Eagle Scout

It was my pleasure to participate in the Eagle Court of Honor for Henry C. Kellogg. Held at the Parish of the Epiphany on Church Street, the Eagle Court of Honor was attended by Henry’s family, friends and members of Boy Scout Troop 507.

The Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Scouting. A Boy Scout must fulfill several requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. A community- based project is the centerpiece of the challenge. Henry’s project involved education and awareness on the merits of having house numbers visible from the street to facilitate public safety response. He canvassed over 2,000 homes, published news articles, distributed and, in some cases installed, house numbers on many homes. The fruits of his labor were realized when a gas leak was reported at one of the homes he completed. Having a house number helped ensure a speedy and safe response to the emergency.

The Town of Winchester is appreciative of the community contributions and value provided to our youth from Boy Scout Troop 507, Troop 503 and other scouting troops active in Winchester. We thank Henry Kellogg for his service to the Town and congratulate him on his advancement to Eagle Scout.

The Farm

Congratulations to Winchester and the region for the vote of March 13, 2007, which enabled the Town of Winchester to acquire the 20 acre Wright-Locke Farm. By acquiring the Farm, the Town will preserve the most important historic and open space features of the property while pursuing limited residential development to help offset the $13.6 million cost. The Town has notified the owners of its option to exercise its right of acquisition and will be taking the necessary legal and financial obligations to close on the deal as authorized by the February 26 Special Town Meeting. In addition, the Board of Selectmen is considering next steps to refine its process to select a development partner based upon the Request for Proposals it initiated recently.

The decision to acquire the Farm was the result of much financial analysis and public input. While the negative consequences of a dense rental development that would have resulted was clear, the details and process of communicating with the voters of the Town was very complex. I am proud to have participated on the team, led by the Board of Selectmen, which also included the Planning Board, Finance Committee, Historical Commission and Conservation Commission. A strong cadre of consultants were instrumental in this effort, led by Assistant Town Manager Mark Twogood and Town Counsel Wade Welch, and supported by other Town staff. Finally, a word of thanks to the passion and commitment of the Winchester Hamilton Farm Interest Group.

It is not often that an opportunity presents itself to a community that has consequences to many generations. This opportunity presented itself to the citizens of Winchester in 2007, and they responded in decisive fashion.

VOTE!

On Tuesday, March 13, 2007, the Town of Winchester will conduct an historic special election. Citizens will vote on whether the Town will acquire the 20-acre Hamilton Farm property off of Ridge Street (formerly the Wright-Locke Farm). Specifically, the election seeks authorization to exempt from the tax levy limitation imposed by Proposition 2½ the debt costs that the Town will incur from borrowing to match the sale price that the owners have negotiated with a third party (Avalon Bay). On February 26, 2007, Town Meeting approved the acquisition and authorized borrowing of $13.6 million subject to a successful vote at this election. Town Meeting also authorized the Board of Selectmen to pursue the sale of all or a portion of the property for no less than $7 million consistent with its Request for Proposals that identifies land use options for the Farm, including historic and open space preservation. State law requires that any proceeds generated from this sale be applied to the indebtedness incurred in acquiring the property in the first place.

A second question appears on the ballot seeking approval of a general Proposition 2½ tax override of $1,347,000 for the next fiscal year (FY 2008) that begins on July 1, 2007. These funds would supplement the general budget to support municipal and school programs and services. It is projected that the cost of this override in FY 2008 would be $0.25 on each $1,000 of property value.

I have been asked repeatedly why the Town would “waste” money or attempt to confuse voters by calling for a special election so close to the regularly scheduled annual election of the Town (scheduled for March 27). The reason for the special election was to accommodate a vote on the Hamilton Farm acquisition before the Town’s right of first refusal expired. According to state law, the Town has 120 days to exercise its right from the date it was presented a bona fide sale to a third party. This date expires on March 15.

State law precludes official Town resources from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions, so this Blog will not do so. I would, however, encourage all voters to participate in this important decision facing Winchester.

The polls open at 7:00AM at the normal locations and will close at 8:00PM.