New police and fire stations

[Tom]

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[Unregistered]

Let's keep those overides rolling and that tax rate climbing. If your house catches on fire, call the library.

[Unregistered]

The open letter is well written and well reasoned. This BOS is acknowledging facts long since established and I applaud them for it and the course of action they outlined. There will always be room for discussion and even disagreement. But continuing to delay the inevitable, band-aid solutions and cheap shot comments are not helpful. There is much work to be done and this board appears willing to lead the way. Clear thinking, mutual respect, open discourse and co-operation must prevail .

[Unregistered]

Let's keep those overides rolling and that tax rate climbing. If your house catches on fire, call the library.

Silly sarcasm is not a productive or mature way of participating in the very real issues facing this town. We have much work ahead of us, and many challenges to face. Disruptive and petty comments do nothing to build an intelligent and thoughtful consensus by which we can move forward.

[Unregistered]

What a great and well thought out letter from our Board of Selectmen!! It is absolutely beautiful to see collaboration and vision!! I know there are selectmen of many different backgrounds, with individual focus causes, but it is just glorious to see this board working together to serve the town as a whole. It is my true hope that this will set a tone of support and dedication to the multiple causes which need to co-exist to build a strong and prosperous town.

Whatever the outcome, all I can say is "Well done Selectmen!!"

[Unregistered]

Silly sarcasm is not a productive or mature way of participating in the very real issues facing this town. We have much work ahead of us, and many challenges to face. Disruptive and petty comments do nothing to build an intelligent and thoughtful consensus by which we can move forward.


I'll be happy to let you pay the additional taxes these projects add to my tax bill. And my so called disruptive comments probably won't exert any influence on all of you who spend like the federal government, so why worry? If it gets voted down the first time, keep putting it on the ballot until you get what you want. Simple enough.

[Unregistered]

I'll be happy to let you pay the additional taxes these projects add to my tax bill. And my so called disruptive comments probably won't exert any influence on all of you who spend like the federal government, so why worry? If it gets voted down the first time, keep putting it on the ballot until you get what you want. Simple enough.

...and I am willing to bet you want, use, and demand services galore.... tailored to your specific needs,... but you don't want to pay a dime. Times are tough. I know it first hand. But I also know I do not want to let my property values deteriorate to the point of no return. Your home, community, and the quality of life they provide are the biggest investment most of us will ever make.

As previous posters have said, if you want cut rate living, live in a cut rate town. Democracy works, you just don't like when others have a say... new-comers and all. Let the process work. Even all of your negativism and disruption are a part of the process. ...and so is my right to call you out for it.

[Unregistered]

...and I am willing to bet you want, use, and demand services galore.... tailored to your specific needs,... but you don't want to pay a dime. Times are tough. I know it first hand. But I also know I do not want to let my property values deteriorate to the point of no return. Your home, community, and the quality of life they provide are the biggest investment most of us will ever make.

As previous posters have said, if you want cut rate living, live in a cut rate town. Democracy works, you just don't like when others have a say... new-comers and all. Let the process work. Even all of your negativism and disruption are a part of the process. ...and so is my right to call you out for it.

Call me out for what? Because I disagree with you? As long as it's democracy to your satifaction, it's allright? Hello pot, this is the kettle..............

I'm sorry if I disrupted your message board. I only call it like I see it.

[Sparky]

Could someone please explain why a combined police-fire facility was taken off the table? Was it space or cost? Seems it would be less costly in the long run.

On a related note: Does the town own the land across the street from the Italian-American Club, adjacent to the Town Pool?

[Unregistered]

Since the discussion of a new police station began I was in full support of it, and still am. The unfortunate piece is that the discussions died down and then the subject of a new library started, which I was not in support of. The need for a new police station far exceeds the need for a new library. If the discussions for the new police station continued before the library override vote was forced on us, twice, I believe the support for the new police station would be stronger than it is. This town needs to learn to prioritize, first, the new police station, second, the new library, and third the 2.25% tax increase that will go into effect next year.

[Unregistered]

Since the discussion of a new police station began I was in full support of it, and still am. The unfortunate piece is that the discussions died down and then the subject of a new library started, which I was not in support of. The need for a new police station far exceeds the need for a new library. If the discussions for the new police station continued before the library override vote was forced on us, twice, I believe the support for the new police station would be stronger than it is. This town needs to learn to prioritize, first, the new police station, second, the new library, and third the 2.25% tax increase that will go into effect next year.

Then you should have gotten involved and not let the discussion on the police station "die down". Hundreds of library supporters did just that. They also began their own private fund raising and pursued and received a significant state grant for the library'sconstruction. You should put your time and energy where your convictions are. I hope you are actively involved in the police station campaign.

As for the library, I doubt it would have lost the first time if a few disingenuous detractors had not spread so much mis-information. Once I heard how misrepresented the project had been by detractors, I got more involved than ever. It would have been foolish to pass up the grant, and the voters saw that.

Hopr to see you out there campaigning hard for the police station. I will be right beside you:)

[Unregistered]

I am for a new police station but just am curious to know if any other locations were looked at.
Wasn't there once thought about the land to the right of the town pool?

[Unregistered]

Check out today's letters to the editor. Looks like the anti-library "folks" are also the anti public safety "folks" too. The letters against the library often mentioned that the public safety building was the PRIORITY.

[Unregistered]

I am for a new police station but just am curious to know if any other locations were looked at.
Wasn't there once thought about the land to the right of the town pool?


There is a stream that runs through there, and (what used to be) a swamp right across the street. My guess is there are significant 'wetlands' in the whole area to the right of the town pool that would make it very difficult to build anything there.

[Unregistered]

That empty lot on Robbins Road is perfect.... If that land behind the Center Pool is 'town land', it should be kept for recreation expansion in the future... It was part of the 'old plan' I'm sure... (1920's..).

I can see us demolishing the old Town hall. (God forbid, right?). It's our building... it has an ugLY tower-top and the masonry work detail is an albatross..We should tear it down, make the new Fire Dept onsite and have the fire dept offices face Main Street...

[Unregistered]

I can see us demolishing the old Town hall. (God forbid, right?). It's our building... it has an ugLY tower-top and the masonry work detail is an albatross..We should tear it down, make the new Fire Dept onsite and have the fire dept offices face Main Street...

I believe it is on the National Registry of Historic Buildings, so it would take an act of Congress to tear it down.

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone not like the architecture of the building. It's a classic, and although can't serve the purpose of a police station, we must preserve it.

[Unregistered]

Check out today's letters to the editor. Looks like the anti-library "folks" are also the anti public safety "folks" too. The letters against the library often mentioned that the public safety building was the PRIORITY.

The "Just Say NO!" crowd is on the scene again! The "so cheap they squeak" group is back! They want to pay for NOTHING! It wouldn't be Walpole without them! Sit back, get ready for the wild generalities and gross mis-information. Buckle up... I sense another smear campaign headed our way!

Now it will be that we need a senior center so don't pay for the library... don't worry that it rains in our current police station... we are frugal New Englanders... wear a rain coat to work...

[Unregistered]

Some other poor soul can get stuck with Federally-mandated chronic repair work...

[Unregistered]

That empty lot on Robbins Road is perfect.... If that land behind the Center Pool is 'town land', it should be kept for recreation expansion in the future... It was part of the 'old plan' I'm sure... (1920's..).

I can see us demolishing the old Town hall. (God forbid, right?). It's our building... it has an ugLY tower-top and the masonry work detail is an albatross..We should tear it down, make the new Fire Dept onsite and have the fire dept offices face Main Street...

I'd like to see you make that comment about demolishing the old town hall publicly in the Walpole Times.

You may find a lot of people wanting to tear YOU down.

You are either not from Walpole or are, like some certain local property owners, architecturally challenged. You do realize that if the old town hall is razed, the nearest tall building will be that 4-story on Glenwood Ave, correct?

[Unregistered]

I'd like to see you make that comment about demolishing the old town hall publicly in the Walpole Times.

You may find a lot of people wanting to tear YOU down.

You are either not from Walpole or are, like some certain local property owners, architecturally challenged. You do realize that if the old town hall is razed, the nearest tall building will be that 4-story on Glenwood Ave, correct?

If the building leaks on the police inside, it is going to leak on who ever occupies next. If it can be fixed for the new occupant why not fix it for the police?

So, who cares about the size of a building on Glenwood? Does size really matter?

[Sparky]

...
I can see us demolishing the old Town hall. (God forbid, right?). It's our building... it has an ugLY tower-top and the masonry work detail is an albatross..We should tear it down, make the new Fire Dept onsite and have the fire dept offices face Main Street...
At first I thought you were kidding. But you're serious. Wow.

[Unregistered]

Compare, and you'll see... The old Town Hall was built as a 'hall' with some side offices and other small office spaces, meant for admin of a small town, not a bigger town's police dept! The New Town Hall is an elementary school.... not a 'Town Hall'..

Present-day thinking of buildings leads to better use-architecture and enhances the jobs of the folks within...

[Unregistered]

If the building leaks on the police inside, it is going to leak on who ever occupies next. If it can be fixed for the new occupant why not fix it for the police?

So, who cares about the size of a building on Glenwood? Does size really matter?

Go visit the Police Station. They are crammed in their like sardines. The building, its layout, and the accesability are poor at best. I cannot imagine what it would cost to revamp that building for a modern day Police Station. Requirements for access alone would be a budget buster.

It a beautiful building that can be revamped for something, but it is not designed to be a police station. The police station was moved there "temporarily" how many years ago??

[Unregistered]

Why not look into converting the old library into a police station?

[Unregistered]

Why couldn't they build a combined facility behind the current town hall? I know there are fields there (per se) but they are practically unusable in their current condition. With the money they could save on a combined facility couldn't they still clear the land on Robbins Road, which they would have to do for the Police Station anyway, and relocate the fields to there? If you have seen the Norwood facility I believe the footprint of that facility would fit easily there and the road already running between the town parking lot and Town Hall could serve as the access road.

[Unregistered]

The Robbins Road site is perfect for a Police Station. The size of the new PD there would serve this town for many, many years. The Center area is a great area for fire, Town hall and community center/library. The existing Town hall will no doubt become too small... The problem with building the new Fire Dept structure is where to house the guys and gear during construction. That begs the question about the 'new site'. It's going to generate some creative solutions for sure... I see the FD in the middle of the existing muni parking lot (behind the fire station. Better 'escape routes' for the FD/EMS vehicles in times of heavy traffic...

[Unregistered]

I noticed a few people agreeing about the town having priorities, the police station being number one, and the library being number two. Please tell me you mean Police and Fire? A new library is really more important than a fire station? That's really kind of sad if people really feel that way.

[Unregistered]

Why not look into converting the old library into a police station?

If it's not good enough for a library, why is it good enough to be a police station?

I think a combined facility behind the town hall is a great idea. That field is terrible. Pop Warner should be allowed to practice on the Walpole High Super Field, and whoever else uses the field can find someplace else too.

[Sparky]

I noticed a few people agreeing about the town having priorities, the police station being number one, and the library being number two. Please tell me you mean Police and Fire? A new library is really more important than a fire station? That's really kind of sad if people really feel that way.
I think most people do mean Police & Fire. People need to keep in mind an important context of the library was the accompanying state grant. The library would become unserviceable within ten years, and there isn't going to be another grant offer in a long, long time.

If it makes you feel any better, if it was a choice between supporting a Police/Fire with an accompanying grant, and a library with an accompanying grant, the Police/Fire would garner more support. But the fact of the matter is that there was a large chunk of money on the table to make a long-term facility upgrade, and you can't ignore that in the equation.

[Unregistered]

I think most people do mean Police & Fire. People need to keep in mind an important context of the library was the accompanying state grant. The library would become unserviceable within ten years, and there isn't going to be another grant offer in a long, long time.

If it makes you feel any better, if it was a choice between supporting a Police/Fire with an accompanying grant, and a library with an accompanying grant, the Police/Fire would garner more support. But the fact of the matter is that there was a large chunk of money on the table to make a long-term facility upgrade, and you can't ignore that in the equation.

Thank you, that makes perfect sense.

[Unregistered]

Hey people, get off the Library bandwagon and let's move on. It's a done deal and let it be built so we can have one building look decent in Town. End of story.

[Unregistered]

The town should do a study to see where most of the calls are from and put the police station closer to there. Based on the Police Log in the Times a lot of the calls are from the Walpole Mall, Route 1 locations and the Preserve.

Perhaps they should put a substation in that area ?

[Unregistered]

Hey people, get off the Library bandwagon and let's move on. It's a done deal and let it be built so we can have one building look decent in Town. End of story.

Alot of this town would rather give up a kidney than move on. Thankfully all they seem to do is post here, write letters to the editor, and make untrue allegations of fraud.

Walpole the Friendly (unless you moved here in the last 50 years) Town.

Exactly why my family and I will be gone soon.

[Sparky]

Alot of this town would rather give up a kidney than move on. Thankfully all they seem to do is post here, write letters to the editor, and make untrue allegations of fraud.

Walpole the Friendly (unless you moved here in the last 50 years) Town.

Exactly why my family and I will be gone soon.
Were you made to feel alienated here? Sorry to hear that. I think in many towns there is a vocal minority whose mouths are bigger than they're brains. I'd be interested to hear where you'll be headed to escape that.

[Unregistered]

It's pretty rare for a police officer to respond to a call from the station, unless it's shift change, or they're in the station doing a report. The town is divided up into sectors, and the officers are assigned a sector to patrol. A centrally located station is much better.

[Unregistered]

Why not be proactive and pursue the Woodworkers site on East St and locate a combined public safety facility there? I think it would require some serious kissing to get the woodworkers to talk to the town but we have some serious story tellers that have their names on town letterhead I am sure could spin a good sales pitch.

[Unregistered]

Were you made to feel alienated here? Sorry to hear that. I think in many towns there is a vocal minority whose mouths are bigger than they're brains. I'd be interested to hear where you'll be headed to escape that.

A few of the comments I have heard from my "neighbors" in the last 5 years that I have lived here.
1) Upon me putting up a vote yes sign across from the neighbor who had a vote no sign "Of course your voting for the override, you and your kids are robbing the town for private school education"

2) "Your property taxes barely pay for one kid school, how do you justify having another child" (Different neighbor, but this was after my wife and I had been trying for 3 years to have another child through 2 miscarriages)

3) "You transplants are ruining this town" In line at Dunkin Donuts wearing a West Roxbury t-shirt

The letters to the editor and all that you are right they are everywhere. But nobody that I grew up with (and we are spread out around this area, a few North Shore and a few out of state) had ever heard of anything like the above from their allegeded neighbors.

[Unregistered]

Why not be proactive and pursue the Woodworkers site on East St and locate a combined public safety facility there? I think it would require some serious kissing to get the woodworkers to talk to the town but we have some serious story tellers that have their names on town letterhead I am sure could spin a good sales pitch.

Not a bad idea if we had no land. But Walpole has many acres they already own. You want us to ante-up and buy some?

[Unregistered]

A few of the comments I have heard from my "neighbors" in the last 5 years that I have lived here.
1) Upon me putting up a vote yes sign across from the neighbor who had a vote no sign "Of course your voting for the override, you and your kids are robbing the town for private school education"

2) "Your property taxes barely pay for one kid school, how do you justify having another child" (Different neighbor, but this was after my wife and I had been trying for 3 years to have another child through 2 miscarriages)

3) "You transplants are ruining this town" In line at Dunkin Donuts wearing a West Roxbury t-shirt

The letters to the editor and all that you are right they are everywhere. But nobody that I grew up with (and we are spread out around this area, a few North Shore and a few out of state) had ever heard of anything like the above from their allegeded neighbors.

I wish you'd stay and try to change the minds of the obviously ignorant people who made those comments to you but I can see why you are leaving. I am a transplant here for the last 20 years and I too have been shocked at some of the things I have heard but thankfully I have met more good people than bad. I live in an area of Walpole with alot of people born and bred here and while we have disagreed on overrides we have always listened to each other. Good luck in your future and I'm sorry you haven't met the kinder people from Walpole.

[Unregistered]

Not a bad idea if we had no land. But Walpole has many acres they already own. You want us to ante-up and buy some?

Well maybe, if a combined public safety building does not fit anywhere downtown this would be an ideal location. And yes you would have to ante-up and buy it, but there could be worse alternatives to not buying the property. Just something to think about and maybe have some control as to its future land use.

[Sparky]

I wish you'd stay and try to change the minds of the obviously ignorant people who made those comments to you but I can see why you are leaving. I am a transplant here for the last 20 years and I too have been shocked at some of the things I have heard but thankfully I have met more good people than bad. I live in an area of Walpole with alot of people born and bred here and while we have disagreed on overrides we have always listened to each other. Good luck in your future and I'm sorry you haven't met the kinder people from Walpole.
I agree with this sentiment.

I'm a native. I want neighbors who support the good of the town, regardless of where they are from. Admittedly, part of that is preserving the town's general character of a fairly "rural" suburb is part of what I think is good for the town. It's why most newcomers are often coming from more "urban" suburbs.

About 15 years ago, the town was at a tipping point caused by the convergence of a number of things, but exaggerated by about a decade of spending capital budgets to support operations costs, following the adoption of Prop 2.5 in the early 1980s. Fortunately, the town tipped in the right direction, in my opinion, largely because the then-newcomers wanted the town to retain the character which they sought by moving here in the first place. Many of the natives where somewhat offended by this, thinking the town was evolving toward something else. (Yeah, a place with an improved school system.) My point is, we probably would not have tipped in the right direction without those newcomers.

Sometimes people's experience with a new place (town, school, work, etc.) is overly-influenced by their immediate neighbors or classmates or co-workers. It sounds like the original poster drew the short straw in that regard. I hope you can see the bigger picture and reconsider. Good luck either way.

[Unregistered]

I agree with this sentiment.

I'm a native. I want neighbors who support the good of the town, regardless of where they are from. Admittedly, part of that is preserving the town's general character of a fairly "rural" suburb is part of what I think is good for the town. It's why most newcomers are often coming from more "urban" suburbs.

