Today I added a Facebook “page” (see above) called Osler Peterson, Medfield Select Board, so that my blog posts at Medfield02052 could once again get simultaneously posted on Facebook. Facebook changed its policies and shut me off last August when all I had was a “profile,” and this gets the posts back on Facebook again.
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The agenda and back up materials are all available here – 20181211-agenda & materials
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Posted in Select Board matters
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December 6, 2018 in Charity, Medfield Foundation, Sports, Volunteers
My regular monthly select board office hours are at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (this Friday).
Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters. Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).
I can be reached via my cell phone at 508-359-9190 or my blog about Medfield matters, where any schedule changes will be posted.
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![MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN Town Admmislralor TOWN OF MEDFIELD Office of BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOWN HOUSE, 459 MAIN STREET MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 02052-0315 (508) 359-8505 November27,2018 Catherine Racer, Associate Director Division ofHousing and Development Department ofHousing and Community Development 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300 Boston, Massachusetts 02114 RE: Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit Project Name: Location: NumberofUnits: Subsidizing Agency: Applicant: The Rosebay at Medfield 30 Pound Street, Medfield, MA, 02502 45 Units (45 affordable) DHCD Newgate Housing LLC Dear Ms. Racer, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Project Eligibility Application under the Chapter 40B program for a proposed Low Income Housing Tax Credit ("LIHTC") development. The Rosebay at Medfield, a 45-unit senior housing rental development proposed by Newgate Housing LLC contains 37 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units as well as programming space for elder services. The project site is currently in partial use as a Medfield Housing Authority senior housing property ("Tilden Village"). Tilden Village includes 60 units within six two-story buildings and is served by existing municipal infrastructure. As Tilden Village is not served by elevators and none ofthe upper-story units are accessible, and as the proposed development includes programming space for elder services, it is logical to locate new senior housing on the undeveloped two-acre portion ofthe site. There is very limited available land in Medfield that is served by public water and sewer - including most undeveloped Town-owned land and the former Medfield State Hospital Site. This presents significant challenges to the provision ofaffordable housing on other Town-owned sites. In order to increase the supply of handicap accessible affordable senior rental housing which would provide a modest number oftwo-bedroom units to accommodate households with authorized home care workers the site at 30 Pound Street is ideal given its proximate location to the Town Center, existing senior housing, and local services. The Medfield Board ofSelectmen has reviewed the application and is in support ofthe concept to construct affordable senior housing on this site but has some reservations about the design and potential traffic impacts ofthe proposed building. Having recently completed a Housing Production Plan which underscored the need for more diverse housing units in terms ofunit size, tenure, and cost, the Plan specifically identified both Tilden Village and the Town Center as a target area for affordable housing. The Townled effort to allow further development at Tilden Village has been a partnership between the Board ofthe Selectmen, the Medfield Affordable Housing Trust, and the Medfield Housing Authority to develop and issue an RFP for this site, and then to select the most responsible proposer [Newgate LLC]. The applicant has worked with the Town to develop a development program to create additional senior housing. The building, which has not yet undergone local permitting, has generated concem from neighboring residents and within the Town government. Although the applicant states that much ofthe design issues could be worked out during the Zoning Board ofAppeals ("ZBA") process, the Town would prefer the applicant to revise their design program prior to appearing before the ZBA as incomplete applications could potentially undermine concerted efforts on the Town's part to make the plan review process as transparent as possible. The applicant's permitting strategy to wait until after the commencement ofa hearing at the ZBA could damage newly formed public trust and lead to confusion and the spread ofmisinformation, which could be detrimental to an already sensitive proposal for much needed housing and add considerable time and acrimony to the process. Due to these factors, the Board of Selectmen may opt not to support this project unless the applicant changes approach and becomes more responsive to community concems regarding design and traffic impacts, and consequently, they may recommend that the Zoning Board ofAppeals deny this project, as is their right due to the Town's position in Safe Harbor. In addition to the Town's efforts to improve public perception regarding affordable housing, the Town has made significant strides to increase the actual production of affordable housing opportunities within the Town. Since the completion ofthe Housing Production Plan, the Town has authorized the fonnation ofan Affordable Housing Trust ("Trust"), passed a $lm bond to capitalize the Trust, and adopted an