Zoning use table, Oct. 2009

[Unregistered]

the new zoning is anti-business

[Unregistered]

Keep going Mr. Snuffer, speak up for the sweetest type of development...for the sake of the town and for the sake of all who appreciate what residents have managed to preserve. The developers and their hired guns who oppose the new zoning can set up shop in other towns who have already lost much of their character in exchange for more municipal revenue.

So wait, let me get this straight. The Selectmen hold a "posted" meeting (in their office, no less!! Was the door closed. I wonder?), and cave in to Mr. Snuffer's demands ("some compromises were made to made it acceptable"), and change the zoning by-laws, without any input from the people who spent two years working on them. Eddie Forsberg had every right to be pissed. Mazzocca is too new and doesn't know how to stand up to the Board.

And what is the result: Siemans and Hollingsworth and Vose, our biggest taxpayers and only significant-sized businesses in town, BOTH THREATEN TO LEAVE TOWN IF THE ZONING, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, PASSES. IT WILL NOT ALLOW SIEMANS TO EXPAND, and IT WILL MAKE H&V NONCONFORMING (as a paper manufactuer). Are you Kidding me?????? And the BOS tries to couch this potential DISASTER as an "unintended consequence." Bull! This is exactly Cliff and his crowd Want to happen. SIEMANS is supposed to be the model of business-friendly Walpole, and now we throw this at them. Un-frikken-believable.

[Unregistered]

the new zoning is anti-business

I think it is anti-resident!

[Unregistered]

So wait, let me get this straight. The Selectmen hold a "posted" meeting (in their office, no less!! Was the door closed. I wonder?), and cave in to Mr. Snuffer's demands ("some compromises were made to made it acceptable"), and change the zoning by-laws, without any input from the people who spent two years working on them. Eddie Forsberg had every right to be pissed. Mazzocca is too new and doesn't know how to stand up to the Board.

And what is the result: Siemans and Hollingsworth and Vose, our biggest taxpayers and only significant-sized businesses in town, BOTH THREATEN TO LEAVE TOWN IF THE ZONING, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, PASSES. IT WILL NOT ALLOW SIEMANS TO EXPAND, and IT WILL MAKE H&V NONCONFORMING (as a paper manufactuer). Are you Kidding me?????? And the BOS tries to couch this potential DISASTER as an "unintended consequence." Bull! This is exactly Cliff and his crowd Want to happen. SIEMANS is supposed to be the model of business-friendly Walpole, and now we throw this at them. Un-frikken-believable.


Those people who spent two years working on the zoning by-law, did so with a flawed process using the NAICS codes, and only represented the good old boys club. Residents and their quality of life were not a concern to most whoserved on that committee

[Unregistered]

So wait, let me get this straight. The Selectmen hold a "posted" meeting (in their office, no less!! Was the door closed. I wonder?), and cave in to Mr. Snuffer's demands ("some compromises were made to made it acceptable"), and change the zoning by-laws, without any input from the people who spent two years working on them. Eddie Forsberg had every right to be pissed. Mazzocca is too new and doesn't know how to stand up to the Board.

And what is the result: Siemans and Hollingsworth and Vose, our biggest taxpayers and only significant-sized businesses in town, BOTH THREATEN TO LEAVE TOWN IF THE ZONING, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, PASSES. IT WILL NOT ALLOW SIEMANS TO EXPAND, and IT WILL MAKE H&V NONCONFORMING (as a paper manufactuer). Are you Kidding me?????? And the BOS tries to couch this potential DISASTER as an "unintended consequence." Bull! This is exactly Cliff and his crowd Want to happen. SIEMANS is supposed to be the model of business-friendly Walpole, and now we throw this at them. Un-frikken-believable.

Mazzocca is an attorney and knows a heck of alot more about zoning than Eddie Forsberg or anyone else on the Planning Board. If Eddie knows so much, why was the first bylaw thrown out because the very premise of using NAICS codes was flawed. Last night it was quoted that Atty Macchi even said it was "illegal".

Clearly that committee had no idea what they were doing.

[Unregistered]

All the selectmen agreed to the changes. The whole board. Can't just blame Snuffer alone. Timson said the meeting was posted. Forsberg could have gone if he wanted to.

Then ask why it is even going forward - because Timson, Denapoli and MacKenzie put an unfinished bylaw on the warrant. In case Forsberg forgot, Timson and MacKenzie were on the committee with him. So who is kidding who? The bylaw ain't ready so now there is all this last minute wheeling and dealing to make it pass at Town Meeting. No one really seems to know or care about who will be the unintended consequence. Besides Siemens, it could be the people of Walpole but who represents them anyway?

[Unregistered]

All the selectmen agreed to the changes. The whole board. Can't just blame Snuffer alone. Timson said the meeting was posted. Forsberg could have gone if he wanted to.

Then ask why it is even going forward - because Timson, Denapoli and MacKenzie put an unfinished bylaw on the warrant. In case Forsberg forgot, Timson and MacKenzie were on the committee with him. So who is kidding who? The bylaw ain't ready so now there is all this last minute wheeling and dealing to make it pass at Town Meeting. No one really seems to know or care about who will be the unintended consequence. Besides Siemens, it could be the people of Walpole but who represents them anyway?

Once again, will someone please state the issues which relate to zoning in a way that the layman can understand? Who are on each side of the issue, and what are the ramifications? Also, what are the conflicts of interest, plainly stated, of those engaged in this process.

These political rants by insiders are completely non-intelligible to me and I consider myself to be a halfway intelligent person. Are those forming zoning policy deliberately trying to keep townspeople in the dark?

[Unregistered]

Those people who spent two years working on the zoning by-law, did so with a flawed process using the NAICS codes, and only represented the good old boys club. Residents and their quality of life were not a concern to most whoserved on that committee

you need to understand that the NAICS code was APPROVED and APPLAUDED by town counsel until the 11th hour (again). Then she decided against it after approving it.

[Unregistered]

All the selectmen agreed to the changes. The whole board. Can't just blame Snuffer alone. Timson said the meeting was posted. Forsberg could have gone if he wanted to.

Then ask why it is even going forward - because Timson, Denapoli and MacKenzie put an unfinished bylaw on the warrant. In case Forsberg forgot, Timson and MacKenzie were on the committee with him. So who is kidding who? The bylaw ain't ready so now there is all this last minute wheeling and dealing to make it pass at Town Meeting. No one really seems to know or care about who will be the unintended consequence. Besides Siemens, it could be the people of Walpole but who represents them anyway?

Forsberg could NOT have gone if he wanted to because he didn't know about it - no one did. The Selectmen posted a meeting on a night that typically they do not meet. They did not post an agenda! So, who knew? Mazzocca knew because Snuffer wanted him there. The other Selectmen were there because they were told there was a meeting. I would have gone had I known about it - but again - 11th hour and back door politics. So, I believe we should turn down whatever is being presented, keep what we presently have. It would be totally illegal to move forward on what the Selectmen presented to the Planning Board on Thursday night (not the 11th hour, the 12th hour!) The PB held a public hearing on what the BOS presented to them a month ago, it was advertised, and posted. Then, Mr. Boynton presented a totally new Use Table to the PB at 7:30 PM last Thursday. It was not advertised nor did any town boards or committees have a chance to review it. So where do we go from here? The new change does not allow bakeries in town, will not allow H&V to expand and the same for Siemens. Wake up RTM - vote no - keep our original use table until it can be reviewed further.

[Unregistered]

#7, there were many public meetings and hearings, it was your responsibility to go to them and learn for yourself. I hope that you are not a Town Meeting Member.

[Unregistered]

Hollingsworth & Vose is far, far from the biggest tax payer in Walpole. You can figure out how much businesses pay real quick if you go the assessor's website, look up their valuation, divide it by 1000, and multiply by the commercial tax rate of $15.16. You will be very surprised at what some companies pay given their land acreage and personal property. It might curb your enthusiasm.