About 15 years ago, the town was at a tipping point caused by the convergence of a number of things, but exaggerated by about a decade of spending capital budgets to support operations costs, following the adoption of Prop 2.5 in the early 1980s. Fortunately, the town tipped in the right direction, in my opinion, largely because the then-newcomers wanted the town to retain the character which they sought by moving here in the first place. Many of the natives where somewhat offended by this, thinking the town was evolving toward something else. (Yeah, a place with an improved school system.) My point is, we probably would not have tipped in the right direction without those newcomers.

Sometimes people's experience with a new place (town, school, work, etc.) is overly-influenced by their immediate neighbors or classmates or co-workers. It sounds like the original poster drew the short straw in that regard. I hope you can see the bigger picture and reconsider. Good luck either way.

Great Post!

[Unregistered]

Can't help but wondering:

What if Sullivan's Senior Center proposed for Washington Street was moved to Robbins Road and the Police Center proposed for Robbins Road was moved to Washington Street?

[Unregistered]

What if everyone got down to business with the senior center? It's not practical to think that volunteers are going to build a multi million dollar facility and that donations will cover the entire cost. It didn't work when the Friends tried this approach.

Please apply for a grant like every other municipality did, do some serious fundraising, get the total costs for a real building instead of a one room facility, and then lay it out for us to review. Give us a comprehensive solution.

As far as the police station goes, it isn't a function of location or need, its' a function of who can pay.

The unemployment rate in Walpole is 7.3% and that figure is probably understated because it doesn't include workers who are still unemployed but no longer receive benefits. The housing market is ready to take another slump according to news reports. Health care and utility costs are spiraling.

When taxpayers are struggling to keep the roof over their own heads, they will not be so concerned about keeping the roof from leaking on a public building. We all appreciate our men in blue but in such uncertain economic times, an override will be a very tough sell.

[Sparky]

...
When taxpayers are struggling to keep the roof over their own heads, they will not be so concerned about keeping the roof from leaking on a public building. We all appreciate our men in blue but in such uncertain economic times, an override will be a very tough sell.
Actually, I think the only thing stopping this override right now is a weak plan.

I keep hearing the two same complaints coming from would-be supporters (like myself):

1) Why is the combined police-fire facility off the table?
2) What are the location alternatives to Robbins Road? Has there been a discussion of land-swaps? Could a combined station go across the street from the Town Hall, at Morgan Field?

[Unregistered]

The location is an issue for the neighbors on Robbins Road. For others it is nothing more than an excuse to vote no. If the location is changed, then there would be another excuse to vote no.

The real issue is the Economy, Economy, Economy.

[Unregistered]

The location is an issue for the neighbors on Robbins Road. For others it is nothing more than an excuse to vote no. If the location is changed, then there would be another excuse to vote no.

The real issue is the Economy, Economy, Economy.

The real issue is that Walpole is divided into 3 camps. And it really does hurt us. 1/3 are what I will call "moderates". They are reasonably open to a broad spectrum of needs with-in the town. 1/3 will only support schools, and they will support anything in the name of schools, but nothing tjhat is not for schools. 1/3 don't want to pay taxes for anything. Nothing. And they will take any industry known to man to bring revenue, no matter the cost.

The problem is gaining a majority with such a divide. It is why the library was so close. It is also why Walpole has fought so many dirty industries. The second two groups ($$ for schools and $$ from anyone but me) can only find common ground in dirty indistry, which results in disenfranchising the first 1/3 (the moderates).

If the police station wants to succeed, they need to pull solid support from the moderates. The "just say "NO"" crowd will come up with a new reason to say "NO" every time you address their most recent concern, so don't waste your energy. Moderates want a reasonable price and good value, so the dual facility is key to this 1/3. Clearly demonstrate the failings and dangers of the current facility. Highlight the improvements and economic efficiencies of a new facility, which will bring long run cost savings. GET A GRANT or some STIMULUS MONEY (I am certain our EDC officer would like something to work on) to help defray even a small part of the cost. Tie all of this together, campaign like heck, line up key influencers to drum up support in the community,...

and keep your fingers crossed for 51%. Get the moderates, and pull 10% from the "schools only" crowd, and 10% from the "just say no crowd". It will be close, but it can be done. Without a real strategy, and strong campaign, this police station effort will wither on the vine.

[Brown Bear]

I've also thought about the Walpole Woodworkers site on East Street. However, taking private land subtracts from our tax rolls. Perhaps we could trade a parcel to keep the tax rolls level.

[Unregistered]

What is the objection to the Robbins Road site? The town owns it so there is no cost and no tax loss.

[Unregistered]

What is the objection to the Robbins Road site? The town owns it so there is no cost and no tax loss.

Robbins Road IS the best site. The problem is I just don't see the override passing in these economic times.

[Unregistered]

Sparky, care to answer why Robbins Road isn't a good site?

[Unregistered]

Put the station on Washington St. next to the DPW and Food Pantry.

[Unregistered]

Robbins Road is not the place for a police dept. The traffic by Johnson Middle
School during the morning and afternoon with all the parents dropping off and picking up is already gridlock. Not to mention the traffic of those going to the train station.
There is a very nice neighborhood behind where the police dept
would go on Robbins Road that would like to stay nice and quiet.

Put the police dept on Washington
St where Sullivan wants to build a Senior Center. No neighborhood there. No school.

[Unregistered]

Robbins Road is not the place for a police dept. The traffic by Johnson Middle
School during the morning and afternoon with all the parents dropping off and picking up is already gridlock. Not to mention the traffic of those going to the train station.
There is a very nice neighborhood behind where the police dept
would go on Robbins Road that would like to stay nice and quiet.

Put the police dept on Washington
St where Sullivan wants to build a Senior Center. No neighborhood there. No school.

So it is complete NIMBYism, and I can see part of your arguement. Although, with Police on patrol, it is not the same thing as the sirens associated with a Fire Call say, but that is more a difference of opinion. You admit that you have a house that is near town own land, and now that the town wants to do something with that land you are going to complain that it impacts your home. Okay, but at least you are calling it what it is - NIMBYism.

While I agree that Washington would be viable, we need to look at the "prep" work that has already been done in planning. The money had already been spent on designing the infrastructure (utilities, sewerage, etc.) to put a police station on Robbins Road, so we are going to save money there. We already have a facility design that while it needs to be modified to a smaller building, reworking an existing plan is going to save money in design costs, since we would have to design a new facility for Washington St.

The simple facts as I see it are this.
1) The Police Facilities have been identified by Town Leaders as the most critical need. (If you disagree vote against the current administration)
2) Robbins Rd. is just about a "ready to go project". The infrastructure work could be completed will the design is reworked, Washington St. would require much more lead time
3) While I understand that we are all feeling the economic pinch, the simple fact is that Municipal Construction costs are WAY down right now. Building a new facility is running 15-20% cheaper than it was 2-5 years ago. If we wait until the economy is back, it is going to cost even more.
(I also am not sure how many of the "not in this economy" crowd are really just members of the "NO on ANYTHING" crowd and they are using this as their current rallying cry, despite the fact that their cry against the library was that we needed a new Police Station)

I'm voting Yes if it comes to that.

[Unregistered]

Here would be my proposal:

1. Move the new library to Robbins Road. 55 acre site is larger than where it is currently sited so very little, if any, redesign necessary.

2. Build a combined police/fire facility at current location proposed for library.
- Location has already been identified as a viable site for such a facility

- Plans alreadey exist for a combined facility. Some rework may need to be done to scale back as the stand alone facility for the police station has already been scaled back.

- Existing fire station can remain operational during construction with no costs/disruption of services.

3. Once complete tear down the fire station and expand parking by a dozen or more spaces.
- Apparently parking is always an issue downtown.

Obviously item 2 would cost more than just a stand alone police facility, in the short term, but as a prior poster pointed out the costs for construction are significantly lower right now. Building a combined facility would eliminate the need to build a fire station a few years down the road (another override, likely higer costs).

[Unregistered]

Here would be my proposal:

1. Move the new library to Robbins Road. 55 acre site is larger than where it is currently sited so very little, if any, redesign necessary.

2. Build a combined police/fire facility at current location proposed for library.
- Location has already been identified as a viable site for such a facility

- Plans alreadey exist for a combined facility. Some rework may need to be done to scale back as the stand alone facility for the police station has already been scaled back.

- Existing fire station can remain operational during construction with no costs/disruption of services.

3. Once complete tear down the fire station and expand parking by a dozen or more spaces.
- Apparently parking is always an issue downtown.

Obviously item 2 would cost more than just a stand alone police facility, in the short term, but as a prior poster pointed out the costs for construction are significantly lower right now. Building a combined facility would eliminate the need to build a fire station a few years down the road (another override, likely higer costs).


Since changing the plans of the library would cost more (we would lose the State Grant if we change the location/plans that are in place), we should pay thay too?

NIMBY and demanding, what a combination!

[Unregistered]

Here would be my proposal:

1. Move the new library to Robbins Road. 55 acre site is larger than where it is currently sited so very little, if any, redesign necessary.

2. Build a combined police/fire facility at current location proposed for library.
- Location has already been identified as a viable site for such a facility

- Plans alreadey exist for a combined facility. Some rework may need to be done to scale back as the stand alone facility for the police station has already been scaled back.

- Existing fire station can remain operational during construction with no costs/disruption of services.

3. Once complete tear down the fire station and expand parking by a dozen or more spaces.
- Apparently parking is always an issue downtown.

Obviously item 2 would cost more than just a stand alone police facility, in the short term, but as a prior poster pointed out the costs for construction are significantly lower right now. Building a combined facility would eliminate the need to build a fire station a few years down the road (another override, likely higer costs).

...and while we are at it, lets move common street to a better location, have the post office set up a new building, and expand the commons for a playing field. Rediculous. The library grant and plans cannot be shuttled to a new location.

[Unregistered]

Here would be my proposal:

1. Move the new library to Robbins Road. 55 acre site is larger than where it is currently sited so very little, if any, redesign necessary.

2. Build a combined police/fire facility at current location proposed for library.
- Location has already been identified as a viable site for such a facility

- Plans already exist for a combined facility. Some rework may need to be done to scale back as the stand alone facility for the police station has already been scaled back.

- Existing fire station can remain operational during construction with no costs/disruption of services.

3. Once complete tear down the fire station and expand parking by a dozen or more spaces.
- Apparently parking is always an issue downtown.

Obviously item 2 would cost more than just a stand alone police facility, in the short term, but as a prior poster pointed out the costs for construction are significantly lower right now. Building a combined facility would eliminate the need to build a fire station a few years down the road (another override, likely higer costs).



My suggestions

1. Tear down Blackburn Hall and build a combined facility on Stone field up to the front of Stone street. That would leave parking (which is not an issue) facilities to be built in the back of the new public safety facility.

2. Tear down the existing Fire and Police stations

3. Once the Senior Center advocates get their act together and raise some serious funds, then build a center where the old fire staton existed.

[Unregistered]

Since changing the plans of the library would cost more (we would lose the State Grant if we change the location/plans that are in place), we should pay thay too?

NIMBY and demanding, what a combination!

So are we saying that the library trust has already invalidated the grant? The plans have already changed at least once and are likely to change again once the architect posts their next set of drawings....http://walpolepl.blogspot.com/

I have searched on line for the terms of the grant and were unable to find them. Please show us specifically in the grant where it spells out that the library must be located on the corner of School and Stone Streets or in lieu of that the library cannot be re-sited.

Before you call me a NIMBY, understand that I live no where near Robbins Road and I am not part of the NO crowd as I am actually offering to pay MORE in an override IF we try and do this the right way. My suggestions are in good faith trying to find a solution that solves several needs. It may be a little "outside the box" but at least it is original and doesn't fall back on the same plans/override calls that our town officals can't seem to get past.

[Unregistered]

So are we saying that the library trust has already invalidated the grant? The plans have already changed at least once and are likely to change again once the architect posts their next set of drawings....http://walpolepl.blogspot.com/

I have searched on line for the terms of the grant and were unable to find them. Please show us specifically in the grant where it spells out that the library must be located on the corner of School and Stone Streets or in lieu of that the library cannot be re-sited.

Before you call me a NIMBY, understand that I live no where near Robbins Road and I am not part of the NO crowd as I am actually offering to pay MORE in an override IF we try and do this the right way. My suggestions are in good faith trying to find a solution that solves several needs. It may be a little "outside the box" but at least it is original and doesn't fall back on the same plans/override calls that our town officals can't seem to get past.

The plans have not changed since the override was passed, and the grant support became final. That is what can not change. If we change any part of the plan that that was in place when the override passed (ie: parking, location, design, method of payment), that would cause the grant to be lost. I do not know the exact website that can give you the information, but that is my understanding of the situation from BOS meetings, Library Meetings, Town Meeting, and all the other forums I have been to and read about on the topic.

[Unregistered]

Go for a combined police/fire station, find a suitable location, recruit a support group and come back next year. The economy might be better.

[Unregistered]

Go for a combined police/fire station, find a suitable location, recruit a support group and come back next year. The economy might be better.

The batttle cry of the "No to Anthiny!" crowd" for this issue is starting to form.

They are using a two pronged arguement of economic situation and arguing that a combinded facility is better.

[Unregistered]

The batttle cry of the "No to Anthiny!" crowd" for this issue is starting to form.

They are using a two pronged arguement of economic situation and arguing that a combinded facility is better.

Not really sure who ANTHINY is but I have nothing against him. I also would not support a COMBINDED facility, however a combined facility would make a lot more sense since by Mr. Snuffer's own comments it would be much cheaper to do construction now than down the road. Why not take full advantage of that and get them both out of the way.

[Unregistered]

Not really sure who ANTHINY is but I have nothing against him. I also would not support a COMBINDED facility, however a combined facility would make a lot more sense since by Mr. Snuffer's own comments it would be much cheaper to do construction now than down the road. Why not take full advantage of that and get them both out of the way.

Don't be petty about someone's typo-s....

[Unregistered]

Not the right plan. Not the right location. Not the right time.

[Unregistered]

why not take advantage now? My response to that would be because people are struggling to put food on their table, pay their rent/mortgage, pay their bills, etc. etc. I don't understand how that statement can be made so casually when people are having trouble surviving every day life! Whatever the cost would be - either minimal or not - we can't afford that right now. Maybe this economy has not affected you, but we need to help those who are affected. The police station is in better condition than some of the housing that people are presently residing in because they can't afford to fix it. On a prioritized list, a new facility should be at the end whether it is fire, police, town hall, and yes even a library

[G1E2W3]

The Library is a poor use of funds when we need a Police + Fire and were all broke.

When I compare Fed Govt to Local Govt its the same: We need more $ to solve your problems. If you don't give us more $ you are anti children / elderly / immigrant / minority / education / etc

Bottom line to our elected officials: We have no more $ to give in taxes so start spending less! Cut programs for illegals, layoff mid level beaurecrats, cease pensions for new employees, give small businesses a tax break...stay away from my wallet!

Also, The Govt does not Create Jobe! It can only create an environment where businesses create jobs and youre failing miserably! It cost over $280K to create (or save?) a $50K job in the Stimulus! You call this success?

[Unregistered]

The Library is a poor use of funds when we need a Police + Fire and were all broke.

When I compare Fed Govt to Local Govt its the same: We need more $ to solve your problems. If you don't give us more $ you are anti children / elderly / immigrant / minority / education / etc

Bottom line to our elected officials: We have no more $ to give in taxes so start spending less! Cut programs for illegals, layoff mid level beaurecrats, cease pensions for new employees, give small businesses a tax break...stay away from my wallet!

Also, The Govt does not Create Jobe! It can only create an environment where businesses create jobs and youre failing miserably! It cost over $280K to create (or save?) a $50K job in the Stimulus! You call this success?


Ok one more time....the town adds nothing to my pension !!!..I contribute 100 %..this is not the like a state hack job...

[Brown Bear]

I'll go back to one of my original proposals:

1) Build a new police station. Location to be determined. The existing station is not appropriate for its use.
2) Convert the old police station to a senior center. It's an historical building, it's near the activity of downtown. It's near post office, drug stores, banks, coffee shops. (There is no realistic hope of ever selling this building for office space. Only a vanity user would consider buying it, spending $2M for a building that would be worth $1 when renovated. Besides, the buyer would be held up and frustrated by every possible regulation as to its use. Let the building serve a town need and contribute to the activity of downtown.)

- Brown Bear

[Unregistered]

Sully has found a great place to put the POLICE STATION.....Why didnt you bring it up before Mr Snuffer went on with the previously voted down bad location?????
How about pulling it? You are the town Fathers... Dont divide us again..We havent even gotten past the Library.(people are STILL Blogging about it) Just give it a break. Come back NEXT spring and put it in the Town Yard!!!!
Wait on the seniors,They actually really understand the word RECESSION.

[Unregistered]

Why not look into converting the old library into a police station?

[Unregistered]

Sell the old library. We don't want to have to update that building for public use. Just get rid of it.

[Unregistered]

Why not look into converting the old library into a police station?

Chief Stillman, have we got a deal for you. We plan to move you from a building built in 1870 to a building that was originally constructed in 1903!

At least it would be convenient for when they start arresting people for overdue book fines!

[Unregistered]

do you really care what Chief Stillman (or Chief Bailey) wants or doesn't want? I certainly don't. They are doing a job for which they get paid very well with good perks. They should work out of a tent if that is what is provided them. They can walk away from their jobs if they don't like what is provided to them and I am certain there will be someone just as qualified to take over within ten minutes.

[Unregistered]

do you really care what Chief Stillman (or Chief Bailey) wants or doesn't want? I certainly don't. They are doing a job for which they get paid very well with good perks. They should work out of a tent if that is what is provided them. They can walk away from their jobs if they don't like what is provided to them and I am certain there will be someone just as qualified to take over within ten minutes.

They are trained proffessionals and I doubt you would get canidates knocking down the doors for these jobs in Walpole. These are educated, trained PROFFESSIONALS who have huge responsibilities , including the training and managing of the men and women that could save our lives !! We should care what they want because they know what they need because that is their profession.

We will all care about the Police station once the first law suite is filed by an employee or prisoner who comes down with ANY illness which can be even remotely traced to mold, we have known for years about the leaks and water damage, clear negligence on our part as a town once someone gets sick. We will care about our facilities once they are not built properly to hold the necessary technology and equipment that law enforcement and fire fighting now demand.

