EDC opts for sports facility over Sr. housing

Economic Development Committee
TOWN HOUSE, 459 MAIN STREET MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 02052-2009
RE: Lot 3 Ice House Road
Dear Selectmen,

At a duly posted meeting of the Economic Development Committee
At their duly posted meeting on November 21, 2014, the present members of the Medfield Economic
Development Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Town issue a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for the development of an indoor sports facility on Lot 3, Ice House Road. This decision was
based on the review of the two Expressions of lnterests reviewed by the Town on November  14, 2014.
One of the proposals was for the sports facility while the other presented a concept for
age-restricted senior housing.

The Committee reached its decision by assessing the proposal against the following selection
criteria: potential tax revenue, possible lease terms, services, connections to existing uses, job
creation; as well as with the overarching mission of the Economic Development Committee.

The vote was based on the following benefits (in no particular order of priority):
•  No zoning change required, proposed use is allowable under zoning
•  The use complements the existing recreational use of the Kingsbury Club
•  The risk of development is privatized; the Town does not incur the capital expense or management
of such a facility
•  Similar tax revenues

Notwithstanding the above, the Committee does see the value in senior housing and asserts that the
Hinkley property is better suited for housing due to its zoning and proximity to The CENTER.

The Committee also discussed the connection to the Medfield State Hospital property and ongoing
planning efforts. The Committee feels that to delay development of Lot 3 will go against the wishes
of the 2014 Annual Town Meeting vote that authorized the Selectmen to enter a lease agreement for
development of Lot 3. Further, tax revenue could be realized sooner than the eventual development
of Hospital Hill. The citizens of Medfield have demonstrated support for this type of project that
would not be suitable for overall aesthetic of Hospital Hill.

Issuing an RFP and following proper procurement may also offer the opportunity to capture more
developers with a specialty in indoor sports facilities and will level the playing field comparing
like projects. It will also offer the Town the ability to review the sublease option of the
Kingsbury Club.

The Economic Development Committee believes that the reviews performed by the various land use
committees (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission)
will mitigate potential negative impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods and The CENTER.

We look forward to meeting with you at your meeting on December 2, 2014.
Sincerely,

Patrick Casey, Chairman
Economic Development Committee