[Unregistered]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosafety_level#Biosafety_level_3

[Unregistered]

Siemens wants level 3 biotechnology, look at what level 3 means:

[edit] Biosafety level 3
This level is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities in which work is done with indigenous or exotic agents which may cause serious or potentially lethal disease after inhalation.[7] It includes various bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatment exist, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus anthracis, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Hendra virus, SARS coronavirus, Salmonella typhi, Coxiella burnetii, Rift Valley fever virus, Rickettsia rickettsii, and yellow fever virus.

[Unregistered]

Hey there Number 9, the new bylaw does allow bakeries. The whining and posturing seems to be coming from the Planning Board because its NOT their article. Alll of our town boards should be very concerned about the revelation that Siemens might want Level 3 biotechnology. Represent the whole town and not just business interests or the lifelong residents that you either grew up with or socialize with. Who cares when the meetings were? There are more pressing matters to deal with. Grow up, all of you. Do your job and for once, just once, please rely on facts instead of generalities and misinformation.

[Unregistered]

I am a resident of East Walpole and I am shocked that "our" selectmen would propose such an anti business change. I know many Walpole residents who work for Siemens and Hollingsworth and Vose, as a parent of school age children I know that when we have fund raisers the first people we hit up are Walpole businesses. Walpole needs the income from business located in town it is unbelievable that we are pushing them away.

We ask residents and businesses to donate money for schools, playgrounds, uniforms etc. and then we make it harder for businesses to stay in Walpole, unbelievable.

[Unregistered]

you need to understand that the NAICS code was APPROVED and APPLAUDED by town counsel until the 11th hour (again). Then she decided against it after approving it.

"APPROVED and APPLAUDED"?? You are making this up! Never happened.

[Sparky]

Once again, will someone please state the issues which relate to zoning in a way that the layman can understand? Who are on each side of the issue, and what are the ramifications? Also, what are the conflicts of interest, plainly stated, of those engaged in this process.

These political rants by insiders are completely non-intelligible to me and I consider myself to be a halfway intelligent person. Are those forming zoning policy deliberately trying to keep townspeople in the dark?
Feel free to comment with corrections or mods, but here's how I understand it:

1) We had bylaws that were in place for decades, which had a modest list of what was "allowed", which started to become obsolete as the nature of business changed (e.g. there's nothing their to address BioTech). However, it also had a clause which included the phrase "any lawful use", which opened a hole to invite any type of business, no matter how undesirable. For years, we fought sludge, propane farms, power plants, etc. who were able to make their case under the "any lawful use" clause.
2) At recent town meeting, the phrase "any lawful use" was struck from the bylaws. Left in place was a restricted list of allowable uses; anything else requires special permit.
3) In August, a new use table was proposed which was much more definitive about identifying what is allowed. This has two effects: a) It more clearly identifies a more comprehensive list of allowable business; b) By identifying these allowable businesses, it takes away discretion from stopping potentially undesirable businesses that may meet the new rules requirements. Selectman initially voted support for this, but then retracted their support. Planning Board voted 3-1 to support this proposal.
4) In an attempt to temper undesirable businesses from taking advantage of the newly proposed uses, a new proposal came forward which included most of the newly identified uses, but made them more restrictive. This was viewed as a compromise, but it seemed to receive opposition from both sides. Some people feel that the added restrictions are too business un-friendly. This view is supported by the outcry from Siemens and H&V. Other people think that by continuing to include all of the new uses, it leaves the door open for entry of undesirable businesses which will no longer need a special permit. Selectmen voted to support this proposal. Planning Board voted 2-2, with one absence. FinCom will decide which version will go before Town Meeting. Town Meeting can alter whatever version is brought before them.

It seems like the BioTech industry is the most controversial component. The current laws don't identify it, leaving it open for discretion in responding to special permits. The first proposal of allowable uses identifies Level 1 and 2 as allowable. The 2nd new proposal also leaves them allowable, with more restrictions on expansion. Siemens has complained that both restrict them from pursuing Level 3.

Again, feel free to comment if you feel this is not a fair representation of the situation.

[Unregistered]

#7, there were many public meetings and hearings, it was your responsibility to go to them and learn for yourself. I hope that you are not a Town Meeting Member.

It is impossible for the average citizen of Walpole to understand what is going on with zoning, and many I talk to feel the same. Why is no one able to summarize the situation? Of course I am not a town meeting member. I am a regular citizen - and voter - who can only conclude that this labyrinthine process is designed to confuse.

[Unregistered]

In a sense this is zoning in the dark meaning that the bylaw contains use(s) that the boards have no real understanding of. Biotech is just one example. The discussion revolves around we want more biotech, we need more biotech, please bring us more biotech but when asked many can't explain what biotech is or what its benefits and risks are. Town officials were "surprised" that Siemens is Level 2 and wants to the opportunity to expand to Level 3. This should not have been a surprise.

This lack of information and basic understanding produced a bylaw that would exlude Siemens, the very company that biotech supporters tout as a wonderful corporate partner.

There's been more discussion on bakeries than there has been on a use that can pose significant risks to a community. In fact, there has been next to no discussion on biotech in a substantive way.

My advice is to become well versed on the use(s) yourself rather than rely on others who are uninformed or misinformed to make decisions for you. This week's discovery that officials are "surprised" at Siemens, should be a warning to everyone.

[Unregistered]

hey #14: The planning board is most likely thrilled this is not their article. The BOS are doing a fine job of messing it up all by themselves! They don't need any help from any one - the town boards, citizens, use study committee, etc. Just ask them! They voted to accept what was presented and then at the 11th hour they changed it. No one has seen the new changes - not me, not you! Amazing....

[Unregistered]

Feel free to comment with corrections or mods, but here's how I understand it:

1) We had bylaws that were in place for decades, which had a modest list of what was "allowed", which started to become obsolete as the nature of business changed (e.g. there's nothing their to address BioTech). However, it also had a clause which included the phrase "any lawful use", which opened a hole to invite any type of business, no matter how undesirable. For years, we fought sludge, propane farms, power plants, etc. who were able to make their case under the "any lawful use" clause.
2) At recent town meeting, the phrase "any lawful use" was struck from the bylaws. Left in place was a restricted list of allowable uses; anything else requires special permit.
3) In August, a new use table was proposed which was much more definitive about identifying what is allowed. This has two effects: a) It more clearly identifies a more comprehensive list of allowable business; b) By identifying these allowable businesses, it takes away discretion from stopping potentially undesirable businesses that may meet the new rules requirements. Selectman initially voted support for this, but then retracted their support. Planning Board voted 3-1 to support this proposal.
4) In an attempt to temper undesirable businesses from taking advantage of the newly proposed uses, a new proposal came forward which included most of the newly identified uses, but made them more restrictive. This was viewed as a compromise, but it seemed to receive opposition from both sides. Some people feel that the added restrictions are too business un-friendly. This view is supported by the outcry from Siemens and H&V. Other people think that by continuing to include all of the new uses, it leaves the door open for entry of undesirable businesses which will no longer need a special permit. Selectmen voted to support this proposal. Planning Board voted 2-2, with one absence. FinCom will decide which version will go before Town Meeting. Town Meeting can alter whatever version is brought before them.

It seems like the BioTech industry is the most controversial component. The current laws don't identify it, leaving it open for discretion in responding to special permits. The first proposal of allowable uses identifies Level 1 and 2 as allowable. The 2nd new proposal also leaves them allowable, with more restrictions on expansion. Siemens has complained that both restrict them from pursuing Level 3.

Again, feel free to comment if you feel this is not a fair representation of the situation.