I am sorry, I truly do not like to insult posters but yours is the most insulting, ridiculous post I have seen in a long time. We would not have these individuals as leaders of our public safety teams if we didn't care what they thought......seriously, are you kidding???

[Unregistered]

do you really care what Chief Stillman (or Chief Bailey) wants or doesn't want? I certainly don't. They are doing a job for which they get paid very well with good perks. They should work out of a tent if that is what is provided them. They can walk away from their jobs if they don't like what is provided to them and I am certain there will be someone just as qualified to take over within ten minutes.

That has got to be one of the most ridiculous posts ever. I don't think it's a question of what either Chief wants, but what will fit the needs of their respective departments. If you want to ask me if I really care about something, ask me if I really care about your opinion. No, I don't. Not when you state it like that and come across as a real jerk. Both departments are already working out of buildings that don't exactly fit their needs. And if they had to work out of a tent, they would. But they shouldn't have to.

[Unregistered]

Chief Bailey and Chief Stillman are professionals and we are very fortunate to have them protecting us. It is important that we listen to the people that understand what tools and facilities they need to do their jobs. It is past time to update both the Police and Fire stations. Listen to the Chiefs.

[Unregistered]

I appreciate what law enforcement does but I would like to see someone protecting my wallet too. Any selectman out there who can do that? This isn't the time for more overrides. It's the time to take a serious look at the way the town spends its money and cut back on expenses. We know you can do that if you can find the political will. Neither the senior center nor police station plans are well thought out. Please get busy protecting the taxpayer. Remember us?

[Unregistered]

An override? Be serious. Unemployment rate in Massachusetts jumps to 9.3%

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1237233&pos=breaking

[Unregistered]

I does not take a rocket scientist to see that the Police Station is in dire need of being replaced. The building was never intended for such a use, and it is an operation held together with chewing gum and bandaids. You could never make a logical argument that that building is even remotely suitable.

That said, everyone wants a combined facility. It is more cost effecive. I do not want to build a police station one year, and a fire station 5 years later. Get a plan that we can get behind>

[Unregistered]

I thought the So. Walpole Fire Station was closed because we couldn't afford to staff it. Yet I have driven by several times in the past few months and see the lights on in the station and the Chief's vehicle outside. In the windows I can see exercise equipment being used. Are tax dollars being spent to fund a private gym for firefighters?

[Unregistered]

The South Walpole Fire Station, has never been open and staffed. It has always been a call station, only staffed during incidents. It is now staffed during sold out stadium events, and paid for by Gillette Stadium. There is a spare engine in the station. The station that closed was Station 2 in East Walpole. They gym equipment you see was bought with a grant several years ago, not taxpayer money. If you see the Chief's car there, he's using the gym, as do many other members of the department.

If you remember several months ago, the BOS was very concerned with the number of injuries within the fire department, and asked if there should be some sort of fitness program to prevent injuries. Instead of jumping to conclusions and trying to cause a problem where there is none, you should be happy that the firefighters are taking advantage of the equipment we have that doesn't cost the taxpayers a dime, on our own time.

[Unregistered]

I agree 100% that we need a combined police&fire and it should be built right in the field behind the townhall. After it is built you could tear down the old fire station and make into more parking spaces. I would say there is more then enough room fore a new facilty there. Sense we need both a new police &fire lets build both now Its a no brainer the MONEY$$$$.. we could save! I also think the location on Robbins Road for the police station is the worst choice ever( School) (kids) (busses) plus with the Elm Street bridge flooded out and the street closed to traffic Pemberton Street& Robbins Road Were backed up from !A to Elm Street with cars, a very dangerous situation if the police had an emergecy and had to get out of the station.Lets get a better plan then what you have now for the people to vote on and maybe we could get this done. The way it stands now I hope the people would vote NO!

[Unregistered]

Combined facility makes a lot of sense. Belongs in the center of town. This plan was thrown together too fast.

[Unregistered]

Now all of us can see how having a police-fire dept up on Robbins Road would be a problem.

What happens when the intersection by 27 & the railroad bridge floods? Robbins Road becomes a traffic jam.

Unless we reroute the Neponset River (I am all for that by the way...but it could cost tens of millions of dollars), we absolutely cannot put public safety at risk by using the "rt. 27 alternate route" of Robbins Road.


To the abutters: You may have a flooded basement, but this storm has been a blessing in disguise!

[Unregistered]

You go the other way genius

[Unregistered]

Try getting onto rt 27 from Robbins Road during late afternoon/early evening rush
hour when all the commuting traffic from the 2 parking lots empty out. It s a traffic
nightmare.

[Unregistered]

Try getting onto rt 27 from Robbins Road during late afternoon/early evening rush
hour when all the commuting traffic from the 2 parking lots empty out. It s a traffic
nightmare.

Not if you have sirens and flashing lights on your vehicle, those items actually make it pretty easy to get out onto 27 at rush hour.

[Unregistered]

I agree 100% that we need a combined police&fire and it should be built right in the field behind the townhall. After it is built you could tear down the old fire station and make into more parking spaces. I would say there is more then enough room fore a new facilty there. Sense we need both a new police &fire lets build both now Its a no brainer the MONEY$$$$.. we could save! I also think the location on Robbins Road for the police station is the worst choice ever( School) (kids) (busses) plus with the Elm Street bridge flooded out and the street closed to traffic Pemberton Street& Robbins Road Were backed up from !A to Elm Street with cars, a very dangerous situation if the police had an emergecy and had to get out of the station.Lets get a better plan then what you have now for the people to vote on and maybe we could get this done. The way it stands now I hope the people would vote NO!

It has been posted and reported many many times that the field behind town hall CANNOT BE BUILT ON!!! The water table is too high. It isn't useable for a senior center and it is not useable for a police / fire facility.

MOVE ON! NEW IDEA NEEDED!!!!

[Unregistered]

I don't know where one of the last posters got the idea we can't build on the town hall field.
The selectman have appointed several committees, each with construction professionals which have recomended that location.
The senior center kept moving because they didn't have the money to build and needed a new excuse for their delays.
The field can be built on. Frankly it would be a fairly easy place to construct a new building.

[Unregistered]

Can we combine the current police station space (knock down the present one, historical or not) and the current Fire Station into one facility? Everyone seems to think that the current police station building is of no use to anyone now or in the future so why save it?

I know that some want to preserve the history but at this point, if it absolutely useless for any kind of use, why not knock it and the present fire station down and build a brand new combined facility. Would it even be a possibility?

[Unregistered]

Up until last week I might have agreed that we needed new public safety buildings (I would only support a combined facility downtown). All this changed when my principle wrote a message saying that my 5th grader will sit in class with 33 fellow students and my 1st grader with 27 students next year. I know now you are going to explain to me that these are two different budgets and should not be mixed. But it all comes from one single source, my taxes. I think it will be very hard to convince the voters that we need new buildings when the schools are in such bad shape.

[Unregistered]

You are correct I am about to tell you they are totally different items within the budget.
But more importantly rather than use the school budget to say no other town department can see improvements you need to start asking the school department how THEY managed themselves into this problem.
You and other concerned parents need to start asking to school depart to start explaining how they spend their money.
The school management cannot always be a reason for every other town department to suffer.

[Unregistered]

Up until last week I might have agreed that we needed new public safety buildings (I would only support a combined facility downtown). All this changed when my principle wrote a message saying that my 5th grader will sit in class with 33 fellow students and my 1st grader with 27 students next year. I know now you are going to explain to me that these are two different budgets and should not be mixed. But it all comes from one single source, my taxes. I think it will be very hard to convince the voters that we need new buildings when the schools are in such bad shape.

The schools are in such bad shape because the school committee cannot control its budget. E-mail your principle back and tell him to speak with the teachers union about letting go of the outrageous benefits and salaries. We are spending WAY to much on benefits. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Until the school committee gets spending under control, you will never have enough money to feed the hungry beast.

...and believe it or not, I am a school supporter. I would love to say yes to everything at my work, but we have had to make some difficult and unpopular decisions over the past decade. Because we have minded our shop, my company in financially sound. I have not seen the same dedication to preserving the financial stability of our educational system. Year after year we have given away the farm. I bet we are considerring more raises as this current crises unfolds.

This problem starts and ends in the school system. It is a disgrace that the schookl committee and superintendant try to park it at the door of other town departments and our legislators. School Committee : DO YOUR JOB OR RESIGN!

[Unregistered]

#92, your taxes are funding salaries and benefits for public employees. These employees have health care plans with $5 copays. You pay for either 70% or 80% of their health insurance coverage depending on when they were hired. Because health care costs have spiraled and the employees get an automatic raise every year, there isn't enough momey left to go around. That is why the system faces layoffs. Read the front page of Walpole News.

Also it is the School Committee who negotiates the salaries and benefits. The School Committee has been not been very mindful of the town's ability to pay for their generosity.

There is an immediate solution to the shortage of funding. The teachers can vote tomorrow morning to make concessions on their health care which frees up $700,000. That money can be used to minimize layoffs and keep class sizes manageable.

Each and every parent should hold the School Commitee responsible for the contract they negotiated a few years ago. It is time this committee got its fiscal house in order rather than send parents on a mission to raise their expenses even more through trash fees and meals taxes.

We can't put the rest of the town on hold while the school committee gobbles up all the funding. A town is made up of more than its schools.

[Unregistered]

Of course I agree with #93, #94 and #95. Yes the SC has some explaining to do regarding their fiscal responsibility, we all know that. (I know there is another board just for that discussion and I really don't want to argue about unions here) But here is my concern: I moved here about 3 years ago and I paid a very high price for my house. I had looked at over 60 houses in too many towns to mention. One of the main reasons I choose Walpole was the quality of the schools. I did not pay very close attention to what kind of buildings the police or fire department where in. I did look at the down town layout though, and although there is room for improvement I could live with it. Every young family considering a move to Walpole will look at the school system and will not move here with class sizes that big and other problems in schools like decreasing MCAS scores. So our real estate value will suffer, which in return will mean higher taxes for all of us. I know you know all that and the argument has been made many times before. I am just saying maybe a new police/ fire station has to wait a few more years.

[Unregistered]

Of course I agree with #93, #94 and #95. Yes the SC has some explaining to do regarding their fiscal responsibility, we all know that. (I know there is another board just for that discussion and I really don't want to argue about unions here) But here is my concern: I moved here about 3 years ago and I paid a very high price for my house. I had looked at over 60 houses in too many towns to mention. One of the main reasons I choose Walpole was the quality of the schools. I did not pay very close attention to what kind of buildings the police or fire department where in. I did look at the down town layout though, and although there is room for improvement I could live with it. Every young family considering a move to Walpole will look at the school system and will not move here with class sizes that big and other problems in schools like decreasing MCAS scores. So our real estate value will suffer, which in return will mean higher taxes for all of us. I know you know all that and the argument has been made many times before. I am just saying maybe a new police/ fire station has to wait a few more years.

I agree with you that the school system is the most important part of our property values, which is why I have voted for every over-ride. Over these past few years I have really become disolusioned with the schools however. The support that school candidates (Selectman and RTMs) gave to the power plant and the associated zoning issues was an eye opener. I was STUNNED that they were advocating for a power plant in the name of the schools and my children. It would have decimated the very property values I want to maintain.

What I have realized is that the focus of school advocates is so skewed to "more revenue", that it had become irrational. We need to maintain great schools. But we need a level head and a measured approach. This has to include expense control. I have been looking into the benefits, and it really is outrageous. It seems that many knew that the benefits and salaries were unaffordable to the town when they were approved. Which is why school politicos keep supporting Bad bad land uses. Now those chickens have come home to roost.

"Schools Only" at the expense of everything, everyone, and anything, has gone off the deep end. School advocates are out of control and extremist. The schools need to get the spending and benefits under control. We need to stop with the bad business to fund the insanity. And then we can begin rebuilding a cohesive community. One that willingly supports schools, and the re-investment in ourselves.

[Unregistered]

I find it ironic that in these posts about EDUCATION, at least two people used the wrong "principle" The person in charge of a school is the principal. A principle is moral belief to which a person adheres and molds his or her behavior accordingly(or something like that).

WalpoleWords etiquette is not to comment on typos or spelling errors. This is neither, however, this is a vocabulary deficiency. How can we take your arguments seriously when you don't use the write word.

[Unregistered]

As hard as this may be to grasp , the building of these facilities will have no effect on the school budget as they are debt exclusion overrides costing the average tax payer about $75 per year ( goes away after 20 years )
The school budget must be taken care of within the budget process or through a general override ( stays on the tax rate forever ).
Each are up to the voters.

[Unregistered]

I find it ironic that in these posts about EDUCATION, at least two people used the wrong "principle" The person in charge of a school is the principal. A principle is moral belief to which a person adheres and molds his or her behavior accordingly(or something like that).

WalpoleWords etiquette is not to comment on typos or spelling errors. This is neither, however, this is a vocabulary deficiency. How can we take your arguments seriously when you don't use the write word.

The second I posted I noticed my mistake but could not find an edit button on the board. Yes I know it is "principal" not "principle". I am not a native English speaker and grammar and spelling are very important to me for that reason. Mistakes happen though and I am sure everybody understood what I meant. But thanks for pointing it out.


no edit button for anonymous users. if the button were available, any anonymous user could edit any other anonymous user's post. a kind reader pointed that out early; there does not appear to be a workaround. -- tg

[Unregistered]

As hard as this may be to grasp , the building of these facilities will have no effect on the school budget as they are debt exclusion overrides costing the average tax payer about $75 per year ( goes away after 20 years )
The school budget must be taken care of within the budget process or through a general override ( stays on the tax rate forever ).
Each are up to the voters.

We all understand that concept but the question is will the voter really separate the two budgets? I am sure some do but others will think like me. It goes like that: I paid a lot for my house, I need to keep my property value up. How can I do that? I need to make the town attractive for potential buyers. Who will that be? Young, professional, middle and upper-middle class families that are willing to buy all these new houses in town. What will the deciding factor be for most of these buyers to come to Walpole? Good schools or a new police/fire station? I think you know the answer.
Now in an ideal world I would love to pay for all of it, believe me, but I can't. So I have to make a decision.
And I agree with the previous poster. To fix some of these problems we have to save save save. That applies to all areas of the community. There is still way to much waste and not enough frugality, especially in the schools.

[Unregistered]

To Irony:
Perhaps,you should check your useage ... you do want to use the 'write' words, do you not?
Typical.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/x1664762101/Selectmen-present-FinCom-with-plans-for-new-police-station

OK. Where to begin on all the issues with this article....

"Snuffer estimates an $8.5 million override would cover the construction of a Walpole department plus the design phase of a new central firehouse to be located directly behind the current Stone Street station."

- #1 - Estimates???
- #2 - I know we need to put a fire station downtown but I thought one of the issues with the combined facility there is it would take away too many parking spaces. So now we are going to put a firehouse right behind the existing one (which I assume has to stay open during construction). Once built I would assume you cannot restore parking by leveling the old station as the trucks would still need access to Stone street.




"The Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion override would cost the average taxpayer $78.80 in the first year of the loan and decrease over 20 years, Snuffer projected."

#3 - Three articles on the subject since 1/1/2010 and this is at least the third different cost to the "average" tax payer.




" “While all neighbors are important and all neighborhoods are important, it’s not exactly a heavily populated area,” said Snuffer."

#4 - Except, of course, for a school , a compost site (heavily used during Spring, Summer, and Fall), and a traffic detour to another school when heavy rains flood the roads out.




"“Can it go back here? Sure it can,” Snuffer said. “In fairness, could it fit? Anything could be done.”"

#5 - Hmm, changing your tune Cliff? Just a few weeks ago there was no way it could be done?




"He said taking up room downtown would go against the town’s master plan that says the center should be a commercial destination and would only add to the architectural hodgepodge of “discombobulated buildings.”"

- #6 - Last I checked a library wasn't considered commercial and who cares about the architectural hodgepodge? I want to see us do what makes sense for the own financial and service wise, not how "pretty" it looks. Please explain how the latest, awful design of the new library fits the downtown landscape. As far as a master plan, if we had one we wouldn't even be having this discussion.




"Snuffer said he and others looked into various town owned land in the center and throughout the town including the Morgan Field/Center Pool area, Allen Dam and next to the Department of Public Works on Washington Street.

“Essentially, all roads led back to Robbins Road,” he said.
...

Snuffer said the town could extensively analyze every potential location but it would cost Walpole time and money when it doesn’t require a “rocket scientist” to realize the Robbins Road site is ideal."


- #7 - If you have not extensively analyzed the other locations how can you make the claim that it doesn't require a "rocket scientist' to realize the Robbins Road site is ideal? This sounds just petty and like Mr. Snuffer hates that his idea is being challenged.

- #8 This reaks of "We have to act now, we have to act quickly", hmmm, where have we heard this before? The "stimulas package" ?? that was needed to hold unemployment under 8% (until it rose to 10.2). ObamaCare? which is set to raise taxes and destroy healthcare in this country? For once, would any leader be willing to listen to their constituants and take the time to do something right instead of quick?

[Unregistered]

Knowing a little bit about how things work, if a combined facility was the solution, Robbins Road is a horrible choice. It's a decent place for a police station, but it's a terrible place for a fire station. Where the current fire station is, is the ideal spot for it for accessing every area of town, as well as all the main roads. It really is perfect.

I just read the "worst case scenario" and I have a question or two in regards to the schools. I assume FTE stands for Full Time Employee. That being said, how on earth can you lay off .4,.2,.5 or .8 or point anything of anything? I'm not school bashing by any means. I actually took a deep breath and a short walk and deleted all my sarcastic comments. Someone else did touch on one of my points though, by asking how the schools got in this position to begin with? Again, I'm just curious and not throwing stones. I see some blame is placed on salaries and benefits and as a town employee myself, my blood pressure goes way up when we get bashed for that stuff so I'm just wondering if it can be traced to anything else.

