Was great to meet up at Blue Moon Bagel Cafe in Medfield this morning with local leaders Select Board member Osler “Pete” Peterson, community leader Bill Massaro*, and former Norfolk Select Board member Kevin Kalkut. Bill has been holding the state’s feet to the fire on the Medfield State Hospital project, which entailed cleanup of a very contaminated site, and fingers crossed, it will soon be transformed into hundreds of units of housing in historic buildings, but in the meantime it’s a lovely trail next to the Charles River, I highly recommend it. We also talked stormwater, dams, and flooding. Decisions made at the local level are vital when it comes to a cleaner Charles River, and protecting our communities from impacts of climate change such as flooding and heat!
Town Administrator, Kristine Trierweiler shared her Summer 2024 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE with Select Board at our meeting on Tuesday, and I especially wanted to share the part below in blue font which is a follow up about the planned improvements to the West Street and RTE 27 intersection. At the Select Board meeting, Kris shared that in her meeting with MASSDOT that the state said that if Medfield builds the roundabout, as the state wants, that the state would find the town all of the monies to construct the roundabout. Whereas if we opt to install a traffic light, we will have to pay the entire $1.9m. cost on out own dime, as we will lose the $1.3m. Federal earmark.
To be clear, this Select Board member preferred the roundabout from the outset. It was the other two Select Board members who said they preferred the traffic light and who asked to have Kris pursue the traffic light option with the state.
The town now has the roundabout, which the MASSDOT traffic engineers say is the safest alternative, available to the town at no cost, versus a less safe traffic light option that will cost the town $1.9m. – should be an easy choice. If the town builds the traffic lights, your family’s share would be $4-5,000.
West Street and Route 27 Project Update
Maurice Goulet, Director of Public Works and I met with Beta Engineering and the MADOT engineering team to discuss the two different paths forward for the project as requested by the Select Board. For the first path, MADOT has confirmed that if we would like to utilize the 1.3 million dollar earmark we would have to continue with the MADOT process and that would include the consideration of a roundabout for this location. The total cost of that project is $1.9, however, MADOT indicated they would assist the Town in securing the remaining funding. MADOT believes that this location would benefit from a roundabout design. The next step if the Select Board elects this option is to go to the 25% design threshold.
Posted onAugust 24, 2024|Comments Off on ADU’s – coming to a Medfield yard near you in February
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), or small homes of up to 900 sq. ft., become permitted as of right in Massachusetts starting 2/2/2025 on any single family lot, subject only to “reasonable regulations.” The recently enacted Affordable Homes Act (AHA) stated the new rules, adding ADU’s onto the exemptions from local zoning that already exist for educational, religious, and agricultural uses. The permitted reasonable regulations cited are “dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of structures and . . . short-term rental.”
STATUTE
The Affordable Homes Act, Chapter 150 of the Acts 2024
SECTION 7. Section 1A of chapter 40A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the definition “Accessory dwelling unit” and inserting in place thereof the following definition:- “Accessory dwelling unit”, a self-contained housing unit, inclusive of sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities on the same lot as a principal dwelling, subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements, that: (i) maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress; (ii) is not larger in gross floor area than 1/2 the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller; and (iii) is subject to such additional restrictions as may be imposed by a municipality, including, but not limited to, additional size restrictions and restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rental, as defined in section 1 of chapter 64G; provided, however, that no municipality shall unreasonably restrict the creation or rental of an accessory dwelling unit that is not a short-term rental. SECTION 8. Section 3 of said chapter 40A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:- No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit, unreasonably restrict or require a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval for the use of land or structures for a single accessory dwelling unit, or the rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district; provided, that the use of land or structures for such accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph may be subject to reasonable regulations, including, but not limited to, 310 CMR 15.000 et seq., if applicable, site plan review, regulations concerning dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of structures and may be subject to restrictions and prohibitions on short-term rental, as defined in section 1 of chapter 64G. The use of land or structures for an accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph shall not require owner occupancy of either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal dwelling; provided, that not more than 1 additional parking space shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit; and provided further, that no additional parking space shall be required for an accessory dwelling located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. For more than 1 accessory dwelling unit, or rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district there shall be a special permit for the use of land or structures for an accessory dwelling unit. The executive office of housing and livable communities may issue guidelines or promulgate regulations to administer this paragraph.