Thank you for taking the time to clarify. Much appreciated and a big help.

[Unregistered]

"APPROVED and APPLAUDED"?? You are making this up! Never happened.
YES it did! Check the minutes.

[Unregistered]

hey #14: The planning board is most likely thrilled this is not their article. The BOS are doing a fine job of messing it up all by themselves! They don't need any help from any one - the town boards, citizens, use study committee, etc. Just ask them! They voted to accept what was presented and then at the 11th hour they changed it. No one has seen the new changes - not me, not you! Amazing....

This mess STARTED with the planning board. Nancy MacKenzie and Eddie Forsberg formulated the "good old club" of zoning, and appointed themselves chairpeople. They then custom designed a disasterous zoning document using NAICS codes, sure to please all the local developers. Nancy has since continued to try and a get it passed one way or another. You cannot fix a document built on a fundamentally flawed foundation. This zoning table is an unmitigated disaster. Nancy owns it.

[Unregistered]

Feel free to comment with corrections or mods, but here's how I understand it:

1) We had bylaws that were in place for decades, which had a modest list of what was "allowed", which started to become obsolete as the nature of business changed (e.g. there's nothing their to address BioTech). However, it also had a clause which included the phrase "any lawful use", which opened a hole to invite any type of business, no matter how undesirable. For years, we fought sludge, propane farms, power plants, etc. who were able to make their case under the "any lawful use" clause.
2) At recent town meeting, the phrase "any lawful use" was struck from the bylaws. Left in place was a restricted list of allowable uses; anything else requires special permit.
3) In August, a new use table was proposed which was much more definitive about identifying what is allowed. This has two effects: a) It more clearly identifies a more comprehensive list of allowable business; b) By identifying these allowable businesses, it takes away discretion from stopping potentially undesirable businesses that may meet the new rules requirements. Selectman initially voted support for this, but then retracted their support. Planning Board voted 3-1 to support this proposal.
4) In an attempt to temper undesirable businesses from taking advantage of the newly proposed uses, a new proposal came forward which included most of the newly identified uses, but made them more restrictive. This was viewed as a compromise, but it seemed to receive opposition from both sides. Some people feel that the added restrictions are too business un-friendly. This view is supported by the outcry from Siemens and H&V. Other people think that by continuing to include all of the new uses, it leaves the door open for entry of undesirable businesses which will no longer need a special permit. Selectmen voted to support this proposal. Planning Board voted 2-2, with one absence. FinCom will decide which version will go before Town Meeting. Town Meeting can alter whatever version is brought before them.

It seems like the BioTech industry is the most controversial component. The current laws don't identify it, leaving it open for discretion in responding to special permits. The first proposal of allowable uses identifies Level 1 and 2 as allowable. The 2nd new proposal also leaves them allowable, with more restrictions on expansion. Siemens has complained that both restrict them from pursuing Level 3.

Again, feel free to comment if you feel this is not a fair representation of the situation.

Sorry to inform you Sparky, but you are pretty far off the mark. The "any lawful use" was the special permitting authority for any use not specifically listed. So your #2 is dead wrong. What was left was a restricted list of uses PERIOD. "Anything else", as you put it, requires a Zoning Bylaw change approved by 2/3 vote at town meeting.

So then your #3 and #4 make no sense. Since the list is restricted, it doesn't need to be more definitive, it's completely definitive. The Zoning Bylaw defines it. And if you add MORE uses to a definitive list, then the list become LESS restrictive. (And by the way, zoning bylaws call them undesirable uses, not business, since they apply to all types of property owners. But that could be just some bias showing.)

And as far as Biotech uses, it's just another one of Joanne Muti's concoction. Do you think a company the size of Siemens would be put off by having to pursue a Zoning Bylaw change if their business really needed to involve a Level 3 hazard? Or do you think they would be more concerned about wasting time and money on fear-drive rants from folks that don't understand the difference between a bylaw and a special permit.

Unfortunately, these private campaigns are are a waste for the whole town. And in the end, it's producing a bylaw that is responding to a small (vocal) minority and a bad product for the town. Take a look at ACTUAL building permits. How many concern Biotech? How many concern, say, outdoor lighting, noise, buffers between conflicting uses?

[Unregistered]

Poster #22, you are way, way off the mark.

Walpole News reports Siemens IS opposed to the proposed zoning bylaw because it doesn't allow Level 3. They're concerned about their business.

If Town Meeting passes the proposed bylaw which only allows Level 1 and 2, Siemens has no opportuinity to expand to Level 3.

Why don't you find out from the co-chairs of rewrite committee, Forsberg and MacKenzie, why the committtee only allowed Level 1 and 2 instead of making accusations? If the committee had allowed Level 3, then Siemens wouldn't be opposed.

[Unregistered]

Sorry to inform you Sparky, but you are pretty far off the mark. The "any lawful use" was the special permitting authority for any use not specifically listed. So your #2 is dead wrong. What was left was a restricted list of uses PERIOD. "Anything else", as you put it, requires a Zoning Bylaw change approved by 2/3 vote at town meeting.

So then your #3 and #4 make no sense. Since the list is restricted, it doesn't need to be more definitive, it's completely definitive. The Zoning Bylaw defines it. And if you add MORE uses to a definitive list, then the list become LESS restrictive. (And by the way, zoning bylaws call them undesirable uses, not business, since they apply to all types of property owners. But that could be just some bias showing.)

And as far as Biotech uses, it's just another one of Joanne Muti's concoction. Do you think a company the size of Siemens would be put off by having to pursue a Zoning Bylaw change if their business really needed to involve a Level 3 hazard? Or do you think they would be more concerned about wasting time and money on fear-drive rants from folks that don't understand the difference between a bylaw and a special permit.

Unfortunately, these private campaigns are are a waste for the whole town. And in the end, it's producing a bylaw that is responding to a small (vocal) minority and a bad product for the town. Take a look at ACTUAL building permits. How many concern Biotech? How many concern, say, outdoor lighting, noise, buffers between conflicting uses?

Your post makes no sense. Sadly for our town, Siemens is doing what they do with virtually no supervision.. Our planning board, selectman, Town Administrator, Econ Dev Officer, and Health Agent have no idea what goes on there. And as for knowing nothing.... take a look in the mirror. This by-law is courtesy of Nancy MacKenzie. She refuses to let a bad thing go, and it gets worse at every turn. This thing is built on a bad foundation. It is "grown" from NAICS codes and cannot be fixed.

[Unregistered]

Sorry to inform you Sparky, but you are pretty far off the mark. The "any lawful use" was the special permitting authority for any use not specifically listed. So your #2 is dead wrong. What was left was a restricted list of uses PERIOD. "Anything else", as you put it, requires a Zoning Bylaw change approved by 2/3 vote at town meeting.

So then your #3 and #4 make no sense. Since the list is restricted, it doesn't need to be more definitive, it's completely definitive. The Zoning Bylaw defines it. And if you add MORE uses to a definitive list, then the list become LESS restrictive. (And by the way, zoning bylaws call them undesirable uses, not business, since they apply to all types of property owners. But that could be just some bias showing.)

And as far as Biotech uses, it's just another one of Joanne Muti's concoction. Do you think a company the size of Siemens would be put off by having to pursue a Zoning Bylaw change if their business really needed to involve a Level 3 hazard? Or do you think they would be more concerned about wasting time and money on fear-drive rants from folks that don't understand the difference between a bylaw and a special permit.

Unfortunately, these private campaigns are are a waste for the whole town. And in the end, it's producing a bylaw that is responding to a small (vocal) minority and a bad product for the town. Take a look at ACTUAL building permits. How many concern Biotech? How many concern, say, outdoor lighting, noise, buffers between conflicting uses?