I can understand the points a lot of people are making in regards to schools being something people take into consideration when buying a home. A very important consideration. I no longer have school age children, so that wouldn't be a factor for me, but I know it is for many others. But, how long do you wait for the other needs? Do you find an excuse every year to not build a police or fire station? The longer you put it off, the worse the current buildings are going to get.

And one final thought....why wasn't the link to the Channel 7 story on Stor Gard left up longer. I thought it was a great chance for people who have never met James Paul Taylor to see the man behind the letters and opinions. Here, allow me... http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO137878/

[Unregistered]

And one final thought....why wasn't the link to the Channel 7 story on Stor Gard left up longer. I thought it was a great chance for people who have never met James Paul Taylor to see the man behind the letters and opinions. Here, allow me... http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO137878/

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Unregistered]

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO137878/

The retaining wall structure over at Walmart has always been "alarming" to look at. What town employee or board was involved in allowing those parcels to be developed in the way they were. It is downright dangerous. We are lucky that no-one was killed. I have [U]never[U] heard of a landslide in New England. Tjhere are some serious design flaws over there.

If the large wall structure were to give way, and someone were killed, does the town have liability for allowing such a poorly designed structure? Will something be done to stop a "replay" with a worse result?

[Unregistered]

To Irony:
Perhaps,you should check your useage ... you do want to use the 'write' words, do you not?
Typical.

Typical of what?

I did that on purpose of course. Your grasp of the obvious is stunning.

P.S. It's "usage" without the 'e.' Unless you were perpetuating the irony.

[Unregistered]

I have lived in Walpole for the past 4 decades and have observed Mr. Snuffer doing GOOD for this town for all of these years. What's in it for him beside aggrevation to try to advance what we already know, our buildings especially our police and fire , are not at all adequate for the protection of our citizens.I have found his judjement to be rational and his grasp of situations to be spot on.
He said the following :
POLICE
Robbins road the best site
the building is 17,500 square feet
the cost is $7,900,000 building , site work etc ( 2.5 million less than before )
will use the town of Abington plan to save money while getting the best facility
the average taxpayer pays $ 73.24 first year ( goes down to $44.59 last yr #20)
FIRE
Down town the best site
$ 600,000 for careful site work , least disruption,proper building placement
Mr Snuffer is the most CONSERVATIVE person in town and his decisions are trusted.
Previous poster sounds like a RR NIMBY

[Unregistered]

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO137878/

The retaining wall structure over at Walmart has always been "alarming" to look at. What town employee or board was involved in allowing those parcels to be developed in the way they were. It is downright dangerous. We are lucky that no-one was killed. I have [U]never[U] heard of a landslide in New England. Tjhere are some serious design flaws over there.

If the large wall structure were to give way, and someone were killed, does the town have liability for allowing such a poorly designed structure? Will something be done to stop a "replay" with a worse result?

so funny....if a tree falls down are you going to blame the board that let the builder plant it. Its call nature and with 14 inches of rain in walpole in 3 weeks things like that happen. wow !!

[Unregistered]

That wall is supposed to be engineered to retain against these conditions. The wall and the soil above it were not 'addressed' properly. It could have been prevented. There are ways...

The town is not liable. A quirk of the law. Your town bldg inspector can miss all kinds of stuff and not be held liable. That's the way it goes...

[Unregistered]

so funny....if a tree falls down are you going to blame the board that let the builder plant it. Its call nature and with 14 inches of rain in walpole in 3 weeks things like that happen. wow !!

This is Walpole Ma, not California. Things like that don't happen here. Take a look at the bad layout and the crumbling wall structure on the access road to Walmart. The fence caved in last year. It is bad design work and a hazard. Now answer my questions. How does something like that get built? Who in town approves it? Are we as a town liable if the larger retaining wall collapses and injures or kills someone?

[Unregistered]

you clearly resent the town of Walpole... get over it.
the town did not build or enigeer the wall....fairly simple to understand.
whatever your issues are causing angy stupid question get over it.

also in case you missed it acts of God occur even here in MA. Nature does impact even walpole MA.

[Unregistered]

This is Walpole Ma, not California. Things like that don't happen here. Take a look at the bad layout and the crumbling wall structure on the access road to Walmart. The fence caved in last year. It is bad design work and a hazard. Now answer my questions. How does something like that get built? Who in town approves it? Are we as a town liable if the larger retaining wall collapses and injures or kills someone?

thats what insurance is for, Walmart has deep pockets, we can blame it all on global warming.

[Unregistered]

you clearly resent the town of Walpole... get over it.
the town did not build or enigeer the wall....fairly simple to understand.
whatever your issues are causing angy stupid question get over it.

also in case you missed it acts of God occur even here in MA. Nature does impact even walpole MA.

He clearly resents the town of Walpole? This is a typical response: to newcomers: Don't question ANY STUPID THING in Walpole. You will be treated like an outcast.


signed...

multi-generational resident of 02081

[Unregistered]

Still the question why hate the town and blame them for everything?
A retaining wall on private property and privately built failed during a weekend of historic rain and it is the town of walpole's faul?.
Where does this logic come from? Don't care if you are multi generational walpole (as if that matters) or moved to town yesterday, to blame the town for a problem on private property caused by historic rain is idiotic.

[Unregistered]

you clearly resent the town of Walpole... get over it.
the town did not build or enigeer the wall....fairly simple to understand.
whatever your issues are causing angy stupid question get over it.

also in case you missed it acts of God occur even here in MA. Nature does impact even walpole MA.

I don't resent the town at all. What I resented was your snide response that some how tried to infer that it was outrageous of me to question the process. It is perfectly resonable to ask what is involved in the approval of a site that clearly has some serious layout problems. It is OK to ask questions. That is how we improve ourselves and our process. You do not have to be so threatened by it. The only thing angry and stupid was your response.

Get over yourself. If you don't liike the question, or don't know the answer, then don't respond. But there is no need to mock and be-little someone's quest to understand the process. Other posters seemed to be able to handle it.

[Sparky]

...
I just read the "worst case scenario" and I have a question or two in regards to the schools. I assume FTE stands for Full Time Employee. That being said, how on earth can you lay off .4,.2,.5 or .8 or point anything of anything? ...
FTE stands for Full Time Equivalent. It is used for the exact reason that you cited, i.e. you can't lay off 0.5 of a person. You can re-arrange and lower your total staffing hours to reduce your budget, and your reduced budget can then be expressed in terms of FTE, because that is something people can conceptualize when trying to understand the overall impact.

[Unregistered]

FTE stands for Full Time Equivalent. It is used for the exact reason that you cited, i.e. you can't lay off 0.5 of a person. You can re-arrange and lower your total staffing hours to reduce your budget, and your reduced budget can then be expressed in terms of FTE, because that is something people can conceptualize when trying to understand the overall impact.

Thank you for the explanation. That I can understand.

[Unregistered]

Why can't a combined police and fire station be built right behind the existing fire station. Just reverse the parking spaces to the front of Stone Street and put the combined facility in the present parking spaces. It wouldn't be on Stone field and we wouldn't have to knock down any building other then the present fire station.

[Unregistered]

He clearly resents the town of Walpole? This is a typical response: to newcomers: Don't question ANY STUPID THING in Walpole. You will be treated like an outcast.


signed...

multi-generational resident of 02081

Trust me, newcomers already feel this way. You multi-generational residents are the ones that need the lessons on not making people feel like outcasts.

[Unregistered]

Trust me, newcomers already feel this way. You multi-generational residents are the ones that need the lessons on not making people feel like outcasts.

The multi-generatipn resident you are responding to clearly gets that, and was defending the "new-comer". Not all long-time residents look down their nose at folks who did not go to high school here. It is only a few loud mouths and a some serving their own interests who like to keep Walpole a private club.

The previous poster is one of the good guys,... and why so many stil come....

[Unregistered]

To Post #119: the reason is MONEY!

[Unregistered]

The attack on the town of Walpole had nothing to do with being here for years of being a new comer.
One poster kept trying to insist that a retaining wall on private property falling during a three day rain storm. Being new to town or here for years has nothing to do with the attacks being stupid. Multiple attacks on the town implying resonsiblity for a failure of a retaing wall private property was out of line.
There were disasters in other town but you don't see the immediate attack on town workers and officials.
New to town or here for generations the Multiple attacks on the town and its workers were unwarranted and mean spirited.

[Unregistered]

My wife and I came to Walpole 20 years ago. We were attracted to Walpole because of the reputation of the schools, the town's relative proximity to Boston, and the new subdivisions that (in many cases) maintained the wonderful rural character of the town but also offered neigborhoods of people our age with children. We got involved in the community and the politics. We met fabulous people -- some of whom we vigorously disagreed with politcally but still respected because they took a stand, had an opinion, made their voices heard. Over the years we have learned that the voters of Walpole are very smart -- they have invested in open space, schools, our operating budget, and a new library. They have also rejected many proposals -- those that weren't justified in their eyes. We are not a "yes" town or a "no" town. We are a "smart" town. I have no doubt that the voters will continue to be "smart".

[Unregistered]

Well said, newcomer 20 years ago. Glad that you are part of Walpole!

[Unregistered]

The attack on the town of Walpole had nothing to do with being here for years of being a new comer.
One poster kept trying to insist that a retaining wall on private property falling during a three day rain storm. Being new to town or here for years has nothing to do with the attacks being stupid. Multiple attacks on the town implying resonsiblity for a failure of a retaing wall private property was out of line.
There were disasters in other town but you don't see the immediate attack on town workers and officials.
New to town or here for generations the Multiple attacks on the town and its workers were unwarranted and mean spirited.

There was no attack. Just questions about how the process works, and if there is any potential liability. That is OK in my book.

Your post that called these questions "stupid", was however out of line and inappropriate.

[Unregistered]

Why can't a combined police and fire station be built right behind the existing fire station. Just reverse the parking spaces to the front of Stone Street and put the combined facility in the present parking spaces. It wouldn't be on Stone field and we wouldn't have to knock down any building other then the present fire station.

Because that may be logical and would require "extensive" time and money. Didn't you read the article? We don't want to spend time or money to look at this when any "rocket scientist" would know that Robbins Road is the right choice. Not my words, those are Mr. Snuffer's.

[Unregistered]

well what does Mr. Snuffer propose to do about the water problem that appears on Elm Street (route 27) every time it rains? Build a bridge?

[Unregistered]

Go out the other way !

[Unregistered]

well what does Mr. Snuffer propose to do about the water problem that appears on Elm Street (route 27) every time it rains? Build a bridge?

we need a police boat at that location

[Unregistered]

As someone who lives on one of the side streets off Pemberton St, putting a police station on Robbins road is simply a logistical nightmare. Of course I don't want it there because it will ruin our neighborhood, but lets look at the traffic nightmare. With the police station on Robbins Road, they will have 2 options of getting to the center of town. Option 1 - Robbins Road to Pemberton St, or 2 - Robbins Road to 27.

Anyone who lives in North Walpole knows very well that the traffic gets heavily backed up at Pemberton/North St/1A especially during rush hour. In fact, the traffic is so bad, that the town is supposedly planning on a putting a traffic light there soon. There are cars trying simultaneously to make left and right hand turns onto 1A, with traffic coming onto Pemberton. I've seen so many accidents there. How will a police car navigate through this?

Rte 27/Robbins road - no way. Anyone who has ever tried to make a left from Robbins Rd onto Rte 27 during Rush hour or when school gets out, knows very well that it takes forever. A siren on the top of a car isn't going to help. This, and the fact that there are MBTA commuters everywhere!

And lastly, what about the KIDS??? Yes, there is a sidewalk on Robbins Road, on the same side of the road as the school, but that's not going to stop a 10 year old from riding his bike in the street. Driving down Robbins Road when school gets out is a labyrinth of driving and stopping letting kids cross the street, making sure you don't hit them.

Hello Walpole! And finally, A station on Robbins Road? That is practically Medfield. It will take a good 10 to 15 minutes to get to the East Walpole side of town by Norwood. Most of the riffraff in Walpole doesn't happen in North Walpole. It happens in West Walpole, and South Walpole.

[Unregistered]

To be fair, the ENTIRE board of selectmen wants the police station at the Robbins Road location and the override.

[Unregistered]

#129: all we ever hear is "time is of the essence when answering call". Now you want to re-route the entire police station traffic out to Pemberton Street, onto Main Street and from there to wherever their call is? Nothing like losing 15 minutes in response time - or even worse 20 or more when school is in session and busses/parents/walkers, etc are in the way? Doesn't make much sense to me especially when 3/4 of the town is on the opposite side of the bridge in question. Maybe Mr. Snuffer needs to rethink this if for nothing else but safety issues.

[Unregistered]

Our police force is one of community policing where most of the force is on patrol ( in their Vehicles ) and as such are literally everywhere in town on a 24/7 basis supported by the main station , not hanging around it waiting to pounce when activity demands it

[Unregistered]

Dear Number 131,

You say "Most of the riffraff in Walpole doesn't happen in North Walpole. It happens in West Walpole, and South Walpole."

Smacks of Elitism and Nimbyism to me. You forgot East Walpole? Any comments about that part of town? What are they? Almost riffraff?

So the rest of the town exists just to keep North Walpole pristine and take whatever the beautiful people don't want?

Very truly yours,

Your ugly second class cousin.

[Unregistered]

Dear Number 131,

You say "Most of the riffraff in Walpole doesn't happen in North Walpole. It happens in West Walpole, and South Walpole."

Smacks of Elitism and Nimbyism to me. You forgot East Walpole? Any comments about that part of town? What are they? Almost riffraff?

So the rest of the town exists just to keep North Walpole pristine and take whatever the beautiful people don't want?

Very truly yours,

Your ugly second class cousin.

Riffraff...wow...what about all the domestic violence calls from the north walpole area last week. no wonder when someone askes where you people are from (north walpole) people roll their eyes..

[Unregistered]

As someone who lives on one of the side streets off Pemberton St, putting a police station on Robbins road is simply a logistical nightmare. Of course I don't want it there because it will ruin our neighborhood, but lets look at the traffic nightmare. With the police station on Robbins Road, they will have 2 options of getting to the center of town. Option 1 - Robbins Road to Pemberton St, or 2 - Robbins Road to 27.

Anyone who lives in North Walpole knows very well that the traffic gets heavily backed up at Pemberton/North St/1A especially during rush hour. In fact, the traffic is so bad, that the town is supposedly planning on a putting a traffic light there soon. There are cars trying simultaneously to make left and right hand turns onto 1A, with traffic coming onto Pemberton. I've seen so many accidents there. How will a police car navigate through this?

Rte 27/Robbins road - no way. Anyone who has ever tried to make a left from Robbins Rd onto Rte 27 during Rush hour or when school gets out, knows very well that it takes forever. A siren on the top of a car isn't going to help. This, and the fact that there are MBTA commuters everywhere!

And lastly, what about the KIDS??? Yes, there is a sidewalk on Robbins Road, on the same side of the road as the school, but that's not going to stop a 10 year old from riding his bike in the street. Driving down Robbins Road when school gets out is a labyrinth of driving and stopping letting kids cross the street, making sure you don't hit them.

Hello Walpole! And finally, A station on Robbins Road? That is practically Medfield. It will take a good 10 to 15 minutes to get to the East Walpole side of town by Norwood. Most of the riffraff in Walpole doesn't happen in North Walpole. It happens in West Walpole, and South Walpole.

Ok, first of all, during rush hour, traffic gets backed up everywhere. In the morning at times on 1A it gets backed up to Oak St. Have you ever traveled Washington St. northbound in the morning? Backed up from 27 to Baker St. In the evening, same thing, backed up towards East Walpole. Stand in front of the current police and fire station when school gets out or at rush hour, and see how far that gets backed up on Stone St. Better yet, watch how many people ignore the two large signs, one red, one blue, that say do not block the police entrance and do not block the fire entrance. You will be amazed. It's called rush hour. There is traffic when people come and go from work, hence the name. The police officers are professionally trained in many areas, one of them being driving. They can manage getting through traffic. They do it everyday. (See previous statement regarding that rush hour thing). And a traffic light on Robbins Rd. @ 27 is a simple solution for making a left turn. Build it into the cost of the station. Did you ever notice the strobe lights flashing on the traffic lights in town? The fire apparatus and ambulances have a transmitter on them that changes the lights to green in the direction they are going, all other directions turn red. It's called an opti-com. The police department can get them too.

As someone else has already pointed out, the patrolmen are out on patrol. Oh, here it comes,,,wait for it....Hence the name!!! The officers are out on the road and respond to calls in their district, in which they are patrolling.

And what about the kids? Come on, really? Using that mentality, all roads with a school on them should be shut down before and after school so the kids don't get run over. Although, you might be on to something. That would stop all the parents who drive their kids to school from parking in the fire lane and making it so the apparatus can barely make it in. How much do you expect traffic to increase from a police station?

[Unregistered]

Amen to the previous poster. Traffic gets backed-up all over the place, including on Stone Street in front of the Fire-station in the AM. The guys are patrolling all over town all the time.
The Robbins Road lot is great. The Old Town hall site is ridiculous. I can see the old town fathers from the 1800's wondering why the heck the police are using the old town hall BASEMENT. The town has dropped the ball on PD/FD. We are probably 30 years behind the curve on this one.

[Unregistered]

Did you drive down Robbins Road this morning? Granted this is extreme weather, but it was bat a stand still. Have you ever driven down Robbins Rd during mornign rush hour?? School traffic, trian traffic? I just don't see it happening.

[Unregistered]

So because a road is busy in the morning, they shouldn't build a police station on it? Brilliant!!!

[Unregistered]

Did you drive down Robbins Road this morning? Granted this is extreme weather, but it was bat a stand still. Have you ever driven down Robbins Rd during mornign rush hour?? School traffic, trian traffic? I just don't see it happening.

You NIMBYs hanging your hat on traffic concerns are not helping. The traffic on Robbins Rd. at ANYTIME is not material to the location of the Police Station. The police are not at the station waiting for calls. Stop using this irrelevant non-issue. If you have a real concern (even if it is NIMBY), fine, but give it a rest with the traffic. Everytime I hear this arguement I am more inclined to vote yes just to spite you.

[Unregistered]

A classic case of NIMBYISM.

[Unregistered]

A classic case of NIMBYISM.