aggressive Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw at Annual Town Meeting in 2017. The Town has been involved in further planning efforts including the Trust's completion ofa Five-Year Action Plan and Strategy and a Master Plan for the State Hospital site, which features provisions for affordable housing opportunities. Since the adoption ofthe Housing Production Plan, the Town has met their targets to reach Safe Harbor by approving the following developments: Cushman House at 67 North Street (rental, 8 units, 2 affordable), 71 North Street (rental, 8 apartments, 2 affordable), Chapel Hill Landing (ownership, 49 units, 13 affordable), Hillside Village (rental, 16 apartments, 4 affordable), and is currently reviewing Medfield Green at 41 Dale Street (mixed tenure, 36 units, 27 SHI eligible units). The Medfield Planning Board took the opportunity to comment on the proposal early in concept at their August 28, 2017 meeting and again at their September 17, 2018 meeting. The Planning Board is concemed about the design ofthe building; in particular with respect to the roofline and the massing. Although the school complex is a large institutional building, Tilden Village consists ofmodest two-story structures and the surrounding neighborhood contains single family homes. The Planning Board is concemed that the proposed building is not in keeping with the architectural vemacular ofthe area and would like to see more effort to appropriately mass the building so as to minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Medfield's local design standards discourage long unbroken facades, and they should be avoided and broken up with recesses and projections, changes in materials, and complimentary landscaping; although these standards are not applicable to a development pursuant to Chapter 40B, they do offer insight as to what the Town might consider appropriate design. The Planning Board also requested a traffic report and recommended the Zoning Board ofAppeals consider obtaining technical assistance for the design review ofthe proposed building. A site visit with DHCD was conducted on November 6, 2018. During the site visit, the following issues were discussed: • Identification ofproject in Housing Production Plan • Services and amenities offered and available in the community near the project site • Amount ofaffordable family housing available in Medfield • Level of support from the Town and residents • Comments related to the school, such as retention ofan existing path • Minimum age restriction (55 versus 62) • Bedroom counts; necessity for two-bedroom units • Height, bulk, massing and architectural context • Lockbox gate in rear • Absence ofwetlands or natural heritage areas Following the site visit, Town Officials have submitted the following comments: TOWN ADMINISTRATOR The Town Administrator is not supportive ofthis proposal. The Town Administrator believes that the proposed neighborhood has faced a lot ofrecent development, including the 2005 renovation ofthe Middle and High Schools (originally constructed in 1961),a recent multifamily conversion resulting in the preservation ofthe historic Cushman House and resulting in 8 units including two affordable handicap accessible units, and a proposed adjacent multifamily project, also resulting in an increase of8 units including two affordable units for a total of 16 units within a halfmile radius ofthe project site. Further, Pound Street is currently used as a commuter cut through which would be impacted by this project. The Town Administrator would prefer to focus development at the former State Hospital Site. BOARD OF HEALTH Due to the project site's location within the Aquifer Protection Zone [which covers much ofthe Town], the applicant is requested to infiltrate, at a minimum, the first one-inch of run-offfrom the entire site, and that run offfrom impervious surfaces be treated to the highest regulatory standard prior to infiltration. The Board ofHealth believes this will help ensure that the Town can maintain a clean and adequate supply ofdrinking water to its citizens, including those who reside and/or work at this project site. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Although the Department ofPublic Works (DPW) anticipates that all drainage, water, and sewer utilities will be shown on future plans as the project progresses, there are still some concems about other missing elements. The current plans do not address snow removal for the planned development. It is unclear ifthere will be snow storage areas dedicated for winter operations or ifthe snow be removed from the site. DPW notes that ifthe snow is planned to be removed from the site, accommodations for larger removal equipment such as, loaders, trailer dumps or large blowers should be considered. Parking vehicles within the right-of-way while snow removal in the development takes place should not be entertained as the town enforces parking bans throughout the winter months. In addition, the applicant shows a driving lane and two parking spaces located within a 20' wide drainage easement held by DPW. Further discussion between the applicant and DPW will be required regarding the easement. In addition, details for handicap accessibility should be shown for each ofthe sidewalk approaches to the main entrance driveway on Pound Street. Lastly, DPW notes that all permits should be obtained before any work has commenced for street opening, trenching, and water and sewer connections; and believes the applicant should satisfy concems related to increased traffic. COUNCIL ON AGING The Council on Aging is supportive ofthis proposal but has some concems about the appearance ofthe building, as well as the size and height. MEDFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Medfield School Department is concemed by how close the building and parking is to adjacent Middle and High School