Where do you get Joanne Muti's name in all of this?? She has been no where to be seen. Must be personal for you. Nancy MacKenzie however is just all over this thing for quite a few years now. Wasn't this zoning document part of her election platform?

[Unregistered]

I think that it's very interesting that it's ok to trash Joanne Muti and blame her for the evils of the world. But if I mention anyone by name, my posting is denied publication. I am not allowed to speak the truth by presenting facts and naming names. But Joanne Muti can be trashed and misquoted, but that seems just okay for all of you folks. Hey Tom what gives?
I think that there is not a grey area between truths. It's black and white. It's either truth or a lie. Just like honesty, you either are honest or not. There is no sometimes honest.
Let's be fair, not a little fair.
Thanks

[Unregistered]

Where is anything mentioned about Ms. Muti having anything to do with the mess?
I have often suspected there were mean spirited disgruntled fools in town, now I am sure of it.

[Unregistered]

Forsberg and Mackenzie were in charge of a zoning committee that produced a document favorable to a vested minority of local business interests, attorneys, and engineers. One major landowner was a member of the rewrite committee.

At the Planning Board hearing, the only interest that the Planning Board members were concerned with were businesses.

No one was paying attention to how the bylaw would impact Siemens because no local derives any major benefit from biotech. So the committee came up with a bylaw that only allows Level 1 and 2 when Siemens really wants Level 3.

After all the talk about how we want another Siemens, the committee which included Selectman Timson produced a bylaw that would exclude Siemens from future plans.

The buck stops with the selectmen for not vetting this document carefully before presenting it to Town Meeting. Selectmen Snuffer and Sullivan voted against sending it to Town Meeting while Selectmen MacKenzie, Timson, and DeNapoli voted for.

[Unregistered]

How is all this fighting helping our town? If what is being proposed is no good, fine. Let's fix it or put forward an alternate proposal. I don't know the history on all this...but if Planning Board or Mackenzie or who ever is trying to make improvements in town, shouldn't we help them? If it's a mess, shouldn't we be helping them that much more?

All of this pointing of blame is not very Christian. Can we post all the good ideas out there? What would work better?

[Unregistered]

YES it did! Check the minutes.

What minutes? What board. Give the details. I have never heard our town attorney "applaud" anything. It is not his/her place. "Applauding" implies support, and it is not the attorneys place to do anything other than rule on a legal issue. Post a link to the minutes. This ought to be good!

[Unregistered]

It's always amusing to read on this board how anyone who raises concerns is quickly called a fear monger. So for you name callers, you might be interested in learning that Cambridge is drafting regulations to address concerns about Level 3 biolabs. Cambridge already has an ordinance and a Biosafety Committee who performs site visits and regular check ins of high risk labs.

The Director of Environmental Health wants even stricter regulations. Mercy me, he would be run out of Walpole with the scarlet letter A for Anti Business tattooed on him.

http://seachange.wbumpus.com/node/17985

[Unregistered]

Just for everyone's information, the Selectmen pulled their three articles last night! Guess it wasn't going to be the slam dunk they thought it would be.


thanks for the tip -- tg

[Unregistered]

Smart move on the Selectmen's part.

[Unregistered]

Mr. Mariani wrote a letter that was published in today's Walpole Times regarding the Use Table. He mistakenly stated that the town has spent $80,000 on this study which is not a true fact. The money came from the Kendall Fund, not the taxpayers. He should have his facts correct before publishing something like that.

[Unregistered]

Mr. Mariani wrote a letter that was published in today's Walpole Times regarding the Use Table. He mistakenly stated that the town has spent $80,000 on this study which is not a true fact. The money came from the Kendall Fund, not the taxpayers. He should have his facts correct before publishing something like that.

We still spent $80,000. Stop splitting hairs.

Shame on you for trying to attack a resident on a technicality, while our elected officials and town government are in chaos. If a few elected officials weren't so blindly in persuit of isolated agendas, they would not have run so far down the wrong road.

Our two biggest problems as a town are when officials sole, isolated, sigular, blind objective is either:
1. Helping a few local developers and attorneys
2. Funding for schools no matter what the cost to the community

Enough with extrimists who are one issue candidates. We need more selectman like Mr. Snuffer who can look at the entire picture.

[Unregistered]

The Kendall Fund belongs to the Town of Walpole.

[Unregistered]

Where do you get Joanne Muti's name in all of this?? She has been no where to be seen. Must be personal for you. Nancy MacKenzie however is just all over this thing for quite a few years now. Wasn't this zoning document part of her election platform?

Why dont those same people attacking Nancy, Eddie the Planning Board & BOS stop!!!!
Get together and bring your own "perfect" bylaw to Town Meeting. Oh I forgot your group only complains.

[Unregistered]

I believe the point of the letter regarding the $80,000 is that the money did not come from the taxpayers, which Mr. Mariani's letter eludes to. The Kendall Fund is under the purview of the Planning Board to be spent on planning issues and matters. They control it, they spend it. If you were to ask them, they have never spent very much of it and what has been spent is interest only. So it is not "spllitting hairs" - it is to let the public know that their tax money was not used in vain on this rewrite and therefore can be used elsewhere in town issues and projects. I would not be happy if my taxes paid for the $80k

[Unregistered]

Why dont those same people attacking Nancy, Eddie the Planning Board & BOS stop!!!!
Get together and bring your own "perfect" bylaw to Town Meeting. Oh I forgot your group only complains.

Sure, we will have coffee one day and make up a bylaw. Pretty much what seems to have already been done. A group of friends, getting together, and putting down something that works for them and their friends.

Do you get the point that this is exactly what is WRONG with our town governmnt. This should NOT be a group of socially related people doing what works for their clique. Town government is about bettering the ENTIRE town. The previous poster is right. We need more people in government who can see the whole picture.

The bylaw ran off the road because and insider group was appointed by a bunch of insider friends to do the work of a few. Everything that blows up in this town is the same 20 people trying to do what is bad for the town as a whole, but good for the two isolated agendas (good old boys & school $$).

At some point some one of the 20 has got to that enough is enough. The rest of us are done with your way of governing.

[Unregistered]

I believe the point of the letter regarding the $80,000 is that the money did not come from the taxpayers, which Mr. Mariani's letter eludes to. The Kendall Fund is under the purview of the Planning Board to be spent on planning issues and matters. They control it, they spend it. If you were to ask them, they have never spent very much of it and what has been spent is interest only. So it is not "spllitting hairs" - it is to let the public know that their tax money was not used in vain on this rewrite and therefore can be used elsewhere in town issues and projects. I would not be happy if my taxes paid for the $80k

It is still taxpayer money, and it is a real shame to waste it. Such mismanagement of funds available to the town is disappointing.

[Unregistered]

the bylaw committee was made up of
1 fincom member- joanne muti
1 water and sewer member- pat fassanello
1 conservation member- Al Getz
1 historical member- mike ameral
1 master plan member- mike gilmartin
1 bos-chris timpson
1 bos appoint-rocco
1 planning board apoint-annmarie Kannalley
1 Economic Dev member-donnell murphy
2 civic appoints-Sue maguire and Beth Pelic
2 Co Chairs from Planning Board- Eddie Forsberg and Nancy MacKenzie

So get over it!!! The group was well balanced and ANYONE who says otherwise DOES NOT WRITE THE TRUTH.... Im sorry for CAPS but Im sick or the lies and attacks on the poor people who gave up TWO (2) years of their lives twice a month for WALPOLE!!!!!!
there is one person who could $$$$$ gain from the zoning and he was very helpful explaining things from the business side BUT DID NOT DICTATE THE BYLAW!

the kendal fund is $$$$ left by mr kendal for future planning and development!!!!!
Mr Mariani you should know better
the Planning Board has used it EXACTLY for what it was left for.