It's the Walpole way,... for everything. Not in my yard,... but OK in yours. Everyone else should pay for and live with things that I don't want anywhere near me, but the money works for my pet cause.

[Unregistered]

You NIMBYs hanging your hat on traffic concerns are not helping. The traffic on Robbins Rd. at ANYTIME is not material to the location of the Police Station. The police are not at the station waiting for calls. Stop using this irrelevant non-issue. If you have a real concern (even if it is NIMBY), fine, but give it a rest with the traffic. Everytime I hear this arguement I am more inclined to vote yes just to spite you.

Rt. 27 at the old Liberty Village Mall reached depths of 5 feet above the roadway. Sorry, Robbins Rd. is not the place for a public safety building.

In spite of comments about officers being on patrol (that is true), the police station is usually meant to be accessible to the public..

I suggest using the old public library spot as a central police station: Its town property, its centrally located, and it could actually enhance the common st. area of the right architect is chosen.

[Unregistered]

It's the Walpole way,... for everything. Not in my yard,... but OK in yours. Everyone else should pay for and live with things that I don't want anywhere near me, but the money works for my pet cause.

No, it's the 'suburban sprawl' way. Name a town where the people behave differently.

[Unregistered]

I for one am for the new station. I don't see any real isues with Robbins Rd. Our force has waited long enough and the time is right. For heavens it not like they are trying to put a dirty business there.

[Sparky]

It's the Walpole way,... for everything. Not in my yard,... but OK in yours. Everyone else should pay for and live with things that I don't want anywhere near me, but the money works for my pet cause.
Posts like this are annoying. Self-serving NIMBY's only live in Walpole, right? I'm convinced that people with the "only in Walpole" attitude have never been outside of Walpole.

I always wonder what people with this attitude are still doing here. When you make these comments, do you forget... You're from Walpole!

[Unregistered]

Hi!

I live about a mile from Robbins Rd, and I really don't mind a police station going there! It's not going to be some ugly brick monstrosity, but a very modern and nice looking facility. I'm assuming police cars will be parked in the back of the new station too (not sure, just assuming?!)

Anyways, where exactly on Robbins Rd are they planning on putting this place? Next to the VFW where it's currently all woods? Or to the left of JMS right by 27 where it's very marsh-like? Or across from the VFW? I just don't know where they are planning on putting it!

Thanks!

[Unregistered]

To the right of the VFW as you face it.Nestled near the front portion of the 55 acrs and at least 130 feet from the nearest neighbor and only 1 at that

[Unregistered]

Having been involved in school overrides and the recent library override, the most effective way to pass an override is with a lot of community involvement (parents, Friends of the Library etc.) and I'm not seeing that groundswell of support building for a new police station. Unless there is a YES Police Station group formed quickly, no one needs to worry about this override passing, because it won't.

It's hard work to pass an override; it's very easy to fail one.

We have voted for every override in the 20ish years that we have lived in Walpole, EXCEPT for the one for the police/fire station (or was it police only?) the first time it was on the ballot. The reason that I voted NO was simple-- there wasn't enough information presented. As we seen with every override, the vote NO for everything group will be out in force with mis-information about the project, so the only way to win is to get accurate information to a greater number of voters to outweigh the number of NO votes that are almost guaranteed. The police/fire supporters didn't do that the first time and they're aren't doing it now.

Personally, I'm not convinced yet about the Robbins Road site. I'm not anti-Robbins Road, but I'm not on board either. The organzing group, if it exists, has to get more and better information out there, or the override will fail by a large margin.

[Unregistered]

Having been involved in school overrides and the recent library override, the most effective way to pass an override is with a lot of community involvement (parents, Friends of the Library etc.) and I'm not seeing that groundswell of support building for a new police station. Unless there is a YES Police Station group formed quickly, no one needs to worry about this override passing, because it won't.

It's hard work to pass an override; it's very easy to fail one.

We have voted for every override in the 20ish years that we have lived in Walpole, EXCEPT for the one for the police/fire station (or was it police only?) the first time it was on the ballot. The reason that I voted NO was simple-- there wasn't enough information presented. As we seen with every override, the vote NO for everything group will be out in force with mis-information about the project, so the only way to win is to get accurate information to a greater number of voters to outweigh the number of NO votes that are almost guaranteed. The police/fire supporters didn't do that the first time and they're aren't doing it now.

Personally, I'm not convinced yet about the Robbins Road site. I'm not anti-Robbins Road, but I'm not on board either. The organzing group, if it exists, has to get more and better information out there, or the override will fail by a large margin.

The issue here is that (thankfully) most of Walpole does not have a daily need to utilize the services of the Police Department. (Nor the Fire Dept. for that matter, but that is not the current issue). The advocates for the schools are mostly the parents who interact with and see the operations of the school on a daily basis. They recognize a need and publically work to get that need met. The same is true with the library vote and the people who utilize the library.

Very few, if any, have an ongoing, regular need to interact with and see the issues facing the Police (and again Fire) Depts. so they do not get a large amount of public support. When the police and fire department members due this themselves, they are labled as self-serving union-grubbing hacks who are bleeding this town dry. (A lable I complelety disagree with)

The problem here is that people do not wish to take 30 minutes or so over a few months to see what the needs are. Stop by the Police Station and check out the facilities. If you have not you will be surprised how much they do with so little. If you are not sure about the Robbins. Rd. site drive by and take a look at it, you will see that the invasion of the neighborhood so many are screaming is actually hundreds of feet away thought the woods.

[Unregistered]

This week the tough Fin Com voted in favor of the police and fire article by a huge margin 11 yes 1 no and 1 abstain.
The board of selectmen voted in favor of their article unanimously last night 4-0-0 ( certainly would have been 5-0-0 but for Mr. D. being out of the country )
Now the YES campain can begin in earnest

[Unregistered]

I watched last night and Mackenzie said we need a Police station but the people should vote and will determine if one happens and we will move on as a community from there



This week the tough Fin Com voted in favor of the police and fire article by a huge margin 11 yes 1 no and 1 abstain.
The board of selectmen voted in favor of their article unanimously last night 4-0-0 ( certainly would have been 5-0-0 but for Mr. D. being out of the country )
Now the YES campain can begin in earnest

[Sparky]

With due respect, I think you are way off base. I would say that 2/3 of the town fully appreciates the woeful situation of the current police station, and are in support of a new facility. However, amongst that large support group, too many are concerned that 1) a combined police/fire facility is not being pursued, and 2) site alternatives to Robbins Road have not been exhaustively considered. If we were voting on a combined facility to be located downtown (e.g. where the library is planned), I think the override would pass hands down. Currently, I think it will fail, and not really even be a very close vote. We are really repeating the path we went through for the schools. A bunch of cheaper solutions were proposed on the premise that they would have a shot because they cost less. They all failed. The voters knew, to their credit, that the real solution required a major High School project, even though it had a higher price tag.

[Unregistered]

Why not simply admit that you are a NO and stop putting up smoke screens and move on.
A combined site on the downtown area was considered and rejected as not practical.
Several sites other than Robbins Road were deeply considered and rejected.
The Library site is THE LIBRARY SITE , get over it.
The proposed building , copied after the Abington site is near perfect for our long suffering police dept.
Join the 2/3 rds who will be able to make an "informed" decision and vote to end the travesty of a police station in a 129 year old town hall.

[Unregistered]

True, the Woodworker site on East st or even School st should be considered and contact should be made to Woodworkers to gauge interest in selling the property.

With due respect, I think you are way off base. I would say that 2/3 of the town fully appreciates the woeful situation of the current police station, and are in support of a new facility. However, amongst that large support group, too many are concerned that 1) a combined police/fire facility is not being pursued, and 2) site alternatives to Robbins Road have not been exhaustively considered. If we were voting on a combined facility to be located downtown (e.g. where the library is planned), I think the override would pass hands down. Currently, I think it will fail, and not really even be a very close vote. We are really repeating the path we went through for the schools. A bunch of cheaper solutions were proposed on the premise that they would have a shot because they cost less. They all failed. The voters knew, to their credit, that the real solution required a major High School project, even though it had a higher price tag.

[Unregistered]

True, the Woodworker site on East st or even School st should be considered and contact should be made to Woodworkers to gauge interest in selling the property.

We should pay for land when we already own land that is properly zoned, owned, and studied?

Sound another of the usual "Vote NO" crowds tactics. Step 1) Complain that we should pay more for land to purchase the lot...Step 2) Complain about the cost of buying more land for the project as wasteful.

[Unregistered]

Why not simply admit that you are a NO and stop putting up smoke screens and move on.
A combined site on the downtown area was considered and rejected as not practical.
Several sites other than Robbins Road were deeply considered and rejected.
The Library site is THE LIBRARY SITE , get over it.
The proposed building, copied after the Abington site is near perfect for our long suffering police dept.
Join the 2/3 rds who will be able to make an "informed" decision and vote to end the travesty of a police station in a 129 year old town hall.

Several town committees appointed by the selectman have recomended a combined facility in the center of town.
None of the appointed committees have ever "rejected" a combined facility as not practical, in fact it has been considered the most practical in terms of immediate construction and operation for decades to come.
None of the police fire/committees have ever recomended Robbins Rd.

The same bad plan brought back 2, 3 or 4 times will not make it a good plan.

[Unregistered]

True, the Woodworker site on East st or even School st should be considered and contact should be made to Woodworkers to gauge interest in selling the property.

The last thing we need to do is buy more land. The town already owns more property than it should. I would only support buying more once w begin to sell some. I for one would like to look into leasing or selling some of Adam's Farm.

[Sparky]

Why not simply admit that you are a NO and stop putting up smoke screens and move on.
A combined site on the downtown area was considered and rejected as not practical.
Several sites other than Robbins Road were deeply considered and rejected.
The Library site is THE LIBRARY SITE , get over it.
The proposed building , copied after the Abington site is near perfect for our long suffering police dept.
Join the 2/3 rds who will be able to make an "informed" decision and vote to end the travesty of a police station in a 129 year old town hall.
Hey, I'm just trying to enlighten you. I support a new police station, and I expect to be voting for it in 2011 when it goes back on the ballot again following a better information campaign.

Perception is everything. It doesn't matter how much due diligence was done if most people aren't aware of it. Why were Morgan Field and the Woodworkers sites rejected? Was re-locating the library site even considered? Why not build the library on Robbins road, near the school? Why was a combined facility rejected? Until these answers are made public, this isn't going anywhere. I've been reading about the Robbins Road site for a year, and have yet to see a simple map of its proposed location. People are still asking what side of the street it will be on, or its proximity with respect to the school and to the VFW. Vote YES...in 2011.

[Unregistered]

Local wunderkid reporter Sam Obar, recently profiled in the Boston Globe, has written a fascinating history of the police station saga on his blog at http://www.samobar.com/180/2010/03/walpoles_police_station_saga.html

So, on one hand, we have several committees made up of local residents (and experts) and the town's Master plan call for a downtown location for a police or combo police/fire facility. On the other, we have no idea what Robbins Road will look like or cost, and we're supposed to support it because a few college freshman say so for a homework assignment and a few town officials want us to take their word that it'll only cost $8 million?

Excuse me for my cynicism, but these days, if you want my hard-earned tax dollars for a new facility, I need a little more detail than what's been offered. I'm for a new police station, but let's do it right. No in '10, yes in '11 when the town finally gets the message that sloppy plans won't cut it for our community.

[Unregistered]

Police and Fire combined:
Fact: 3 separate boards of selectmen rejected a combined facility downtown for a variety of reasons including the high water table ( the latest storms are witness)many alternatives considered
Fact: the master plan committee appearing before the selectman last week said no combined downtown and confirmed that they had supported the Robbins road site
Fact: the police facility will cost $7.9 million and can be no more as that is the amount of the ballot question
Fact: the fire planning ans special site work will cost $600,000 for their down town location
Fact: the police facility will take up 4 of the 55 acres on the Robbins Road site
Fact: special site work will be ordered to keep the Police facility at least 130 feet from the closest neighbor
Fact: by using the plans from the already built and functioning Abington police facility Walpole gets the rare opportunity to actually visit the facility and "feel" its use ( Chief Stillman considers it near perfect for our needs).
Not just a drawing , not just a wish list,a real building for all to see.
Fact: the cost to the average tax payer for the first year of the police facility is $ 73.24 sliding to $44.59 in year twenty,using conservative borrowing rates
Fact: the finance committee voted favorable action 11-1-1
Fact: the board of selectmen voted favorable action 4-0-0
Fact: we have housed our police dept for almost 30 years in a 129 year old town hall never designed for this function
Fact: the police and fire have not been combined for almost 30 years they may fall under the umbrella of public safety but each have unique needs and follow unique disciplines
No smoke screens , No emotional outbursts, just the facts

[Unregistered]

No, my intention is not cause more complaining. It is to think outside the so called box. The site was almost sold to a large residential complex. Have you given any thoughts to what this would have done to our already over taxed (no pun intended) services. Seriously, we can spend now or spend much more later.


We should pay for land when we already own land that is properly zoned, owned, and studied?

Sound another of the usual "Vote NO" crowds tactics. Step 1) Complain that we should pay more for land to purchase the lot...Step 2) Complain about the cost of buying more land for the project as wasteful.

[Unregistered]

I'll admit I'm a no. And I'll also suggest you are not one of the 'informed.' I would suggest that the rush to end the suffering of the PD should take a back seat to the long term interests of the people of Walpole. I'd suggest that the history of what the BoS is trying to do here is suspect and there is some very unprofessional and disingenuous statements being made by members of our BoS. I'd suggest that if the BoS would embrace the recommendations of the groups of people that know a lot more about planning, development, construction, (and apparently honesty) than our illustrious town leaders, the town as a whole would be better for it.

Take a look at young Mr. Obar's well written chronology. It smacks of inpropriety from the current Bos.


http://www.samobar.com/180/2010/03/walpoles_police_station_saga.html









Why not simply admit that you are a NO and stop putting up smoke screens and move on.
A combined site on the downtown area was considered and rejected as not practical.
Several sites other than Robbins Road were deeply considered and rejected.
The Library site is THE LIBRARY SITE , get over it.
The proposed building , copied after the Abington site is near perfect for our long suffering police dept.
Join the 2/3 rds who will be able to make an "informed" decision and vote to end the travesty of a police station in a 129 year old town hall.

[Unregistered]

Bold claims from Town officials as to why downtown / combined facilities are not being considered, but no back-up with a real analysis.

This Robbins Road Proposal is All Wet:
Somehow building on a drinking water supply on Robbins Road is OK, but building a facility downtown can't be considered because of a high water table. Except we can build a new fire station downtown. Library too.
Sound fishy ?

Guess what, there are solutions to building downtown on high water tables. It's called engineering.

We don't know what it would take to build downtown, because no Town officials asked for real due diligence from professionals. Did you know that you can get a design professional to tell you anything you want to hear ? You can also ask a design professional to do a real analysis.

Voter$ Beware: Price Ain't Right:
Cost of Robbins Road proposal can be estimated to the penny, without even walking the site, but other downtown site alternatives are estimated as "too expensive". Shouldn't professionals be hired to do unbiased analysis on real alternatives, for real comparisons ? Is the idea to keep Walpole in the dark, and rush the Robbins Road proposal through before voters catch on?

Planning OK for Fire, but not OK for Police ? :
Little or no money spent on planning alternatives for police or combined facility downtown, but now voters are being asked for $600K to plan a new fire facility in a location where there is a high water table (see "...All Wet" above).

Who's Afraid of the Master Plan ?:
Master Plan Implementation Committee tried to explain at a recent meeting that the Board of Selectmen's current approach goes against the downtown Walpole Master Plan. But the Board of Selectmen badgered the gentleman who presented a letter, tried to drown out his message, and distracted everyone by asking who appointed him to the Master Plan Implementation Committee.

The Walpole Police deserve a well-thought out, fact-based plan that the voters can really understand and get behind.

[Unregistered]

Police and Fire combined:
Fact: 3 separate boards of selectmen rejected a combined facility downtown for a variety of reasons including the high water table ( the latest storms are witness)many alternatives considered
Fact: the master plan committee appearing before the selectman last week said no combined downtown and confirmed that they had supported the Robbins road site
Fact: the police facility will cost $7.9 million and can be no more as that is the amount of the ballot question
Fact: the fire planning ans special site work will cost $600,000 for their down town location
Fact: the police facility will take up 4 of the 55 acres on the Robbins Road site
Fact: special site work will be ordered to keep the Police facility at least 130 feet from the closest neighbor
Fact: by using the plans from the already built and functioning Abington police facility Walpole gets the rare opportunity to actually visit the facility and "feel" its use ( Chief Stillman considers it near perfect for our needs).
Not just a drawing , not just a wish list,a real building for all to see.
Fact: the cost to the average tax payer for the first year of the police facility is $ 73.24 sliding to $44.59 in year twenty,using conservative borrowing rates
Fact: the finance committee voted favorable action 11-1-1
Fact: the board of selectmen voted favorable action 4-0-0
Fact: we have housed our police dept for almost 30 years in a 129 year old town hall never designed for this function
Fact: the police and fire have not been combined for almost 30 years they may fall under the umbrella of public safety but each have unique needs and follow unique disciplines
No smoke screens , No emotional outbursts, just the facts

Fiction #1 - Three boards of selectmen don't mean squat to me. How about the time the board of selectmen in 2006-07 appointed an independent commission, filled with experts in development, to review sites and when that commission came back with a downtown recommendation, the selectmen rejected it without comment and disbanded the commission and disowned its work? You show me a selectmen in the last five years with the personal expertise to make a judgement about the downtown suitablility of a facility and then I'll take their word. (FYI - you won't find one).

Fiction #2 - Even Mr Snuffer recently said publicly in the paper that we could do anything downtown if we wanted. He doesn't WANT to do something downtown, but he CAN do something downtown. Oh, and when this year's proposal fails again, that's where he'll HAVE to build - downtown.

Fiction #3 - The master plan committee did not rule out a downtown combined facility. They also never said they support Robbins Road.

Fiction #4 - You say now that it can cost no more than $7.9 million, yet the inital cost last year was at $7 million, so it's already up about 15%. In addition, your next few "facts" show how loose your numbers are because...