complex. Many students at both the middle school and high school walk to school, and use an existing path that runs through the site to access the school. Maintaining the safe pedestrian access through the site for students should be a priority. There is also concem that the current road on the school side will be used as an emergency egress into the property. The school property has consistent traffic from 7am -llpm from Sunday-Saturday for the period of September - June, and could be impacted by this project. Finally, the School Department notes that part ofthe Housing Authority property is currently in use as a playground for the School's daycare. MEDFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT The Medfield Police Department is supportive ofthis proposal, but would like to see more details related to site illumination and traffic impacts. MEDFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT The Medfield Fire Department would prefer the applicant use a lockbox at the gate for emergency egress in lieu ofOpticon, a barcode scanning system. RESIDENT COMMENTS In addition to those comments by Town Officials, a number ofneighbors and residents have also submitted comments on the proposed project. Most comments related to concems related to the Aquifer Protection District, the appropriateness ofthe building, the design ofthe building, and traffic impacts; however, not all letters spoke in opposition and several residents did issue letters ofsupport. GENERAL COMMENTS Finally, the Town has reviewed the development budget and operating pro forma for the proposed project. The Town recognizes that there are real challenges with respect to finding income eligible tenants who can afford LIHTC rents without a rental subsidy but notes that the proposal calls for 8 apartments to be "Low Income, Rental Assisted" units. The Town would like to better understand the anticipated source, amount, and duration of this partial rental subsidy as part ofits assessment ofproject viability. While it is premature to expect the development team to stipulate a recapitalization plan for the end ofthe tax credit period at this very early point in the process, the Town seeks reasonable assurances regarding the long-term feasibility ofthe development including potentially following a transfer ofcontrol to the Housing Authority or another party ifthe original partnership is dissolved after the initial LIHTC compliance period ends after 15 years. Understanding the availability and likelihood ofrental assistance for some ofthe project's units, both during and after the LIHTC compliance period, is important in this respect. The Town also notes that the fair market rents for 2019 have been issued and should be used in Newgate LLC's pro forma calculations. Due to long-term funding challenges, the Town also recognizes that the affordable units in this development are smaller than those required by DHCD but believes this will assist with future affordability. As the project consists ofthree fully handicap accessible units and two hearing impaired accessible units, and the building is served by an elevator, the Town is satisfied that the units will provide significant housing opportunities for lower income senior households. Although DHCD has advised against the inclusion oftwo-bedroom units, the Town would like to see the two-bedroom units to remain so as to allow for the occupancy of an authorized home care worker and believes such units would provide a significant benefit to the Town. In consideration ofthe above comments, and those enclosed, it is our expectation that you will agree that the Rosebay at Medfield is eligible for funding by DHCD so they may proceed with applying for LIHTC credits. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you may have. ^ [ichaerMardiicci, Chairman Medfield Board of Selectmen](https://medfield02052.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20181203-sr-rosebay-medfield-municipal-comment-letter-12-03-18_page_1.jpg?w=500)
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Posted in Affordable housing / 40B, Seniors
Best,
Pete
Osler L. Peterson, attorney at Law
PETERSON | Law
580 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02458-1416
T. 617.969.1500
F.. 617.663.6088
M. 508.359.9190
66 North Street, PO Box 358
Medfield, MA 02052-0358
Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com
Sent from my phone, so please excuse typos.
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FROM HESSCO THIS AFTERNOON –
Dear Board of Selectmen,
As your Area Agency on Aging and Aging Services Access Point I wanted to share HESSCO’s latest reports. Attached please find the 2018 Annual Report for HESSCO and a Medfield-specific Community Impact Statement. We are making a new effort to ensure that our community leaders are aware of our efforts within their town. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Leary
Director of Planning and Community Development
HESSCO
One Merchant Street
Sharon, MA 02067
781-784-4944 (TTY)
Fax: 781-784-4922
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Posted in Select Board matters, Seniors
Email today from Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –
Could you pretty please post that School Committee has Office Hours tomorrow (11/30) from 9-10am at Wheelock. Here is the whole schedule:
2018-2019 School Committee Office Hours
| Month | Date | Time | Location |
| September | Fri. 9/28 | 9-10am | Memorial |
| October | Thurs. 10/25 | 7-8pm | Blake |
| November | Fri. 11/30 | 9-10am | Wheelock |
| December | Fri. 12/14 | 9-10am | Dale St |
| January | Thurs. 1/31 | 7-8pm | MHS |
| February | Fri. 2/8 | 9-10am | Memorial |
| March | Thurs. 3/7 | 7-8pm | MHS |
| April | Fri. 4/5 | 9-10am | Wheelock |
| May | Thurs. 5/9 | 7-8pm | Blake |
| June | Fri 6/7 | 9-10am | Dale St |
Many thanks!!
Anna Mae
NB – Additions are in red type.