ANALYSIS
The law firm Mirrick O’Connell last week sent out an emailed update that summarized the legislative change that permits ADU’s as follows:
Accessory Dwelling Units Permitted By-Right (Sections 7 and 8)
The AHA amends the Zoning Act by prohibiting towns and cities from restricting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zoning districts. ADUs, sometimes known as in-law apartments, now fall under the protection of M.G.L. c. 40A, Section 3, which exempts religious, educational, and other uses from local zoning.
One ADU is now allowed by-right on each lot in a single-family zoning district, subject to “reasonable regulations”, which may include non-discretionary site plan review, certain dimensional controls, Title 5 septic regulations, and restrictions on short-term rentals.
The AHA provides that an accessory dwelling unit must have a separate entrance (interior or exterior) that complies with the State Building Code and may not be larger than half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller. The AHA prohibits restrictions on owner-occupancy and rentals of ADUs, eliminating the requirement in many towns and cities that in-law apartments may only be used by an owner’s close relative.
In addition, towns and cities must allow additional ADUs in single-family zones through a special permit process.
The ADU provisions take effect on February 2, 2025, so municipalities have a few months to consider zoning amendments consistent with the AHA.
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WGBH is advertising that Jared Bowen will be doing a story on the Bellforge Arts Center and interviewing Jean Mineo today. Based on the just shared introduction, it sounded like Jean will be at the end. they listed 4-5 stories.
Email from Michael Taylor who lives at 243 North Street –
North Street between School Street and Farm Street is now closed. Stolen car hit telephone pole, which will have to be replaced. Occupant(s) missing. Considered a crime scene. A Canine unit searched the area. Happened just before 5 am.
During my Select Board office hours yesterday at The Center, Bob Kennefic, aka Bubblegum Bob, pulled out his copy of David Biedrzycki’s Me and My Dragon, to show me the picture of him the author had put in the book. I already felt I liked David Biedrzycki, but now I know I like him even more.
Nice likeness Bob and David! And a well deserved tribute to a local legend, Bob.
Bob said it was OK if I put this story on my blog.
Posted onAugust 2, 2024|Comments Off on Medfield TV’s Scarecrow Spooktacular – 12-4 on 10/19
From Katie Duval, Executive Director of Medfield TV –
Medfield TV’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Spooktacular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Medfield TV’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Spooktacular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Baxter Park in Medfield, MA. This all-ages event will bring a jack-o-lantern-sized smile to your face this Fall!
Local businesses, crafters, and artisans are encouraged to show off their goods by reserving space for a booth. Now through August 20th, Medfield TV is offering a $60 “Early Bird Special”. Registration increases to $75 on August 21st. Save $15 by registering today at www.medfield.tv/scarecow
Sponsorships are also available until August 20th. Email Katie Duval at scarecrow@medfield.tv if you’re interested in sponsoring this event.
In addition, scarecrow registration is also open on the site. Individuals/families, nonprofits, and businesses can register now through October 12th.
Medfield TV is a non-profit community media center serving the residents of Medfield. All proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission to provide media access and education to Medfield residents, students, and employees. For more information, visit www.medfield.tv
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Posted onJuly 31, 2024|Comments Off on Office hours this Friday, 8/2/2024
Select Board Office Hours this Friday
I hold regular monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.
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Posted onJuly 31, 2024|Comments Off on New Life Furniture Bank Hosts Second Community Furniture Build Event – 8/17
From Susan Maritan –
New Life Furniture Bank Hosts Second Community Furniture Build Event
Walpole, MA – August 17, 2024 – New Life Furniture Bank of MA is pleased to announce its second Community Furniture Build Event. Volunteers are invited to register for $25 to come and build a dresser for a family in need. If you are unable to attend but wish to support this event your $25 donation will fund the building of a dresser by a New Life volunteers.
Registration fees and donations will cover half the cost of each dresser. The remaining half of the cost will be covered through the generous support of Dedham Savings and Walpole Co-operative Bank.
This event will take place on Saturday, August 17th, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the New Life warehouse, located at 102 Elm Street, Walpole.
“We are delighted to receive the support of Dedham Savings and Walpole Co-operative Bank,” stated Rich Purnell, Executive Director of New Life Furniture Bank. “Their generosity enables us to provide essential furnishings to families transitioning out of homelessness. Donors and volunteers will play a crucial role in helping rebuild lives by filling homes with much-needed furniture.”
New Life Furniture Bank of MA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing gently used furniture to individuals and families in need. By partnering with the community and local businesses, New Life helps transform empty living spaces into homes filled with comfort and dignity.
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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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