Fiction #5 - Chief Stillman on his website FAQ says this site will take up 3 acres. You say 4 acres. Mr. Snuffer has said 5 acres. If you don't know how many acres you're clearing and prepping, how do you know how much you are going to spend?

Fiction #6 - "Special site work" = additional cost. Plus, the land where the station could fit at that site leaves veryt little room for buffers, since the only part you can build on in on the frontage. And when did this announcement to create additional buffers come? Why after the $7.9 million cost estimate was created, of course, so this addition "special site work" cannot possibly be accounted for in any estimate.

Fiction #7 - Just because someone opposes Robbins Road does not meant he or she opposes a new station. We get it - the cops are suffering, the building is falling apart, ec. But we'll all suffer when we have an inaccessible station buried in the woods yet hovering over a junior high and many homes.

Talking points will not convince this town to vote for a new station.

[Unregistered]

PUBLIC SAFETY MEANS YOUR SAFETY !!
The board of selectmen DID use professionals for the Robbins Road site with special emphasis on abiding by the wishes of the few neighbors.
I can always respect a well thought out NO vote all I ask is that you KNOW before you vote , the more you do the greater the potential for a YES vote.

[Unregistered]

The selectmen should come back next year with a well thought out plan. This override is going down again. The only reason the votes look good from the town boards is because no one wants to publicly say no the the police. When it comes time to vote privately and no one can see, some of them will vote no. Won't be the first time this has happened. The police station just has the illusion of support. Voters vote their wallet. They don't really care what the town boards think.

[Unregistered]

Someone just forwarded me that Sam Obar, local blogger / radio host and celebrity now that he's been featured in the Boston Globe, has come out AGAINST the police station proposal.

He is as objective as they come in this town, and he does his homework.

I wonder how our selectmen and police chief will find away to accuse him of NIMBYism.

Too bad Sam can't vote, but I bet a lot of people who can will listen to his opinion.

[Unregistered]

PUBLIC SAFETY MEANS YOUR SAFETY !!
The board of selectmen DID use professionals for the Robbins Road site with special emphasis on abiding by the wishes of the few neighbors.
I can always respect a well thought out NO vote all I ask is that you KNOW before you vote , the more you do the greater the potential for a YES vote.

Please tell me which document was done by professionals that analyzed the Robbins Road site with special emphasis on abiding by the wishes of the neighbors. Please name the professionals and when this was done. If able please tell me which other comparable studies were done for other sites.

[Unregistered]

The selectmen should come back next year with a well thought out plan. This override is going down again. The only reason the votes look good from the town boards is because no one wants to publicly say no the the police. When it comes time to vote privately and no one can see, some of them will vote no. Won't be the first time this has happened. The police station just has the illusion of support. Voters vote their wallet. They don't really care what the town boards think.

I think most people in town know that a new station is needed and would support it, even in these "tough economic times" IF the proposal was well thought out and presented. If people had truly thought only about their own bank accounts over the past 10 years, we wouldn't have had the school renovations, the new library etc. But, in order to get people on board, there has to be a concerted effort, and that effort was missing the first time and appears to be missing again.

[Unregistered]

This town should build NOTHING until we know what to do with unused buildings -- old library and now old town hall/police station. Sold new library because of cost to make the old one handicapped accessible, now the town is looking at making it School Dept. offices and guess what? Also need to know where all new buildings will go and when, before doing anything.

[Unregistered]

I heard a rumor today the BOS is considering withdrawing this proposal at Town Meeting next week because they don't think they've made the case, and they know if Robbins Road fails in June, they can never go back there. This board has been quiet for a week so maybe it's true? I've still yet to see a single police station letter of support in the local paper, but the no side is out in force already. Is there even a yes side organized outside of a few town officials?

[Unregistered]

The board of selectmen are going to try to sell the override as a combined police/fire. In reality its just going to be a stand alone police station. There going to try to fool the voters again, you should see the signs that are already made up. On the surface it would appear that from the signage that the voter would be saying "yes" to a combined police/fire station. Don't belive the hype

[Unregistered]

Anyone who votes on something based on a sign they see, only has themselves to blame if it turns out differently than they hoped. Get the facts.

I don't think anyone is trying to pull a fast one. Should the override pass, steps will be taken towards planning a new fire station. That being said, a Yes vote does support both departments.

[Unregistered]

Anyone who votes on something based on a sign they see, only has themselves to blame if it turns out differently than they hoped. Get the facts.

I don't think anyone is trying to pull a fast one. Should the override pass, steps will be taken towards planning a new fire station. That being said, a Yes vote does support both departments.

You can say many things about this override but it is for a police station on Robbins Rd.

It is not designed for solve the police/fire facility problem.
If this passes a new fire station is a LONG way away.

[Unregistered]

I think you're right, I'm just saying that I don't believe there is anything underhanded going on here. I do think the fire department is being used in order to get a new police station, and in the end, the fire department will get nothing, other than a study and plans for a station that will never be built because there is no money, and nobody is going to vote for another override for a fire station a year from now.

[Unregistered]

I'm just trying to start a discussion on where to get the necessary funds to build a combined public safety building.
My thoughts are to sell, yes that's right, sell Adams Farm for development. It could easily be housing or a research facility, think tank or an office park. Of course it would need to be rezoned for those uses. It has easy access to Routes 109, 1A and 128. Before you say that I am crazy, what is the real benefit to the town? Do we really need that open space? We have an underutilized town forest where you can hike and fish. The fire roads are ideal for the horsey folks to go riding. The sale of this land as well as the tax revenue could most likely pay for a first rate combined public safety building and possibly a senior center too. Just throwing out an idea to you.

[Unregistered]

I can see where you're coming from, but make sure you keep your posts anonymous...you'll be hung in effigy from the flagpole above Santa's house for even mentioning such a thing.

[Sparky]

I'm just trying to start a discussion on where to get the necessary funds to build a combined public safety building.
My thoughts are to sell, yes that's right, sell Adams Farm for development. It could easily be housing or a research facility, think tank or an office park. Of course it would need to be rezoned for those uses. It has easy access to Routes 109, 1A and 128. Before you say that I am crazy, what is the real benefit to the town? Do we really need that open space? We have an underutilized town forest where you can hike and fish. The fire roads are ideal for the horsey folks to go riding. The sale of this land as well as the tax revenue could most likely pay for a first rate combined public safety building and possibly a senior center too. Just throwing out an idea to you.
It was a difficult choice for the voters to purchase that land for the town; it came at a time when we were also trying to figure out how to pay for a major high school renovation. Yet, to the surprise of many, the vote was convincingly in favor of matching the real estate developer's bid.

We have Bird Park. We have Adams Farm. We have the Town Forest. We have the Agricultural School. We have two golf courses. Do we really need all that open space?

It turns out we do. It is a critical thread in the fabric of the town. It's an important ingredient to why people come here. That's who we are. If you don't understand that, or don't feel that, then you need to respect it in your neighbors, because that's why they're here. If you've ever read a capsule description of Walpole, it invariably notes that the town has an impressive amount of open space for a community so close to a large metropolitan area. It's why your house is worth so much money. It's our identity.
You can't be selling your heart and soul, man. Rather than change that, you gotta figure out if you belong.

[Unregistered]

I'm just trying to start a discussion on where to get the necessary funds to build a combined public safety building.
My thoughts are to sell, yes that's right, sell Adams Farm for development. It could easily be housing or a research facility, think tank or an office park. Of course it would need to be rezoned for those uses. It has easy access to Routes 109, 1A and 128. Before you say that I am crazy, what is the real benefit to the town? Do we really need that open space? We have an underutilized town forest where you can hike and fish. The fire roads are ideal for the horsey folks to go riding. The sale of this land as well as the tax revenue could most likely pay for a first rate combined public safety building and possibly a senior center too. Just throwing out an idea to you.

I happen to agree. It's about time every part of town does its fair share to attract commercial uses. The selectmen were going to allow commercial uses on residential land at Siemens in East Walpole. Why not do the same at Adams Farm? It is frequently the RTMS from that area who think that other parts of town are just great locations for any type of business to feed the school budget. Those RTMS should put their money where their mouth is and gladly accept commercial uses on residential and rural land up their way. Folks fought an assisted living facility in North Walpole and soccer fields but had not problem supporting risky uses anywhere else. I think it's a great idea.

[Unregistered]

I'm just trying to start a discussion on where to get the necessary funds to build a combined public safety building.
My thoughts are to sell, yes that's right, sell Adams Farm for development. It could easily be housing or a research facility, think tank or an office park. Of course it would need to be rezoned for those uses. It has easy access to Routes 109, 1A and 128. Before you say that I am crazy, what is the real benefit to the town? Do we really need that open space? We have an underutilized town forest where you can hike and fish. The fire roads are ideal for the horsey folks to go riding. The sale of this land as well as the tax revenue could most likely pay for a first rate combined public safety building and possibly a senior center too. Just throwing out an idea to you.

Actually I hate to say this, but I agree. The times are difficult and the needs are great.
If a petition should be pass around I would have to sign in agreement

[Unregistered]

First to Sparky; I do respect your opinion, but I must respond to whether "I belong". Yes I do belong here in Walpole, I've been here 22 years and I see a town divided. Each enclave of this town will only support what concerns their backyard and not the good of the town as a whole. I have been involved in fighting off every noxious use, beginning with sludge. That was a real nice welcome to Walpole, that people were raising funds to fight off a sludge facility. It certainly didn't make us feel warm and fuzzy about our real estate investment. I voted in favor for the purchase of Adams Farm and saw it as a long term investment and protection for open space. My opinion now, after seeing how this land is maintained and used, has dramaticaly changed. Now I see this land as an investment that could be used to fund public projects that can't be brought forth with continual tax increases from over rides.
Public buildings have not been properly maintained and need replacement not renovation. The police department building is a disgrace to the officers, staff and this town. The firestation needs to be addressed also. Where will this money come from? If you look at our surrounding towns that have a signifcant commercial tax base you will also see that they still have high property taxes. Mansfield with a huge commercial base is in financial trouble as are many other towns. I really don't view Adams Farm as a wonderful benefit to the town, just the surrounding towns. Every part of this town should be doing their share to benefit the common good. If it means selling the farm, so be it.
Second to Guest; thanks for being open minded to consider changing things.

[Unregistered]

It was a difficult choice for the voters to purchase that land for the town; it came at a time when we were also trying to figure out how to pay for a major high school renovation. Yet, to the surprise of many, the vote was convincingly in favor of matching the real estate developer's bid.

We have Bird Park. We have Adams Farm. We have the Town Forest. We have the Agricultural School. We have two golf courses. Do we really need all that open space?

It turns out we do. It is a critical thread in the fabric of the town. It's an important ingredient to why people come here. That's who we are. If you don't understand that, or don't feel that, then you need to respect it in your neighbors, because that's why they're here. If you've ever read a capsule description of Walpole, it invariably notes that the town has an impressive amount of open space for a community so close to a large metropolitan area. It's why your house is worth so much money. It's our identity.
You can't be selling your heart and soul, man. Rather than change that, you gotta figure out if you belong.


Instead of selling Adams Farm (or parts of it) for development then we should pursue utilizing it better. For example, I believe the pee-wee football team is pursuing private donations to renovate Stone Field. While admirable, that really does not tie into the vision of the master plan for a downtown complex. Why not instead use that money to create playing fields at Adams Farm. There is plenty of space North of the barn that was built there and if you have ever been their for field day there is plenty of space for parking. A small concession stand could even be included in the barn to help raise money for the leagues/alleviate costs.

This would use a small bit of Adams Farm, meet a town need for better playing fields, and free up Stone field for the downtown complex idea.

Since the idea of the police station on Robbins Road was announced (AGAIN) there have been many suggestions from townspeople on alternatives. I have not heard if the warrent for the police station made it out of town meeting but if it did I hope it is soundly defeated in June. Not because we do not need the police station (we do) but because I would rather see the town spend its money wisely and look at the big picture rather than band-aid fixes for an immediate need.

I would rather see the town pull $100,000 from the stabilization fund to study the various alternatives then go forward with the plan they have now. Some alternatives to be pursued....
Can we reuse the old library once the new one is built?
Can we use Stone field if we move the sports fields?
Can we move activities out of Blackburn Hall to the old library site and tear down Blackburn Hall?
Can we pursue a land swap with Walpole Woodworkers and use the East Street location for a combined facility?

[Unregistered]

Rather than change that, you gotta figure out if you belong.

Can you just clarify that statement for me a little bit? That just kind of screams..."If you don't like it leave".

Anyway, I have to say I agree with the comments you made regarding the open space. All the places you mentioned are great, and I spent many days in the Town Forest when I was young, riding my bike, fishing, walking my dog. That being said, in order to keep all these nice places, I think people have to be a little more flexible with how other things are dealt with. I saw in another post someone asking how much deforestation would need to take place on Robbins Rd. in order to build the police station. Has anyone ever been back there? This isn't exactly beautiful land where people spend a lot of time. If you look at it from the back of the middle school, it looks like an abandoned sand pit.

[Sparky]

Can you just clarify that statement for me a little bit? That just kind of screams..."If you don't like it leave".

I purposely avoided those words, because that's not what I'm trying to say. Everyone has their right to try to effectuate change as they see fit. But my point was to consider the nature of the change from a bigger concept. What would you say to a Manhattan resident who thought there were too many banks and advertising firms and museums in the area, and that it was too crowded, with too many tall buildings? You'd wonder their motivation for living in NYC. You wouldn't ask them to leave, but you'd remind them the perspective of their commentary.

If we maintain Walpole as a nice town but it becomes unaffordable, I'll bite the bullet or move out rather than let it become something that it's not. I don't live near Siemens, but you can see from the other thread that I think they would be absorbing an unfair burden in their property values. So I'm not being a NIMBY, I'm being a NIABY. "Not In Anyone's Back Yard."

For those who think that is anti-business, you have to keep in mind that there is no new tax revenue from Siemens unless they expand there already-enormous facility.

[Sparky]

First to Sparky; I do respect your opinion, but I must respond to whether "I belong". Yes I do belong here in Walpole, I've been here 22 years and I see a town divided. Each enclave of this town will only support what concerns their backyard and not the good of the town as a whole.
...
I appreciate your courtesy.

I think the town is much less divided than it was several years ago when debating the Override for the general operating budget. We seem to hang together. I feel like I am doing the benefit of the common good by opposing undesirable elements for the town, even if they aren't in my area. Again, I don't think that Siemens is as much of a health risk as it is a personal financial risk to its residential neighbors. That doesn't impact me one bit, but I totally defend their perspective as fellow Walpole residents.

Article 24 was more likely to impact me personally because it would allow permit-free Level 1 and 2 anywhere in the town, yet I can support it as good for the town as a whole. Article 25 wouldn't have impacted me, by I can oppose it for the sake of my cross-town neighbors who it targets unfairly. Isn't that the opposite of divisive?

[Unregistered]

I appreciate your courtesy.

I think the town is much less divided than it was several years ago when debating the Override for the general operating budget. We seem to hang together. I feel like I am doing the benefit of the common good by opposing undesirable elements for the town, even if they aren't in my area. Again, I don't think that Siemens is as much of a health risk as it is a personal financial risk to its residential neighbors. That doesn't impact me one bit, but I totally defend their perspective as fellow Walpole residents.

Article 24 was more likely to impact me personally because it would allow permit-free Level 1 and 2 anywhere in the town, yet I can support it as good for the town as a whole. Article 25 wouldn't have impacted me, by I can oppose it for the sake of my cross-town neighbors who it targets unfairly. Isn't that the opposite of divisive?


Sparky, thank you for your post and the cross town support. Article 25 could have affected you too. The article was going to create an overlay district to allow commercial uses on residential land. Once that precedent is sent, any other company might want to do the same. Both articles were not well thought out and the selectmen just couldn't defend them. At the Open Forum last night, they were asked twice about the supposed tax revenue and there was no answer. They admitted that Siemens wrote article 25. We already have 500,000 square feet of biotech. Why isn't that enough?

[Unregistered]

It was a difficult choice for the voters to purchase that land for the town; it came at a time when we were also trying to figure out how to pay for a major high school renovation. Yet, to the surprise of many, the vote was convincingly in favor of matching the real estate developer's bid.

We have Bird Park. We have Adams Farm. We have the Town Forest. We have the Agricultural School. We have two golf courses. Do we really need all that open space?

It turns out we do. It is a critical thread in the fabric of the town. It's an important ingredient to why people come here. That's who we are. If you don't understand that, or don't feel that, then you need to respect it in your neighbors, because that's why they're here. If you've ever read a capsule description of Walpole, it invariably notes that the town has an impressive amount of open space for a community so close to a large metropolitan area. It's why your house is worth so much money. It's our identity.
You can't be selling your heart and soul, man. Rather than change that, you gotta figure out if you belong.


This is a great point. Look at the recent Boston Magazine top places to live, 2010, for our area:

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/best_places_to_live_2010_inland_south/

Three communities I think we'd all say we'd like to be ranked ahead of, but what is the common thread of the write up on each? Conservation land / open space. I'm a proud resident of Walpole, and I wish we were on this list because we deserve to be, and because, selfishly, people looking to buy in our area will look at lists like this any our inclusion would help the value of our homes.

That said, what would be the odds of making this list in the future when our write up would be, "recently abandoned a second municipal building downtown, and despite the space to build downtown, they instead chose to cut down 5 acres of land, ending the Walpole portion of the Bay Circuit Trail, and built a new police station in its place?"

Oh yeah, that sounds great!

[Unregistered]

It was a difficult choice for the voters to purchase that land for the town; it came at a time when we were also trying to figure out how to pay for a major high school renovation. Yet, to the surprise of many, the vote was convincingly in favor of matching the real estate developer's bid.

We have Bird Park. We have Adams Farm. We have the Town Forest. We have the Agricultural School. We have two golf courses. Do we really need all that open space?

It turns out we do. It is a critical thread in the fabric of the town. It's an important ingredient to why people come here. That's who we are. If you don't understand that, or don't feel that, then you need to respect it in your neighbors, because that's why they're here. If you've ever read a capsule description of Walpole, it invariably notes that the town has an impressive amount of open space for a community so close to a large metropolitan area. It's why your house is worth so much money. It's our identity.
You can't be selling your heart and soul, man. Rather than change that, you gotta figure out if you belong.