[Unregistered]

Here's one way to get voters out. Our zoning allows bakeries and Chabaso just leased 8750 square feet of space at Walpole Park South. The link is a story about how Chabaso handed out free bread on Election Day last year. I'll be swinging by.

http://www.chabaso.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=33&cntnt01returnid=78

"Issue Date: 10/7/2009, Posted On: 10/7/2009

NAI Hunneman Brokers 8,750-Square-Foot Lease in Walpole Park South in Walpole, MA

BOSTON—NAI Hunneman, a leading provider of commercial real estate services to corporations, institutions and the private market, announced that it has brokered an 8,750-square-foot industrial lease at 4 Walpole Park South Drive in Walpole, Mass.

Cathy Minnerly, executive vice president at NAI Hunneman, represented the landlord, John D. Murphy Co. Steve Clancy of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant, New Haven, Conn.-based Chabaso Bakery, one of the most celebrated bakeries in the United States. Founded in 1994, Chabaso Bakery produces over two dozen varieties of artisan breads and rolls, and sells them at fine stores throughout New England, New Jersey, New York and the Eastern Seaboard.

“Chabaso Bakery was attracted to the strategic location and quality of the building,” said Ms. Minnerly, whose firm serves as an exclusive leasing agent for the property. “We’re very pleased we have met the specific space requirements of the tenant.”

Strategically located on Route 1, approximately one mile off Interstate 95, 4 Walpole Park South Drive is a 60,034-square-foot industrial building located within a 466,000-square-foot multi-tenanted park."

[Unregistered]

Those who served on that committee got the usual "Walpole Pay". No $$$$, and public denigration.


Note to those who want to serve on any committees: Thick-skinned Appointees only. Bring your own pencils, notebooks, coffee, and don't complain.

thank you.

[Unregistered]

#42: again - it is NOT taxpayer money. The BOS, the Sewer & Water Commission, the ConCom, the police or fire department CANNOT use this money. It is dispersed under the auspices of the Planning Board only and is to be used for planning and development in the Town of Walpole as per Mr. Kendall. It cannot be used for other purposes or matters in the town.

[Unregistered]

#43: nice job and great explanation. Hopefully some of the narrow minded commenters who are trying to stir up trouble will get it!

[Unregistered]

some people seem to not understand money that belongs to the Taxpayers. The Kendal fund belongs to the ....Taxpayers.......... It does not belong to the planning board. They cannot use it for whatever the please but only for Town of Walpole purposes. It is really simple concept I just do not understand how people can fail to understand it.
The Town has many different funds that come under various boards to disperse, but it is all belongs to the citizens of Walpole.

[Unregistered]

the money can only be used for planning purposes - not to fund whatever else the town may need! PLANNING AND ZONING - not fire, police, trash pick up, etc. It is dispersed by the Planning Board and only the Planning Board - not the Selectmen, Building Inspector, Engineering, Administrator. Get it now? The Planning Board does not "own" it and yes it is for the betterment of the town when it comes to PLANNING/ZONING matters. It does not belong to the taxpayers. They cannot ask for it to be used for their own individual matters. They can suggest the Planning Board expend it on something if it is related to PLANNING/ZONING, but the final decision belongs to the PLANNING BOARD.

[Unregistered]

Post 41: I take exception to your statement that the study committee was formed and also met casually over coffee. I was on that committee and took my charge to rewrite the bylaw very seriously. I gave up many nights when I would rather have been doing something else because I hoped to make a difference. It was a committee comprised of many different backgrounds and everyone brought something different and intelligent to the table. I believe you owe this committee an apology.

[Unregistered]

Post 41: I take exception to your statement that the study committee was formed and also met casually over coffee. I was on that committee and took my charge to rewrite the bylaw very seriously. I gave up many nights when I would rather have been doing something else because I hoped to make a difference. It was a committee comprised of many different backgrounds and everyone brought something different and intelligent to the table. I believe you owe this committee an apology.

What you need to understand is that there is a strong perception in Walpole that vested interests are voting on zoning matters when they should not be.

Obviously the many devoted and hardworking committee members like you are not the issue. Everyone in town appreciates your hard work and dedication. We have all been on various committees at one time or another and know the inconvenience and drudgery that attends these duties.

It is the fairminded, hardworking and non-vested (for lack of a better word)! persons such as yourself that we need. And thank you.

[The Raven]

Post 41: I take exception to your statement that the study committee was formed and also met casually over coffee. I was on that committee and took my charge to rewrite the bylaw very seriously. I gave up many nights when I would rather have been doing something else because I hoped to make a difference. It was a committee comprised of many different backgrounds and everyone brought something different and intelligent to the table. I believe you owe this committee an apology.

I've been away for some time (I met a "chick" down in Florida, and made an extended layover on the way back to Walpole). Its good to be back in town, and I see the message boards have been pretty busy.


I Think that people should understand that zoning is a difficult subject to tackle, and those that even bothered to take it on should be commended.

From my viewpoint (in the bell-tower of the old town hall), the members of that zoning re-write committee were making a good attempt at taking it on.

I think that the time was not wasted: They all learned something about zoning, that is for sure. The previous version was pretty simple, quite possibly because the townfolk who wrote it years ago realized what a monster of a subject it can be.

My suggestion:
Continue the research. Get more information on local companies and what they do...build a database on the subject. Then you will realize who does what in Walpole.


The committee was a good cross-section of folks, both long-time residents and new comers. A few feathers flew, but that is the nature of such meetings.

Keep it up. The pay is excellent...:D

ps:
winter is coming. Can anyone drop a few bags of birdseed for me? Leave it by the bus stop. Thanks

[Unregistered]

Thank you to Mr. Driscoll, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Hamilton for their hard work over the years
on behalf of the citizens of Walpole.

Who else has been so committed to safeguarding our water supply? They have often been attacked for their efforts to protect the rest of us from those who would seek to use their positions on town boards for personal betterment.

Refreshingly honest public servants.

[Unregistered]

Did you just watch that BOS meeting? Mrs MacKenzie wants to bring in Revenue, wants to educate the BOS about Biotech. Mr Snuffer said he doesnt even want to entertain the topic during a regular meeting.. Where is the transparence he preaches?
Mr snuffer did you get elected to block progress?

[Unregistered]

Excuse me? Ms. Mackenzie wants to educate about Biotech. What is her expertise in Biotech?
This is serious business and needs to have some level of knowledge, which apparently none of them have.
BTW, since when the BOS decide what business we are to entertain? Are they now they EDC?
The more you people try to kick Mr Snuffer to the curb, the better he looks.

[Unregistered]

Look again, Post 55! All is not what it appears to be to you....you may need to do some homework

[Unregistered]

Allow me to cut through all the doubletalk and all the bullcrap:

FACT: The vast majority of the Walpole community wishes to expand the commercial tax base so that Proposition 2 1/2 override votes become a thing of the past and our town has sufficient revenue for public safety and education.

FACT: The vast majority of town residents DO NOT want power plants, transfer stations, or any other "dirty" businesses that may pollute the air or bring any harm or inconvenience to our fellow neighbors.

FACT: The Zoning By Law Rewrite Committee, made up of a diverse cross section of philosphies and beliefs, came up with a comprehensive plan to allow Walpole to modernize our zoning laws while eliminating the noxious and potentially hazardous uses that certain businesses or companies may bring into the community.

TRUTHINESS (half truths, sort of...maybe): The Selectmen mucked things up on the way to town meeting. Mr. Snuffer, a man whom I believe is very decent and intelligent, seemed to help initiate changes to the zoning by-law rewrite that rendered some vital Walpole companies non-conforming. As far as I know, Mr. Snuffer is supposed to be a no-override, small government budget hawk ... however his lack of forthcomingness on zoning issues and his apparent anti-business crusade is very puzzling.


