set was by a wonderful pianist,Brian Friedland. He was very creative and original, playing his own composi-tions with a flawless & masterful technique.

This Grand Opening Celebration was only the beginning....the ARTS are aliveand well in Chelmsford. Let's show our support by visiting the CCA often, andby attending the Old Town Halls fundraising concert at the Performing Arts Cen-ter at the High School on Saturday, November 21st.

Photos by Tom ChristianoPhotos by Tom Christiano

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SSEERRVVIICCEE TTOO OOUURR CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY!!

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CHELMSFORD COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, November 18th1:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Chelmsford Senior Center75 Groton Road

For more information, please call

Leonard Doolan at 978-256-3604

****************************************Submitted by: Submitted by: Laura Lee Laura Lee TM REP Precinct 2TM REP Precinct 2

Submitted by: Submitted by: Clare JeannotteChairman, Board of Selectmen

Please join the Board of Selectmen for aPublic Input Session – Monday, November 16, 2009 7:00-9:30 PM

Dear Residents,

The Town of Chelmsford is now beginning itsbudget planning for the April town meeting, when a balanced budget will be presented for consideration by Town Meeting Representatives.

While we are beginning to hear small indications of improved economic trends, the recovery to municipal government usually lags behind the general economy by a year or two, meaning thatwe expect the next few years to remain fiscallychallenging. The Governor has just proposed another $600 million in cuts statewide, which fortunately are not affecting our town budget thistime too strongly. All expectations are that FY11will be another tough year, with tough choices tomake.

The town has been weathering this downturn with cuts that have affected all departments, including many personnel cuts, a closed fire station, and fees implemented for school activities and transportation.

Do you give much thought to what services are provided by your tax dollars and what you value the most? We areoperating at a level now where “trimming the fat” or grabbing the “low hanging fruit” is behind us. There are manymandated areas that we cannot really cut at all.

Please come and tell us your values and service priorities related to schools, fire and police services, trash and recycling, library services, department of public works, and senior center services.

Some towns have changed their methods of trash collection to encourage higher levels of recycling and savemoney. Our disposal contract is up for renewal and this is a very important current topic. Should we make it a priority to save money, or is it more important to “go green” by limiting barrels for disposal and providing weekly instead of biweekly recycling pickup, even if it does not save money?

Other current topics you may want to share opinions on are the pending legislation to allow red light cameras,which Chief Murphy would like to see installed in Chelmsford. Our Chelmsford Housing Authority is always striving to find suitable ways to meet the demand for affordable housing in our town, and you may have thoughts on that to share. Have you enjoyed the new Rail Trail since it opened, and have comments to share on this new aspect of Chelmsford recreational space?

The Town Manager and Board will hear any questions, ideas or concerns on any topics.Please consider coming and have your voice heard by sharing your thoughts, questions or concerns with the Board if you can.

We thank, and welcome, you.

Clare JeannotteClare JeannotteChairman, Board of Selectmen

Submitted by: Submitted by: Randy WhiteheadRandy Whitehead

DAVID TOUSIGNANT DAVID TOUSIGNANT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISERMEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

WRESTLING MAT DEDICATIONWRESTLING MAT DEDICATION

We are all saddened by the recent loss of our friend and a wonderful man, DaveTousignant who lost his 2 ½ year battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Forthose of us who were fortunate enough to have known and shared friendship withDave throughout his life and for those who became acquainted with him after hisdiagnosis, share in our admiration of him and the courage he exhibited every dayin his struggle to beat this disease.

The “Friends of Dave” are excited to announce that in Dave’s memory as anoutstanding Chelmsford High School athlete and life long resident of Chelmsford,two Scholarship Awards will be established in his name, one for male and one forfemale student athletes of the year. The awards will be known as “The DaveTousignant, Heart of a Lion” Memorial Scholarship Award.

Along with these awards there will be a special ceremony unveiling a newChelmsford High School wrestling mat honoring Dave as one of Chelmsford’s alltime outstanding wrestlers.

With the generosity of many friends and businesses, we were able to help Daveand his family financially while he was unable to work. We are all very thankful for this.

On Friday, December 11, 2009 at 7:30PM, “The Friends of Dave” Committee willbe presenting The Dave Tousignant Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Concertat the Chelmsford High School Performing Arts Center entitled:“A Jazzy Snazzy Christmas”Featuring: Twenty five piece orchestraOutstanding vocalistGuest SpeakersVideo PresentationRaffles and Prizes

We ask that you join with us with your generosity and become a sponsor for thismemorial fundraiser. The individuals and/or Company names will be listed in theevening program, as well as prominently displayed on a large donationsponsorship board. These tax-deductable donations can be made out to

“CHSAA Dave Tousignant.