I am very sorry that I voted for Adams Farm. Thanks goodness we have the luxury of changing our mind. With the financial crisis we are in, I would definately like to re-zone this land and sell it for a business use. We need the taxes and the property sale revenue. It is located away from any of the dense residential neighborhoods, infact it is on the far border of our town. Most importantly, the land is un-contaminated and ready for immediate developement and is NOT on top of our aquifer. This makes this the ideal site for economic developement. Selling Adam's Farm is truly the answer to our economic prayers. It is a double home run, since we will get the income from the sale of the property and the ongoing tax revenue.

We do not need all of the open space we have. I want to see more funding for our schools, and the most financially beneficial and quickest developement roite is Adam's Farm. Our identitry is who we are today, and who we will become. I am not tied in to trying to look like the past. It is a nice thought to say that we "can't be selling your heart and soul, man", but without funding we will have nothing. This land serves no-one except a few residents who border it. It is time we start serving all of the men and women in town.

Adam's Farm is ideal to sell and fund our Public Safety building, and is the perfect extra revenue the schools are looking for. Great idea!!!

[Unregistered]

Please don't ask for any money unless adams farm land is on the table. Everyone needs to contribute for the towns sake..

[Unregistered]

Could the Selectman now step back and start to look at a combined facility downtown?

Each of them would have to put their ego aside, it appears to be beyond them right now but one can hope.

[Unregistered]

Selling a portion of Adams Farm for a corporate biotech campus and hotel makes a lot of sense. We'll get commercial tax revenue and then we could impose a hotel tax too.

The surrounding area would be a playground for the employees who could ride horses or plant their own garden at lunch time. Get an ice cream at Bubbling Brook in the summer or cross country ski in the winter.

I'm sure those town meeting members and people from North Walpole who want commercial/industrial development would agree that we should cash in. They constantly speak about how much we need commercial development and how desperately the town needs money for schools and the police station.

They have a way to solve the town's budget problems by asking the the school committee to submit a citizen's petition (just like they did for hotel and meals taxes) to sell some of Adams Farm. The town deserves more money and we expect the school committee to take action for the fall town meeting.

[Unregistered]

South Walpole Town Forest backs up to Route 1. While Adams Farm is used by many and has
plenty of parking there are no events that happen at South Walpole Town Forest because you can
only park a few cars there. Again, it backs up to ROUTE 1!

[Unregistered]

The Town Forest is an idea but it's too wet. When you drive by you can see standing water. No one wants build in swamp land. Seriously what could the company employees do there?

Play hide and seek in the wetlands?

Swat the Mosquitos with Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Have pine cone fights under the fir trees?

[Unregistered]

Does anyone know how many signatures would have to be collected in order that a proposed article could be considered for the Fall Town Meeting?

[Unregistered]

Does anyone know how many signatures would have to be collected in order that a proposed article could be considered for the Fall Town Meeting?


From Citizens Guide to Town Meetings on the State Website.

May voters place articles on the warrant?

Yes, voters may “insert” articles in the warrant. They have to do it before selectmen “close” the warrant.


To insert an article in the warrant for an annual Town Meeting, at least 10 registered voters of the town must sign a written request. The written request of registered voters for the insertion of subjects in town meeting warrants shall not be valid unless the required number of registered voters not only sign their names but also state their residence, with street and number, if any. Voters do not have to include their addresses after their signatures, but it is a good idea.


If you want a sample of an article to use to draft your article, go to town hall and ask for a copy of the annual report, or check if your town has a website and publishes the annual report there. The annual report will have warrants from the previous year’s Town Meeting, which you can use as samples. For further assistance, contact the town clerk or town counsel.


Citizens may insert an article in the warrant for a special Town Meeting. Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for every special town meeting all subjects which shall be requested by 100 registered voters or 10% of the total number of voters, whichever is lesser.


************************************************** ********************************

But keep an eye on when the selectmen open and close the warrant for Fall Town meeting. It is a pretty narrow window of time. I think it is middle of July to middle of August, but call Administrator or Town clerk. The town clerk will also have the necessary signature form. Good luck.

[Unregistered]

Does anyone know how many signatures would have to be collected in order that a proposed article could be considered for the Fall Town Meeting?

Why bother with a citizen petition? Just go for the whole enchilada. Put a referendum question right on the ballot for the voters to decide. People will be racing to the polls to vote yes on this question............................

Shall a portion of Adams Farm be sold and the funds used to build a combined police and fire station?

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the conversation concerning the sale of Adams Farm. I think that petions and ballot questions are a great way to approach this and get a true representation from the town's people. This way personal agenda's can be put aside because of the ballot box. There is a lot of work to do and you must be well organized. Don't take this lightly as I know what it takes from first hand experience. In tough economic times tough measures need to be taken. Call your RTM's and voice your opinions, e-mail the BoS and all the boards and let them know how you feel. Also be sure to write letters every week to the Walpole Times. My advice is to keep the ball rolling and let your opinions make a difference.

[Unregistered]

Why bother with a citizen petition? Just go for the whole enchilada. Put a referendum question right on the ballot for the voters to decide. People will be racing to the polls to vote yes on this question............................

Shall a portion of Adams Farm be sold and the funds used to build a combined police and fire station?

What was the final price we paid for Adams Farm? I think it was around 8 million?? Think about what that land could bring in today if sold.Let's at least sell a portion of it as one comment stated.

[Unregistered]

From Citizens Guide to Town Meetings on the State Website.

May voters place articles on the warrant?

Yes, voters may “insert” articles in the warrant. They have to do it before selectmen “close” the warrant.


To insert an article in the warrant for an annual Town Meeting, at least 10 registered voters of the town must sign a written request. The written request of registered voters for the insertion of subjects in town meeting warrants shall not be valid unless the required number of registered voters not only sign their names but also state their residence, with street and number, if any. Voters do not have to include their addresses after their signatures, but it is a good idea.


If you want a sample of an article to use to draft your article, go to town hall and ask for a copy of the annual report, or check if your town has a website and publishes the annual report there. The annual report will have warrants from the previous year’s Town Meeting, which you can use as samples. For further assistance, contact the town clerk or town counsel.


Citizens may insert an article in the warrant for a special Town Meeting. Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for every special town meeting all subjects which shall be requested by 100 registered voters or 10% of the total number of voters, whichever is lesser.


************************************************** ********************************

But keep an eye on when the selectmen open and close the warrant for Fall Town meeting. It is a pretty narrow window of time. I think it is middle of July to middle of August, but call Administrator or Town clerk. The town clerk will also have the necessary signature form. Good luck.

Didn't the selectmen re-open the warrent for the meals tax?? If they did it for the school committee don't you think they would do it for any citizen?

[Unregistered]

So when Walpole bought the Farm we weren't just blocking residential development we were land speculators.
We bought low and now that the economy is booming we'll sell high. Fortune five hundred companies will be tripping over themselves trying to out bid each other. Some big company will pay a big price and after a couple of years of trying to rezone it they'll give up. Maybe they will donate it back to the town as a tax write-off. And we could do it again. Adams Farm couldbe the best investment ever.

[Unregistered]

Didn't the selectmen re-open the warrent for the meals tax?? If they did it for the school committee don't you think they would do it for any citizen?

The selectmen will do anything for the school committee. They did re-open the warrant long after it was closed. Do you get the feeling that the people we elect to the board of selectmen and the school committee just represent each other?

[Unregistered]

The selectmen will do anything for the school committee. They did re-open the warrant long after it was closed. Do you get the feeling that the people we elect to the board of selectmen and the school committee just represent each other?

We are sitting on a gold mine at Adams Farm. I don't understand why the school committee is not chomping at the bit to sell pristine land so they could get money for the town. The money the town receives could go to build the fire/police combined station. The permiitting fees for construction of a commercial building coould go to improvements at schools. The yearly commercial tax revenue could go to their budget.

What could be better than that?

Instead the school committee wasted their time supporting lowly hotel and meal taxes and biotech artilces that were pulled. The only money that would come from those zoning articles is from expansion and Siemens waffled over that issue.

If the school committee needs more money, then Adams Farm is the answer and not $7000 in hotel taxes (which failed) and the hope and prayer that Siemens might expand in our lifetime.

[Unregistered]

Do you get the feeling that the people we elect to the board of selectmen and the school committee just represent each other?

No, I get the feeling that the Board of Selectmen looks to do what is best for the town as a whole. What's best for the town as a whole is a quality school system, simple as that. At town meeting, did you see the impressive list of colleges to which Walpole sends its graduating seniors? That is a great source of pride (or it should be) for the whole town, not just people with kids in the system. The BOS gets this, and obviously, you do not.

[Unregistered]

Selling Adams Farm is an interesting idea....who would buy it? The access roads are less than convenient.
The idea of a public golf course was pursued a few years ago...I thought it was a great idea -- it would have drawn players from many towns and still looked nice.

Seriously, would the powers that be, those that say no to everything in this town, ever allow it to be sold and developed?

[The Raven]

We are sitting on a gold mine at Adams Farm. I don't understand why the school committee is not chomping at the bit to sell pristine land so they could get money for the town. The money the town receives could go to build the fire/police combined station. The permiitting fees for construction of a commercial building coould go to improvements at schools. The yearly commercial tax revenue could go to their budget.

What could be better than that?

Instead the school committee wasted their time supporting lowly hotel and meal taxes and biotech artilces that were pulled. The only money that would come from those zoning articles is from expansion and Siemens waffled over that issue.

If the school committee needs more money, then Adams Farm is the answer and not $7000 in hotel taxes (which failed) and the hope and prayer that Siemens might expand in our lifetime.

You are right about attaching the adjective "gold" to Adams Farm. But your motives are not going to fly (with me). There are towns (Norwood, for example) that would LOVE to have the open town owned space that Walpole has. Open public space means less homes developed, less burden on infrastructure, less traffic, etc.

I am not familiar with the charter of Adams Farm, but these arguments about using it for office space are probably making the board members laugh. Its NEVER going to happen. Get Used To It.

Will you do me a favor with that comment? Never More....


The Raven & Company

btw: The Ravens Nest is looking Gooood....See you there.

[Unregistered]

No, I get the feeling that the Board of Selectmen looks to do what is best for the town as a whole. What's best for the town as a whole is a quality school system, simple as that. At town meeting, did you see the impressive list of colleges to which Walpole sends its graduating seniors? That is a great source of pride (or it should be) for the whole town, not just people with kids in the system. The BOS gets this, and obviously, you do not.

Then I guess I don't get it either.

How is building a stand alone police station in a place that nobody wants it to go "getting it"? Towns build combined public safety buildings to save significant construction and maintenance costs that are needed for maybe something like extra police on the streets. I guess someone will have to tell me how ideas this BOS has like this proposal, biotech rezoning and CPV (the list could go on) are best for the town as a whole.

As far as selling a piece of Adams Farm to be rezoned for business to pay for school capital expense, a combined public safety building, and a senior center- put me down as a YES!!!

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock speaks numbers;
Adams Farm is a 265 acre tract of conservation land.
If the town of Walpole sold off 100 acres for modest size houses on one acre lots, now here's the fun part;
Conservative estimate of $250k per acre = $25M
Real estate property tax = $12.64/$1000 evaluation.
Modest 3 bedroom Cape like mine on an 18,000sf lot = $4569 yearly property tax.
Let's make that round figures, and round it off to $4600.
I'm using my house as an example, but it would be assessed for more on an acre lot.
$4600 x 100 modest houses = $46,000 yearly property tax.
Over a ten year period without a tax increase = $460,000
Selling part or all of Adams Farm makes sense to me.
$25M can be divided up for municipal projects, such as a combined Public Safety building, toss in a senior center, public projects such as fields, road projects, downtown revitalization, rebuild the old town hall and perhaps use the building for the school committee and additional town offices.
The annual property taxes can be used for many municipal uses.
In my opnion, this is sounding better all the time

[Unregistered]

No, I get the feeling that the Board of Selectmen looks to do what is best for the town as a whole. What's best for the town as a whole is a quality school system, simple as that. At town meeting, did you see the impressive list of colleges to which Walpole sends its graduating seniors? That is a great source of pride (or it should be) for the whole town, not just people with kids in the system. The BOS gets this, and obviously, you do not.

Then everyone should pay as a whole, not select neighborhoods bearing all the cost. It is disgusting. There is mpore to this than meets the eye.

[Unregistered]

From Keith Ferguson's Tweets:
Ralph White of the American Legion pledged $10,000 to the Stone Field rejuvenation if it's renamed Legion Field. about 17 hours ago via web

There was a great deal of discussion about putting the police/fire combined facility on Stone Field at Town
Meeting. Until it is decided where the Police and Fire are going to go nothing should be done to Stone
Field. Why put money into the field if it is just going to be built on?

[Unregistered]

Selling Adams Farm is an interesting idea....who would buy it? The access roads are less than convenient.
The idea of a public golf course was pursued a few years ago...I thought it was a great idea -- it would have drawn players from many towns and still looked nice.

Seriously, would the powers that be, those that say no to everything in this town, ever allow it to be sold and developed?

Those who have said NO to a golf course aand soccer fields at Adams Farm and a tennis club and assisted living faciltiy in North Walpole won't have a say when the question to sell Adams Farm goes on the ballot. We all own a piece of the farm since we pay for it. We will all get to vote. It's the American way.

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock - I like your idea but I think there might be a catch. Once all the new people living on Adams Farm Estates see their property taxes skyrocketing and overrides being proposed all the time they are going to say we need a broader commercial tax base. So in the end you'll be bringing in more people who want power plants and biotech. Your plan may backfire.

[Unregistered]

No, I get the feeling that the Board of Selectmen looks to do what is best for the town as a whole. What's best for the town as a whole is a quality school system, simple as that. At town meeting, did you see the impressive list of colleges to which Walpole sends its graduating seniors? That is a great source of pride (or it should be) for the whole town, not just people with kids in the system. The BOS gets this, and obviously, you do not.

Nothing as dangerous as one issue or one thought people. They are willing to do anyting for their cause.
Frankly simple minded and rather sad.

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock speaks numbers;
Adams Farm is a 265 acre tract of conservation land.
If the town of Walpole sold off 100 acres for modest size houses on one acre lots, now here's the fun part;
Conservative estimate of $250k per acre = $25M
Real estate property tax = $12.64/$1000 evaluation.
Modest 3 bedroom Cape like mine on an 18,000sf lot = $4569 yearly property tax.
Let's make that round figures, and round it off to $4600.
I'm using my house as an example, but it would be assessed for more on an acre lot.
$4600 x 100 modest houses = $46,000 yearly property tax.
Over a ten year period without a tax increase = $460,000
Selling part or all of Adams Farm makes sense to me.
$25M can be divided up for municipal projects, such as a combined Public Safety building, toss in a senior center, public projects such as fields, road projects, downtown revitalization, rebuild the old town hall and perhaps use the building for the school committee and additional town offices.
The annual property taxes can be used for many municipal uses.
In my opnion, this is sounding better all the time

Sell part of Adams farm definitely yes. But never for houses.
houses loose money. school costs road costs.

Office space maintains their own roads and don't bring student costs.

[Unregistered]

From Keith Ferguson's Tweets:
Ralph White of the American Legion pledged $10,000 to the Stone Field rejuvenation if it's renamed Legion Field. about 17 hours ago via web

There was a great deal of discussion about putting the police/fire combined facility on Stone Field at Town
Meeting. Until it is decided where the Police and Fire are going to go nothing should be done to Stone
Field. Why put money into the field if it is just going to be built on?

Because the selectmand don't want a police station down town. they will do anything to block a combined facility.

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock speaks numbers;
Adams Farm is a 265 acre tract of conservation land.
If the town of Walpole sold off 100 acres for modest size houses on one acre lots, now here's the fun part;
Conservative estimate of $250k per acre = $25M
Real estate property tax = $12.64/$1000 evaluation.
Modest 3 bedroom Cape like mine on an 18,000sf lot = $4569 yearly property tax.
Let's make that round figures, and round it off to $4600.
I'm using my house as an example, but it would be assessed for more on an acre lot.
$4600 x 100 modest houses = $46,000 yearly property tax.
Over a ten year period without a tax increase = $460,000
Selling part or all of Adams Farm makes sense to me.
$25M can be divided up for municipal projects, such as a combined Public Safety building, toss in a senior center, public projects such as fields, road projects, downtown revitalization, rebuild the old town hall and perhaps use the building for the school committee and additional town offices.
The annual property taxes can be used for many municipal uses.
In my opnion, this is sounding better all the time

Nice thought and thanks for the math, but houses don't add up on Adams Farm. If that were true, we wouldn't have bought it in the first place. Business works there because you are collecting more in fees and taxes than using in town services. I think the town meeting can rezone it anytime.

BTW what about Buttimers land? Is that sold or can we still buy it and rezone it? Or it should be 40B to finally take care of that problem once and for all. That's a huge piece of land, I think over 100 acres.

[Unregistered]

Then everyone should pay as a whole, not select neighborhoods bearing all the cost. It is disgusting. There is mpore to this than meets the eye.

Wait, are you saying certain neighborhoods don't pay property taxes? Which neighborhoods bear "all the costs" and which ones get the free rides. That would be something to look into.

[Unregistered]

Has anyone heard the rumor floating around about the vote for the Police Station being brought
up for Reconsideration and voted on again at Town Meeting Monday Night? Will this Town
Meeting ever end?

[Unregistered]

From Keith Ferguson's Tweets:
Ralph White of the American Legion pledged $10,000 to the Stone Field rejuvenation if it's renamed Legion Field. about 17 hours ago via web

There was a great deal of discussion about putting the police/fire combined facility on Stone Field at Town
Meeting. Until it is decided where the Police and Fire are going to go nothing should be done to Stone
Field. Why put money into the field if it is just going to be built on?


After the vote of the Town Meeting last week denying the 2/3 needed for the latest proposed police station, anyone on the Board of Selectmen who votes to do ANYTHING between now and June 5th with respect to Stone Field should be recalled. Period. Does Walpole have that provision?