Give Miss Mackenzie her due ... she appears to be working very hard and has made herself seem open to compromise and discussion. Why her and Mr. Snuffer cannot seem to work collaboratively is beyond me.

And while we are on the topic of businesses ... some people really need to wake up. Siemens is a great business to host in town ... let's not alienate them but work WITH them.

Manufacturing jobs are good! There are people in this community who desperately need them.

People need to stop assuming the worst. There are no evil forces at work here. Cut the crap already!!!

[Unregistered]

From the Boston Globe.........
"The council, which has 550 members, including many large corporations, lobbies Beacon Hill on life science issues and the industry's economic needs."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/24/biotech_chief_fined_10000_over_ethics/

Everyone should understand what the real function (lobbying) of the Mass Biotech Council is and their marketing gimmick to award the highest rating to the towns with the most permissive zoning.

[Unregistered]

This is a story about the head of Mass. Biotech. Ms. MacKenzie wants this group on the selectmen's agenda in November.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/24/biotech_chief_fined_10000_over_ethics/

[Unregistered]

Make sure that you also read the Any topic thread which contains Posts dealing with biotech and Bob Coughlin.
Bob was a Dedham Selectman and became a State Representative but left to work for Governor Patrick and then left the Governor for biotech.

[Unregistered]

#57: thank you for explaining all the nonsense. So far, you are the only posting to make sense. Amen!

[Unregistered]

Allow me to cut through all the doubletalk and all the bullcrap:

FACT: The vast majority of the Walpole community wishes to expand the commercial tax base so that Proposition 2 1/2 override votes become a thing of the past and our town has sufficient revenue for public safety and education.

FACT: The vast majority of town residents DO NOT want power plants, transfer stations, or any other "dirty" businesses that may pollute the air or bring any harm or inconvenience to our fellow neighbors.

FACT: The Zoning By Law Rewrite Committee, made up of a diverse cross section of philosphies and beliefs, came up with a comprehensive plan to allow Walpole to modernize our zoning laws while eliminating the noxious and potentially hazardous uses that certain businesses or companies may bring into the community.

TRUTHINESS (half truths, sort of...maybe): The Selectmen mucked things up on the way to town meeting. Mr. Snuffer, a man whom I believe is very decent and intelligent, seemed to help initiate changes to the zoning by-law rewrite that rendered some vital Walpole companies non-conforming. As far as I know, Mr. Snuffer is supposed to be a no-override, small government budget hawk ... however his lack of forthcomingness on zoning issues and his apparent anti-business crusade is very puzzling.


Give Miss Mackenzie her due ... she appears to be working very hard and has made herself seem open to compromise and discussion. Why her and Mr. Snuffer cannot seem to work collaboratively is beyond me.

And while we are on the topic of businesses ... some people really need to wake up. Siemens is a great business to host in town ... let's not alienate them but work WITH them.

Manufacturing jobs are good! There are people in this community who desperately need them.

People need to stop assuming the worst. There are no evil forces at work here. Cut the crap already!!!

The REAL facts you left out:

FACT: The Master Plan found that while residents want more business, they want GOOD CLEAN business.

FACT: Residents want upscale retail, offices, and only light industry

FACT: the one thing in universal agreement and a top priority for all is PROTECTING THE WATER SUPPLY!!!

Anthrax, Ebola, HIV, and a host of other dangerouse agents are NOT what the residents want on the water supply. Government officials in this town need to start listening to residents and stop their blind pursuit of one bad idea after another.

[Unregistered]

Boston Herald

The Ticker
By Staff and wire reports
Thursday, October 22, 2009

"Genzyme Corp. said its third-quarter profit plummeted 87 percent as the shutdown of its Allston factory because of a virus contamination restricted drug supplies. The Cambridge-based biotech firm cuts its forecast for 2009."

So how did this happen in such a HEAVILY regulated industry?????

[Unregistered]

Post 63: how does it happen that with all our regulations we get e-coli, high levels of sodium or other chemicals in our water supply? The word is called "accidental".

[Unregistered]

Real Facts Post October 24th

Right on! You have got it straight!

This used to be a mill town, but that was many years ago, and we are paying the price for
industry that contaminated our town i.e. the multi million dollar super fund clean up on South Street.
We must recognize that this town has become a bedroom town with many of the residents traveling to their jobs in the city, etc.
The mills are gone, and I believe that most people do not want industry that could leave our town with more problems.
Recognize that, and go from there.

As far as taxes go, if one looks at the tax situation in several towns around us, one would realize we are not so bad off.

It is not a bad idea to try to encourage industry, but it has to be business which will not hurt our water supply or bring problems for future generations.

This a good town, let's keep it that way.

[Unregistered]

The REAL facts you left out:

FACT: The Master Plan found that while residents want more business, they want GOOD CLEAN business.

FACT: Residents want upscale retail, offices, and only light industry

FACT: the one thing in universal agreement and a top priority for all is PROTECTING THE WATER SUPPLY!!!

Anthrax, Ebola, HIV, and a host of other dangerouse agents are NOT what the residents want on the water supply. Government officials in this town need to start listening to residents and stop their blind pursuit of one bad idea after another.



Saying that residents do not want "dirty businesses" is the same as saying we want "GOOD CLEAN BUSINESS."

If this is the case, than how come the Selectmen tried outlawing medium or larger-sized bakeries?? Thats just one example of the Selectmen being UNREASONABLE.


Upscale Retails is not exactly a booming industry right now ... maybe you should look at the Natick Collection (Natick Mall) as an example of high end, snobby retail gone amok?? We do not need more empty stores!!

[Unregistered]

Thank you to Mr. Hamilton for the wonderful letter in this week's Times re the water supply which is threatened by development over out aquifer.

Let us listen to him now and prevent future disasters.

Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Driscoll have worked tirelessly over the years to protect our water supply. Walpole owes these two fine gentlemen an enormous debt of gratitude. They are true public servants.

[Unregistered]

Boston Herald

The Ticker
By Staff and wire reports
Thursday, October 22, 2009

"Genzyme Corp. said its third-quarter profit plummeted 87 percent as the shutdown of its Allston factory because of a virus contamination restricted drug supplies. The Cambridge-based biotech firm cuts its forecast for 2009."

So how did this happen in such a HEAVILY regulated industry?????

This is a result of the heavy (and rightly so) regulations doing their job. If not for the regulations, which probably include product testing, procedure validation, documentation, etc., prevented contaminated product from reaching the consumer. I'm sure the bean counters at Genzyme didn't like it but the problem was probably detected and dealt with by people within the company.

[Unregistered]

Saying that residents do not want "dirty businesses" is the same as saying we want "GOOD CLEAN BUSINESS."

If this is the case, than how come the Selectmen tried outlawing medium or larger-sized bakeries?? Thats just one example of the Selectmen being UNREASONABLE.


Upscale Retails is not exactly a booming industry right now ... maybe you should look at the Natick Collection (Natick Mall) as an example of high end, snobby retail gone amok?? We do not need more empty stores!!

No one tried "outlawing medium or large-sized bakeries". It was a special pernit. Thankfully Mr. Snuffer realized that the way the zoning was written, Wonder bread could come to town and build a 500,000 square foot bakery with 500 trucks coming and going a day.... and we would be powerless to stop it. A massive facility such as that has no place in Walpole. The changes would have given residents a chance to stop an abomination like that from setting up shop in the midst of our neighborhoods. Do you actually think something on that scale is right for Walpole?

As far as "upscale retail", no-one has ever talked about a Natick collection, but it is disappointing that you would stoop to name calling. I am certain the folks who shop at Neiman's are not intimidated by Target, and the same should apply for that which differs from your taste. Cobb's corner in Stoughton, Panera Bread (just openned!), a "Perks" type coffe shop, or a clothing retailer are all great examples of something that would be a fabulous addition to our town. Can you imagine that some short sited people actually tried to zone this stuff OUT of a big chunk of Walpole. Talk about UNREASONABLE...