================================================
Board of Selectmen
Agenda November 27, 2018
6:00 PM Declare meeting open
6:00 PM Vote to go into Executive Session: Exemption #2: To conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel: discussion of Town Administrator contract for new Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler
7:00 PM Call to order
Disclosure of video recording
We want to take a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and
around the world
Announcement: Medfield Lions Christmas Tree Sale; Colleen Sullivan to speak
Planning Board Public Hearing on Monday December 3 at 8:05 PM, Town Hall regarding proposed upper
Spring Street Overlay District and the rezoning of three parcels near Peter Kristof Way
Appointments
7:00 PM Public Hearing – Annual Tax Classification
Board of Assessors will provide relevant information regarding Medfield’s property
tax rate. Vote to approve the residential factor
7:15 PM Developer Robert Borelli to present relevant information to the Board of Selectmen
regarding application for the proposed affordable housing project at 96 Adams
Street, a LIP project
7:45 PM Resident Eve Potts to present update on Plastic Bag Reduction Initiative
Citizen Comment
Action Items
Selectmen are requested to vote to sign letter to Board of Assessors regarding their release of excess
Overlay Funds
Zoning Board of Appeals requests the Selectmen accept resignation of Charles Peck as a full member
and appoint him as an Associate Member and vote to appoint William McNiff and Michael Whitcher as
members of the ZBA
Director of Public Works Maurice Goulet requests Selectmen vote to sign following contracts:
. Padula Bros., Inc. Lancaster, MA in the amount of $72,289.25 to purchase John Deere Tractor
(capital item)
. Tri-County Contractors Supply, Inc. West Springfield, MA in the amount of $61,125.00 for the
purchase of a flail attachment system to be used with the John Deere tractor
. Environmental Partners Group, Quincy, MA for consulting services regarding unaccounted for water
assessment; fee amount not to exceed $43,100.00
. Environmental Partners Group, Quincy, MA for consulting services regarding water test pilot report;
fee amount not to exceed $19,260.00
. Design Consultants, Inc. Somerville, MA for storm water management; fee not to exceed $20,000
(contractor assists the Town for compliance with our storm water permit)
Selectmen are requested to vote to sign Verizon and Eversource Agreements pertaining to Street Light
Pole attachment
Board of Selectmen are requested to vote to sign Agreement with Medfield Permanent Firefighters
Union regarding vacation accrual
Selectmen are requested to vote to approve and to sign Town Administrator contract with Kristine
Trierweiler
Discussion Items
Continued discussion regarding Town Wide Master Plan; vote to adopt charter and appoint initial
members
Continued discussion regarding future space needs for Council on Aging and Parks and Recreation
Discussion of October 29, 2018 Special Town Meeting
Discuss draft municipal comment letter regarding proposed development, The Rosebay at Medfield
Discuss January 2019 Selectmen meeting schedule
Discussion regarding Pleasant Court water
Licenses and Permits (Consent Agenda)
MEMO requests the Selectmen vote to grant a parade permit for the Christmas Parade to be held
Saturday December 8, 2018. Selectmen are cordially invited to participate in the December 7 Tree
Lighting festivities and the Parade
Medfield Lions Club request permission to post signs promoting Christmas Tree sales at their new
location, American Legion Parking Lot (formal vote)
Town Administrator Update
Discuss Meals Tax distribution
Acceptance / and or Correction of Meeting Minutes for October 2 and 30, 2018
Review Board of Selectmen Action List
Selectmen Report
Informational
MAPC extends invitation to their November 30 breakfast meeting; discussion the future of the region
Notice from ZBA regarding Public Hearing Thursday December 13, 7PM regarding 41 Dale Street project
Planning Board hearing Monday January 7, 2019 8:05PM regarding proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaws
COMCAST announces TV Channel updates and price changes
Verizon announces FIOS TV programming change
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Posted in Select Board matters
Medfield Select Board member
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.
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![November 20, 2018 Carol Mayer, Town Clerk Town of Medfield Medfield MA 02052 Re: Appointments to the Warrant Committee Dear Ms. Mayer: I am very pleased to confirm the following appointments Robert Sliney to the Warrant Committee of the Town of Medfield. Bob will succeed Thomas Marie for a term expiring in 2021. Amanda Hall to the Warrant Committee of the Town of Medfield. Amanda will succeed Abby Marble for a term expiring in 2019. Kristine Barton to the Warrant Committee of the Town of Medfield. Kristine will succeed Thomas Mulvoy for a term expiring in 2019. The following represents the current composition of our committee as it prepares to address the laws, business, and policies of the town: Amanda Hall of 305 North Street [term expires 2019] Kristine Barton of 3 Jefferson Way [term expires 2019] Joanna Hilvert of 14 Pueblo Road [term expires 2019] Jeremy Marsette of 62 Colonial Road [term expires 2020] Sharon Kingsley Tatro of 12 West Street [term expires 2020] Michael E. Pastore of 6 Liberty Road [term expires 2020] John E. (Jack) Wolfe of 17 Harding Street [term expires 2021] Newton H. Thompson of 5 Evergreen Way [term expires 2021] Robert Sliney of 6 Overfield Drive [term expires 2021] On behalf of the town, I thank Tom Marie, Abby Marble, and Tom Mulvoy for their excellent service and deep commitment to Medfield. As always, thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, Scott F. McDermott Scott F. McDermott cc: Town Administrator Board of Selectman Warrant Committee TOWN OF MEDFIELD Scott F. McDermott Town Moderator](https://medfield02052.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20181120-smcd-warrant-committee-appointments-2018-2019-11-20-18.jpg?w=500)