Send checks to CHS Alumni Assoc.Chelmsford HS 200 Richardson Rd Chelmsford MA 01863

*****************************************************7th Annual7th Annual

NNiigghhtt ooff aa 11000000 KKiicckkss To benefitTo benefit

The Preservation North Town Hall &The Preservation North Town Hall &North Chelmsford VillageNorth Chelmsford Village

Wednesday, December 30th 2009

Held at: Alpha Tae Kwon Do AcademyFor more information visit in person,call

or visit our websitehttp://www.alphatkd.com/

3rd Annual3rd AnnualWalk (and Talk) Turkey Walk (and Talk) Turkey

the Day Before Thanksgivingthe Day Before Thanksgiving

The Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship Program and local television host TomThe Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship Program and local television host TomChristiano will once again revive an old Chelmsford tradition of gathering at the rocks at Thanksgiving ForestChristiano will once again revive an old Chelmsford tradition of gathering at the rocks at Thanksgiving Forest

at Thanksgiving time. at Thanksgiving time.

The original tradition had the men of Chelmsford gathering at the rocks Thanksgiving DayThe original tradition had the men of Chelmsford gathering at the rocks Thanksgiving Dayfor a fox hunt. Since many families are busy Thanksgiving Day and fox hunting is no longer a part of Chelmsfor a fox hunt. Since many families are busy Thanksgiving Day and fox hunting is no longer a part of Chelms--ford life, this special one mile holiday walk through the forest will take place on Wednesday afternoon, Noford life, this special one mile holiday walk through the forest will take place on Wednesday afternoon, No--vember 25, at 2:00 p.m. from the Janet Road entrance to the forest, and at 2:30 p.m. from the Gary Roadvember 25, at 2:00 p.m. from the Janet Road entrance to the forest, and at 2:30 p.m. from the Gary Road

entrance to the forest (shorter hike).entrance to the forest (shorter hike).

Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Guaetta & Benson Law Firm alongside a campfire at the rock outRefreshments will be provided courtesy of Guaetta & Benson Law Firm alongside a campfire at the rock out--cropping. Guest speaker Becky Warren will "talk turkey" about Thanksgiving Forest, Chelmsford's past andcropping. Guest speaker Becky Warren will "talk turkey" about Thanksgiving Forest, Chelmsford's past and

some of the town's little known traditions. some of the town's little known traditions.

Get into the Thanksgiving spirit Wednesday afternoon and enjoy a brisk walk and some town lore in preparaGet into the Thanksgiving spirit Wednesday afternoon and enjoy a brisk walk and some town lore in prepara--tion for the next day. More than 300 people enjoyed this event last year!tion for the next day. More than 300 people enjoyed this event last year!

There is no cost for this event.There is no cost for this event.

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

~ The "Old Chelmsford" Garrison House Association ~

Celebrating 50 years of Preserving Chelmsford History!

THE "OLD CHELMSFORD" GARRISON HOUSE, located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, was one of 19 British garrisonsin Chelmsford in 1691. The house has been designated as a National Historical Place and is a practically unspoiled mu-seum piece. It is a rare example of where and how the common man and his family lived in the early days. Inside, thehouse is furnished with beautiful antique furniture and dishes, clothes, cooking equipment, and many other items which afamily would have used in their everyday life. The buttery inside the house contains a very interesting display of earlydairy equipment.

November 29 - Thanksgiving Homecoming - 2 PM - 4 PMNovember 29 - Thanksgiving Homecoming - 2 PM - 4 PMCelebrate our 50th anniversary with music, story telling, and more! Celebrate our 50th anniversary with music, story telling, and more!

This 50th anniversary event will be held at:This 50th anniversary event will be held at:The "Old Chelmsford" Garrison HouseThe "Old Chelmsford" Garrison House

105 Garrison Road105 Garrison RoadChelmsford, MA. 01824Chelmsford, MA. 01824

$$$Tax Classification HearingTax Classification Hearing

November 23

BOARD OF SELECTMENBOARD OF SELECTMENMEETINGMEETING

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VIDEO VIDEO “QQQQUUUUOOOOTTTTEEEE OOOOFFFF TTTTHHHHEEEE WWWWEEEEEEEEKKKK”From President George President George WW . Bush. Bush

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE for WWords of WWisdom

Chelmsford Chelmsford Police’s Police’s New Sobriety testNew Sobriety testfor suspectedfor suspecteddrunk driversdrunk drivers

CLICK HERECLICK HERE

In-Town ReportIn-Town Report NEWS LINKS

Lowell SunChelmsford Independent

Kevin Zimmerman’s Chelmsford Mass NewsTown of Chelmsford Website

WBZThe Boston Channel.com

If you have friends,family or neighborswho you think would like to beadded to this news update listjust have them drop us a line atintownreport@gmail.com

In-Town ReportIn-Town Report is on FacebookCLICK HERE:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68800427919&ref=ts

For Back Issues of the In-Town ReportIn-Town ReportCLICK HERE:

http://www.slideshare.net/re007hq/documents

ROY EARLEYROY EARLEYTown Meeting Representative Precinct 6

TOM CHRISTIANOTOM CHRISTIANOTown Meeting Representative Precinct 9