Times are tough, but having some standards ensures that when the economy actually does come back, we will not have pilferred our property values, health, and safety. If you take every bad opportunity that comes your way, you will never have a place for anything decent. It is called having VISION.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/10/30/bu_grad_student_develops_infection/

[Unregistered]

Puh Leeze, #67

[Unregistered]

nothing short of saint-hood would be acceptable for those two gentle men!

[Unregistered]

They both take the time to go to meetings, they take time out of their life to stay informed as to what is going on, and to write letters to the paper.
And what do you do besides dispence sarcasm?

[Unregistered]

so do all the other people on town boards, committees, etc. They are doing their civic duty without the fanfare. If the truth be known, those two individuals only react when it is something to do with Walpole Park South.

Also, Mr. Hamilton is collecting quite a pension that he is getting for being a policeman and a selectman. I wonder how many people realize that???

[Unregistered]

They both take the time to go to meetings, they take time out of their life to stay informed as to what is going on, and to write letters to the paper.
And what do you do besides dispence sarcasm?

Absolutely correct. I know those men personally. They have worked hard for all Walpole people, for years and years - not the select few. They don't participate in politics for their own gain. They always try to do the right thing for the town and if they ask questions some people don't want to answer, they do it because they are honest.

[Unregistered]

You both sound bitter and angry. Or maybe it is just the same bitter and angry person making multipke posts.

These gentlemen have done a great deal for Walpole, it is a shame you cannot have the decency to give them their due. But then again, you really do ensure that you come across bitter and angry. We do not need people like you in Walpole politics.

[Unregistered]

so do all the other people on town boards, committees, etc. They are doing their civic duty without the fanfare. If the truth be known, those two individuals only react when it is something to do with Walpole Park South.

Also, Mr. Hamilton is collecting quite a pension that he is getting for being a policeman and a selectman. I wonder how many people realize that???

This is the arrogant populace speaking again. Whomever you are ,stop your griping and grow up. I'd like to see you go through the physical training and tests that he went through at his age and was highly successful. You would probably drop out and go back to a desk job. Whiner!

[Unregistered]

so do all the other people on town boards, committees, etc. They are doing their civic duty without the fanfare. If the truth be known, those two individuals only react when it is something to do with Walpole Park South.

Also, Mr. Hamilton is collecting quite a pension that he is getting for being a policeman and a selectman. I wonder how many people realize that???

That's because their constituents are concerned, and rightfully so, about Walpole Park South. These fine men are doing just what they should be doing.

Furthermore, who begrudges a rightful pension? It is earned and out in the open.

[Unregistered]

He is the reason we NEED pension reform

[Unregistered]

He is the reason we NEED pension reform

He is no more the reason than every other police officer, firefighter, teacher, or town employee. Your are letting your petty personal feelings show loud and clear. Stick to the real issues, not your own personal issues. Personalizing the issues to your own small perspective is what is wrong with politics in this town. View the entire landscape please.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/02/explosion_at_mi_2.html#loop

Well once again.... THANK YOU RESIDENTS FOR STANDING UP AGAINST BAD BUSINESS!!! (...and Thank you Mrs Muti for leading another noble and successful effort!)

All through the power plant debate, residents were treated like fools for daring to bring up the risks associated with dangerous heavy industry like a power plant. Remember?? It is heavily regulated. The governmenmt takes care of all that right? Accidents can never happen. Remember? Just like your gas stove.... Give me a break!!! They felt the explosion 5 miles away! And our Selectmen and Planning Board were going to let them set up shop on our drinking water, next door to a chemical plant! 1/2 a milefrom the nearest house!

And now the very same cast of characters will try to hoist Biotech on us all. On top of the drinking water again no less! I heard the same o0ld tired arguments last spring... "its heavily regulated". "It's safe". Once again, residents will need to rise and protect themselves. Residents will need to question and dig. Because our leaders and local paper continually fail to do so.

Mr. Snuffer... please continue to be the voice of common sense.

NO BIOTECH! IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/02/explosion_at_mi_2.html#loop

Well once again.... THANK YOU RESIDENTS FOR STANDING UP AGAINST BAD BUSINESS!!! (...and Thank you Mrs Muti for leading another noble and successful effort!)

All through the power plant debate, residents were treated like fools for daring to bring up the risks associated with dangerous heavy industry like a power plant. Remember?? It is heavily regulated. The governmenmt takes care of all that right? Accidents can never happen. Remember? Just like your gas stove.... Give me a break!!! They felt the explosion 5 miles away! And our Selectmen and Planning Board were going to let them set up shop on our drinking water, next door to a chemical plant! 1/2 a milefrom the nearest house!

And now the very same cast of characters will try to hoist Biotech on us all. On top of the drinking water again no less! I heard the same o0ld tired arguments last spring... "its heavily regulated". "It's safe". Once again, residents will need to rise and protect themselves. Residents will need to question and dig. Because our leaders and local paper continually fail to do so.

Mr. Snuffer... please continue to be the voice of common sense.

NO BIOTECH! IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK!!!!!!

Oh Stop it...and a plane could crash into our water supply!!. Stop all trains from comming through walpole!!!, you have no Idea what they are carring in those tanks. Runs right threw Cedar Swamp. Its called an accident and sometimes they happen..

[Unregistered]

I was told by one of the selectmen not to worry about the power plant "it is just like your gas stove"....

of course with a much taller smoke stack...
and capable of an explosion causing damage to houses five miles away.

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/02/explosion_at_mi_2.html#loop

Well once again.... THANK YOU RESIDENTS FOR STANDING UP AGAINST BAD BUSINESS!!! (...and Thank you Mrs Muti for leading another noble and successful effort!)

All through the power plant debate, residents were treated like fools for daring to bring up the risks associated with dangerous heavy industry like a power plant. Remember?? It is heavily regulated. The governmenmt takes care of all that right? Accidents can never happen. Remember? Just like your gas stove.... Give me a break!!! They felt the explosion 5 miles away! And our Selectmen and Planning Board were going to let them set up shop on our drinking water, next door to a chemical plant! 1/2 a milefrom the nearest house!

And now the very same cast of characters will try to hoist Biotech on us all. On top of the drinking water again no less! I heard the same o0ld tired arguments last spring... "its heavily regulated". "It's safe". Once again, residents will need to rise and protect themselves. Residents will need to question and dig. Because our leaders and local paper continually fail to do so.

Mr. Snuffer... please continue to be the voice of common sense.

NO BIOTECH! IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK!!!!!!

Right! I mean, look at how many biotech facilities have been blowing up around the world!

FYI: Gas explosions can occur wherever there is gas being piped in. Walpole does host a large diameter gas line passing through the town. Didn't you know that??

Better get your helmet on!

[Unregistered]

How could anyone forget the trite phrases? It's like your gas stove. Ammonia is like Windex. It's not your grandfather's power plant.

[Unregistered]

Oh Stop it...and a plane could crash into our water supply!!. Stop all trains from comming through walpole!!!, you have no Idea what they are carring in those tanks. Runs right threw Cedar Swamp. Its called an accident and sometimes they happen..

Hee Hee! Such a tremendous bounty of logic you provide!

First of all, the train tracks are already there so nothing can be done. "Chance" accidents like a "plane crashing into Cedar Swamp" cannot be helped, and they are truly that ... "chance".

Risky and foolhardy zoning and developement decisions have nothing to do with "chance" however. Walpole suffers from uninformed decision making by simplistic individuals who are blinded by funding for pet projects, or petty personal scores they have to settle. All business IS NOT created equal. Heavy industry that uses chemicals is clearly more dangerous to residents and the environmemt than a store or an office building. Bad decisions by officials who are supposed to be representing the interests of the town and its residents is an "accident" we can easily avoid.

In fact, it is no accident at all when the same group continually proffers one outrageous idea after another. The reckless disregard for the safety of residents, our water supply, as well as the property values of a vast swath of the town has gotten to the point of sickening.

Who will they "prop up" this year to go after Biotech on the water supply? Lets see... who will risk everything for school funding,.... who else will hope for a big "payoff" for perhaps a senior center? I can hear it now at election time.... "I need to learn more", ""lets wait and hear what they have to say", "I am not in favor of the current proposal", "This is all very heavily regulated", "Its safe... just like your medecine cabinet", "its no different than the doctor's office".

....Until we are all drinking chemicals and "decomissioned" diseases that have leached into the water supply. An accident cannot be forseen. A power plant or biotech facility being dangerous to nearby residents, an elementary school, and the drinking water below it is COMPLETELY PREDICTABLE.

[Unregistered]

Right! I mean, look at how many biotech facilities have been blowing up around the world!

FYI: Gas explosions can occur wherever there is gas being piped in. Walpole does host a large diameter gas line passing through the town. Didn't you know that??

Better get your helmet on!

Labs explode all the time...

CSB Investigates Lab Explosion at Texas Tech University
Jan 22, 2010 2:59 PM, By Laura Walter

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recently announced it will investigate the causes of a Jan. 7 explosion that severely injured a graduate student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

http://ehstoday.com/fire_emergencyresponse/news/csb-investigates-lab-explosion-texas-tech-university-3124/

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10017]Right! I mean, look at how many biotech facilities have been blowing up around the world!

QUOTE]

http://www.umdnj.edu/eohssweb/aiha/accidents/explosion.htm

Centrifuge Explosions
High Speed Centrifuge Incident
Unapproved Rotor Explosion
Fisher 16 Microfuge Explosion
Chemical Waste Explosions
Researcher Burned in Explosion Due to Improper Disposal of Waste Chmicals
Solvent Explosion and Fire
Chemistry
American Chemical Society Incidents
Lithium Aluminum Hydride/ Tetrahydrofuran explosion
Explosive Decomposion of an Organic Azide
Stirred Reaction Flask Explosion
Chemical Solution Preparation Explosion
Phenyl Azide Solution erupts during vacuum distillation
Cryogens
Glass Flask Ruptures - Possible Overpressurization By Liquid Nitrogen
Researcher Blinded in One Eye Due to Cryotube Explosion
Investigator Exposed to Infectious Material in Cryotube Explosion
Incompatible Chemicals
Explosion from Nitric Acid/Ethanol Wastes Being Mixed Together
Laboratory Glass Cleaning Reagent Incident
Oxidizer/Solvent Explosion
Glass Bottle Ruptures, Possible Reaction of Incompatible Chemical Wastes
Adding Diaminopropane and Potassium Hydroxide
Two Explosions Involving Aqua Regia
Lack of Venting
Formic Acid Explosion and Explosive Chemicals
Piranha (Sulfuric Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide)
Refrigerator/Freezers
Semiconductor Experiments
Failure to Manually Purge Hazardous Gases

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10017]Right! I mean, look at how many biotech facilities have been blowing up around the world!

QUOTE]

http://www.umdnj.edu/eohssweb/aiha/accidents/explosion.htm

Centrifuge Explosions
High Speed Centrifuge Incident
Unapproved Rotor Explosion
Fisher 16 Microfuge Explosion
Chemical Waste Explosions
Researcher Burned in Explosion Due to Improper Disposal of Waste Chmicals
Solvent Explosion and Fire
Chemistry
American Chemical Society Incidents
Lithium Aluminum Hydride/ Tetrahydrofuran explosion
Explosive Decomposion of an Organic Azide
Stirred Reaction Flask Explosion
Chemical Solution Preparation Explosion
Phenyl Azide Solution erupts during vacuum distillation
Cryogens
Glass Flask Ruptures - Possible Overpressurization By Liquid Nitrogen
Researcher Blinded in One Eye Due to Cryotube Explosion
Investigator Exposed to Infectious Material in Cryotube Explosion
Incompatible Chemicals
Explosion from Nitric Acid/Ethanol Wastes Being Mixed Together
Laboratory Glass Cleaning Reagent Incident
Oxidizer/Solvent Explosion
Glass Bottle Ruptures, Possible Reaction of Incompatible Chemical Wastes
Adding Diaminopropane and Potassium Hydroxide
Two Explosions Involving Aqua Regia
Lack of Venting
Formic Acid Explosion and Explosive Chemicals
Piranha (Sulfuric Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide)
Refrigerator/Freezers
Semiconductor Experiments
Failure to Manually Purge Hazardous Gases

the bigger outcry should be for the 4000 Troops killed in the last 8 years !!...ok..thanks for the list...what was the damage? Any water supply ruined? Any schools burned to the ground?I can give you all kinds of lists, Give me the Pros, Ill give you the Cons...

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10024]

the bigger outcry should be for the 4000 Troops killed in the last 8 years !!...ok..thanks for the list...what was the damage? Any water supply ruined? Any schools burned to the ground?I can give you all kinds of lists, Give me the Pros, Ill give you the Cons...

You are trying to cloud the argument. Argue on the merits of the issue. We are not talking about the war. We are talking about some questionable zoning in Walpole. Are you trying to insult our intelligence? This kind of argument makes it appear that you have a hidden agenda.

I hope everyone in this process is operating at the highest ethical level. It is an honor to serve the town. Is anyone serving their own financial aims. Some of the goings on lead a john q. public such as myself to suspect it.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10024]

the bigger outcry should be for the 4000 Troops killed in the last 8 years !!...ok..thanks for the list...what was the damage? Any water supply ruined? Any schools burned to the ground?I can give you all kinds of lists, Give me the Pros, Ill give you the Cons...

WOW!! Way to change the subject!!! You asked when the last time anyone saw a lab explode... you were met with a whole ton of examples.... so now you bring up the US troops killed??? Talk about changing the subject! You are clearly uninformed and spouting your own rhetoric! When met with a response to your foolish question about lab explosions, you run off in another direction.

I hope you have no decision making authority in this town. Shallow and simple minds should not be involved in such complex issues. If you want to make an uninformed choice, then stop pretending it is based on facts. You have not provided any Pros that are based in fact. Same old same old in Walpole.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10026]

WOW!! Way to change the subject!!! You asked when the last time anyone saw a lab explode... you were met with a whole ton of examples.... so now you bring up the US troops killed??? Talk about changing the subject! You are clearly uninformed and spouting your own rhetoric! When met with a response to your foolish question about lab explosions, you run off in another direction.

I hope you have no decision making authority in this town. Shallow and simple minds should not be involved in such complex issues. If you want to make an uninformed choice, then stop pretending it is based on facts. You have not provided any Pros that are based in fact. Same old same old in Walpole.

I agree. You must admit: The town is full of shallow and simple minds.

[Unregistered]

We can't always rely on the talking point that these facilities are safe because they are federally regulated. Here's an example of NO regulations regarding the purging of a gas line which has to be done before the startup of a power plant. Really not so safe after all.

A community that knowingly puts its citizens at risk by dismissing any suggestion of an accident is a reckless one. These types of facilites should be sited in more isolated areas and not near residences or other businesses.

Five people died at the Connecticut power plant and posters make snide comments about a plane crashing in the swamp. There are none so deaf as those who will not hear.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/nyregion/09safety.html?hpw

[Unregistered]

Wow! You have to wonder about the biotech industry and "full disclosure" about anything when you read this. This group should not be invited to present any information in Walpole to anyone especially the town boards.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1231849