That space must be preserved for a potential combo public safety facility.

[Unregistered]

Has anyone heard the rumor floating around about the vote for the Police Station being brought
up for Reconsideration and voted on again at Town Meeting Monday Night? Will this Town
Meeting ever end?

enough is enough. The selectman really need to take some time and reconsider how they are acting.
They should NOT bring the police station up again.
Arogance will not be rewarded, even for Mr. Snuffer.

If they put more effort into listening to the voters they would not find themselves in this position again and aganin on every issue.

[Unregistered]

Wait, are you saying certain neighborhoods don't pay property taxes? Which neighborhoods bear "all the costs" and which ones get the free rides. That would be something to look into.

I am saying that certain neighborhoods support business and commercial tax base, and others don't. But regular business is not enough anymore. Our town officials are constantly going after the most outrageous business. And all the folks who don't live near it seem to think it is a great idea and "we need the money". If so, let them bring it to their own neighborhood.

I want to see Adams Farm rezoned for industry. North Walpole needs to start doing their fair share.

[Unregistered]

I am saying that certain neighborhoods support business and commercial tax base, and others don't. But regular business is not enough anymore. Our town officials are constantly going after the most outrageous business. And all the folks who don't live near it seem to think it is a great idea and "we need the money". If so, let them bring it to their own neighborhood.

I want to see Adams Farm rezoned for industry. North Walpole needs to start doing their fair share.

These posters that want to rezone Adams Farm for other uses: Get a letter together, and sign your names to it. Put it in the local paper. (Prepare to be treated like rotten guests in Walpole)

I have a feeling you won't do it. This town is full of big-mouthed cowards.

[Unregistered]

These posters that want to rezone Adams Farm for other uses: Get a letter together, and sign your names to it. Put it in the local paper. (Prepare to be treated like rotten guests in Walpole)

I have a feeling you won't do it. This town is full of big-mouthed cowards.

Notice you didn't put your name to your quote. The rest of the town has been treated like rotten guest for years by the elite few who will not allow soccer kids for fields and an assisted living for the elderly near Adams Farm. The rotten guests can return the favor.

[Unregistered]

The senario that I painted for Adams Farm may have been a bit muddy, as residential tax was the only example that I could give accurately. I do know that adding residential uses expands the needs for the schools at an approximate cost of $7,000 per student per year. The commercial tax base IS a better use for Adams Farm and I will support a ballot question to that conclusion. I feel that a ballot question is a more honest way to see how the registered voters feel about this. So far, I don't see the BoS or any of the town boards listening to what the town's people want. In a lot of cases, I feel that a ballot question is a better way to handle important decisions because the various special interest groups will lobby the boards with their agendas. I want the town officials to REALLY review the master plan and reconsider what the consenus of the voters is. A downtown government campus is in the Master Plan. I think that Blackburn Hall should be leveled and it's uses shifted to the old libray. This would make way for a combined police and fire facility that should remain in the downtown campus. If you want to hang on to the old, and not replace it with something new, then please maintain these buildings.

[Dutch]

It is clear from watching the proceedings at TM thus far that the Selectmen have put quite a bit of effort and time into the revised Robbins Road proposal. At this time, they have a clear, well thought out plan that is worthy of TM and voters consideration. I personally would like to thank them for their efforts.

However, given the 2006 override, reinforced by the comments of those in favor of a combined public safety facility, I think it would have been wise for the Selectman to have invested some monies to have had alternate plans drafted to show what such a facility would have looked like on Stone Field. As suggested during the meeting, we're really down to two choices: Robbins Road police or combined public safety building in the center. Mr. Snuffer pointed out a few times that the planning was done with little cost to the taxpayers (approx $1,500). While I wouldn't expect the price point to be so low on another plan, it would have been money well spent as TM is being asked to provision 7.9 million.

While the proponents did their best to describe how a facility would appear in the Stone field area, relying on recollections of a 'taped off' footprint, having two sets of plans would have served TM well. If this article comes up again Monday, it would make sense for TM to make a resolution to have an alternate plan drafted before this article receives further consideration.

[Unregistered]

These posters that want to rezone Adams Farm for other uses: Get a letter together, and sign your names to it. Put it in the local paper. (Prepare to be treated like rotten guests in Walpole)

I have a feeling you won't do it. This town is full of big-mouthed cowards.

You are right:

Signed:

Mike Amaral
3 Winthrop St.
Walpole, Massachusetts 02081


call me and check

your turn!

[Unregistered]

Dutch makes some good points. I appreciate the hard work put in by the BOS as well. I think they came to TM with the best, most cost effective solution at this point in time. They guaranteed a 7.9 million price tag. Will a combined facility on Stone Field be twice that amount, more, less? My guess would be 16 mil or more by the time we get around to it. It's not perfect but the price is right. Let the voting begin.

[Unregistered]

Dutch makes some good points. I appreciate the hard work put in by the BOS as well. I think they came to TM with the best, most cost effective solution at this point in time. They guaranteed a 7.9 million price tag. Will a combined facility on Stone Field be twice that amount, more, less? My guess would be 16 mil or more by the time we get around to it. It's not perfect but the price is right. Let the voting begin.

No one can guarantee a price tag on a project that won't be completed for three years. If you could predict that, you'd be too busy on your private yacht or jet to worry about this police staion.

What's the recourse if the project is approved and something "unexpected" arises after the start of the project to push the cost over $7.9 million? Will they stop construction, rebuild the trees, and return our money? No. They will come back for more money and say its too expensive to stop now. Or they will end up cutting back on the station and leave our police with a substandard station at $7.9 million. Neither scenario is a win for Walpole.

[Unregistered]

You have it right Mike. Thank You..

[Unregistered]

Dutch makes some good points. I appreciate the hard work put in by the BOS as well. I think they came to TM with the best, most cost effective solution at this point in time. They guaranteed a 7.9 million price tag. Will a combined facility on Stone Field be twice that amount, more, less? My guess would be 16 mil or more by the time we get around to it. It's not perfect but the price is right. Let the voting begin.

If you consider a the same thing presented again hard work you must be easy to work for.
Same location as four years ago with a "plan" taken from another town. What exactly did they do?
No field work, no geotech work. From what i can see they proposed the same location with a used plan.
No heavy lifting involved in that.

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock says;
Mike are you taking the lead to start a petition for a ballot question to rezone Adams Farm for commercial use?
If so, I will sign and help distribute the petition.
At least you have the intestinal fortitude (guts) to say so.
Kudos to you, to put your name out there.

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock says;
Mike are you taking the lead to start a petition for a ballot question to rezone Adams Farm for commercial use?
If so, I will sign and help distribute the petition.
At least you have the intestinal fortitude (guts) to say so.
Kudos to you, to put your name out there.

I will help too!!!!

[Unregistered]

Dog Rock says;
Mike are you taking the lead to start a petition for a ballot question to rezone Adams Farm for commercial use?
If so, I will sign and help distribute the petition.
At least you have the intestinal fortitude (guts) to say so.
Kudos to you, to put your name out there.

DR: Actually, no I am NOT taking the lead to propose rezoning Adams Farm. I am looking to set up a group of patriotic minute-men (not rebels) to create a defensive perimeter AROUND Adams Farm....permanently.



Consider this: What would happen if a group of bostonians tried to get together and said "lets sell off Boston Common", or "lets sell the fens and put it up for development". It would make the national news, for one.



Open space is to be cherished in this growing overpopulated world. The forward thinkers who snagged Adams Farm for open space will be cherished for generations to come, just as walpole owes a huge debt to the Bird and Plimpton families for giving us the Town Forest and Bird Park. Open Space. Not "spaced-out", like your proposal.


If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools.

It is a permanent heartbreak of mine to have seen that happen. The land was not mine, though. Adams Farm, Town Forest, etc? All taxpayers in Walpole own a piece of it...and you should expect those of us who appreciate open space to passionately fight to keep it that way...

btw: if you can't identify yourself, drop it.

Mike Amaral

[Unregistered]

Mike, I thought that your patriotism for this town was to see a better future for it. You and many others complain about high property taxes and a small commercial base. In my opinion, excluding Adams Farm, I feel that we have enough open space. It is my opinion, and I am entitled to have one, the town would be best served to sell all or a portion of Adams Farm for commercial development. Mike, I think that you are a very nice man, but at times, misguided. In the past I have seen you endorse many "dirty businesses" to be sited in South Walpole. I've even heard you call it "that part of town". Now in all fairness, don't you think that endorsing commercial development, as well as rezoning residential land for Siemens, is no different than rezoning land that the majority of the town's people do not use? As I've said before, Adams Farm is virgin land and should be treated with respect when rezoning it for commercial use. We need cash to build a combined police/fire safety building and the quickest way to pay for a state of the art facility would be to sell the cash cow known as Adams Farm. This won't have cause for another tax overide and will provide for an infusion of much needed cash for other municipal projects. Mike, I do respect your opinion and I guess that we should just agree to disagree.
"Dog Rock", watching out for the common good.

[Unregistered]

Just so the record does not get lost on anyone or the newcomers need to know,it is the same Cliff Snuffer who is fighting for the police and fire who led the charge to buy Adams Farm ( 60% voted in favor of the purchase ).

[Unregistered]

Mike, I thought that your patriotism for this town was to see a better future for it. You and many others complain about high property taxes and a small commercial base. In my opinion, excluding Adams Farm, I feel that we have enough open space. It is my opinion, and I am entitled to have one, the town would be best served to sell all or a portion of Adams Farm for commercial development. Mike, I think that you are a very nice man, but at times, misguided. In the past I have seen you endorse many "dirty businesses" to be sited in South Walpole. I've even heard you call it "that part of town". Now in all fairness, don't you think that endorsing commercial development, as well as rezoning residential land for Siemens, is no different than rezoning land that the majority of the town's people do not use? As I've said before, Adams Farm is virgin land and should be treated with respect when rezoning it for commercial use. We need cash to build a combined police/fire safety building and the quickest way to pay for a state of the art facility would be to sell the cash cow known as Adams Farm. This won't have cause for another tax overide and will provide for an infusion of much needed cash for other municipal projects. Mike, I do respect your opinion and I guess that we should just agree to disagree.
"Dog Rock", watching out for the common good.

Dog Rock:

I'm not going to get into a tussle with an anonymous entity here, while I reveal myself. I suppose you are referring to the power plant? I felt it could be a good thing for Walpole, as did many others. Regarding my being "misguided", well, why don't you propose your usage for Adams Farm openly in the Walpole Times. I think you will find a lot of people applying that label to you.

Just be ready for a fight from many folks who support open space in Walpole.



M.

[Sparky]

DR: Actually, no I am NOT taking the lead to propose rezoning Adams Farm. I am looking to set up a group of patriotic minute-men (not rebels) to create a defensive perimeter AROUND Adams Farm....permanently.

Consider this: What would happen if a group of bostonians tried to get together and said "lets sell off Boston Common", or "lets sell the fens and put it up for development". It would make the national news, for one.

Open space is to be cherished in this growing overpopulated world. The forward thinkers who snagged Adams Farm for open space will be cherished for generations to come, just as walpole owes a huge debt to the Bird and Plimpton families for giving us the Town Forest and Bird Park. Open Space. Not "spaced-out", like your proposal.

If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools.

It is a permanent heartbreak of mine to have seen that happen. The land was not mine, though. Adams Farm, Town Forest, etc? All taxpayers in Walpole own a piece of it...and you should expect those of us who appreciate open space to passionately fight to keep it that way...

btw: if you can't identify yourself, drop it.

Mike Amaral
Well said, Mike.

[Unregistered]

DR: Actually, no I am NOT taking the lead to propose rezoning Adams Farm. I am looking to set up a group of patriotic minute-men (not rebels) to create a defensive perimeter AROUND Adams Farm....permanently.



Consider this: What would happen if a group of bostonians tried to get together and said "lets sell off Boston Common", or "lets sell the fens and put it up for development". It would make the national news, for one.



Open space is to be cherished in this growing overpopulated world. The forward thinkers who snagged Adams Farm for open space will be cherished for generations to come, just as walpole owes a huge debt to the Bird and Plimpton families for giving us the Town Forest and Bird Park. Open Space. Not "spaced-out", like your proposal.


If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools.

It is a permanent heartbreak of mine to have seen that happen. The land was not mine, though. Adams Farm, Town Forest, etc? All taxpayers in Walpole own a piece of it...and you should expect those of us who appreciate open space to passionately fight to keep it that way...

btw: if you can't identify yourself, drop it.

Mike Amaral

Then you can understand why others set up defensive perimeters around their areas of town. Where they live is equally as important to them and not to be defiled by any old business that might generate a buck.Your post reflects the mentality that any business is great as long as it is not near you. Iin many areas of town the homes were there long before the businesses came along. So those people shouldn't should have to be subjected to the old baseless argument that the businesses were there first and they knew what they were buying next to. No one who lives near Siemens could ever have envisioned that the town would change zoning to allow biohazards.

[Unregistered]

from Lavender Lane Resident;
I've lived in a "McMansion" on Lavender Lane for about 8 years. I take exception to the snarky comments by Mike Amaral and Sparky. When we moved here and began paying our fair share of property tax, "your schools became my children's schools", that we pay for just like the rest of the community. I can see that you both don't want things to change, it seems to me that you would rather not have any new comers in town. You'd rather have same old, same old, different day. Your support of a powerplant, sited on an aquifer, for tax dollars, shows me that you don't care about the environment, water supply or a clean future for this town. Lots of ground pollution that already exists and adding more is okay with you, not me. The long time residents of this town invited junk yards, scrap metal and many other businesses that we now have to clean up after. This doesn't demonstrate any regard for the land and families that reside here. If it wasn't for the new comers, this town would be a cesspool of more bad planning. We care about this town and our dear neighbors, their children, pets and future.
Here is a quote from Mr. Amaral;
"If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools".
Quote from Sparky;
"Well said, Mike".
I'm glad that you both share fond memories of what Walpole once was. My family's tax dollars benefit the entire town and not a select group of individuals. There are a lot of towns that we could have lived in, but we chose Walpole in spite of it's issues. Frankly, the town slogan of "Walpole, The Friendly town", should be changed to "Walpole, The Mean Spirited Town".

[Unregistered]

DR: Actually, no I am NOT taking the lead to propose rezoning Adams Farm. I am looking to set up a group of patriotic minute-men (not rebels) to create a defensive perimeter AROUND Adams Farm....permanently.



Consider this: What would happen if a group of bostonians tried to get together and said "lets sell off Boston Common", or "lets sell the fens and put it up for development". It would make the national news, for one.



Open space is to be cherished in this growing overpopulated world. The forward thinkers who snagged Adams Farm for open space will be cherished for generations to come, just as walpole owes a huge debt to the Bird and Plimpton families for giving us the Town Forest and Bird Park. Open Space. Not "spaced-out", like your proposal.


If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools.

It is a permanent heartbreak of mine to have seen that happen. The land was not mine, though. Adams Farm, Town Forest, etc? All taxpayers in Walpole own a piece of it...and you should expect those of us who appreciate open space to passionately fight to keep it that way...

btw: if you can't identify yourself, drop it.

Mike Amaral

Good to see the welcoming attitude that is Walpole.

Your use of their traffic, their kids and our schools is a perfect example of the attitude of too many people in this town. Last I checked, nobody forced the landowners to sell or develop themselves.

It happended, and we are now part of the community, and every right to this town as you do.

Memories are great, but no reason to trash the newer members of our community, or is it their community?

So much for the Friendly Town, huh?

[Unregistered]

from Lavender Lane Resident;
I've lived in a "McMansion" on Lavender Lane for about 8 years. I take exception to the snarky comments by Mike Amaral and Sparky. When we moved here and began paying our fair share of property tax, "your schools became my children's schools", that we pay for just like the rest of the community. I can see that you both don't want things to change, it seems to me that you would rather not have any new comers in town. You'd rather have same old, same old, different day. Your support of a powerplant, sited on an aquifer, for tax dollars, shows me that you don't care about the environment, water supply or a clean future for this town. Lots of ground pollution that already exists and adding more is okay with you, not me. The long time residents of this town invited junk yards, scrap metal and many other businesses that we now have to clean up after. This doesn't demonstrate any regard for the land and families that reside here. If it wasn't for the new comers, this town would be a cesspool of more bad planning. We care about this town and our dear neighbors, their children, pets and future.
Here is a quote from Mr. Amaral;
"If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools".
Quote from Sparky;
"Well said, Mike".
I'm glad that you both share fond memories of what Walpole once was. My family's tax dollars benefit the entire town and not a select group of individuals. There are a lot of towns that we could have lived in, but we chose Walpole in spite of it's issues. Frankly, the town slogan of "Walpole, The Friendly town", should be changed to "Walpole, The Mean Spirited Town".


Your purchase of an overbig energy-hogging home with double car garage (to park those overbig energy-hogging vehicles), placed on what was once a beautiful parcel of land now flattened and denuded into a suburban development says a lot about YOUR concerns for the environment!

[Sparky]

Your purchase of an overbig energy-hogging home with double car garage (to park those overbig energy-hogging vehicles), placed on what was once a beautiful parcel of land now flattened and denuded into a suburban development says a lot about YOUR concerns for the environment!

I would like to take exception to your post, because I think you have mis-interpreted the intent. A very important element of Mike's post was this: "It is a permanent heartbreak of mine to have seen that happen. The land was not mine, though. Adams Farm, Town Forest, etc? All taxpayers in Walpole own a piece of it..."

Mike has stated that, although it is difficult to watch evolve, the developers had every right to do so because it was their land, and we cannot control that. However, we can control the land we do own, and should do so with vigor. I don't think it is a smite against newcomers. Personally, I think the newcomers who have moved into this town over the last 15 years have in general helped move the town in the right direction, because they respect the value of the property, school system, and safety of the town, and do not want to see it decay.

So speaking for myself, welcome. I hope you can join us in helping preserve what we have.

[Unregistered]

from Lavender Lane Resident;
I've lived in a "McMansion" on Lavender Lane for about 8 years. I take exception to the snarky comments by Mike Amaral and Sparky. When we moved here and began paying our fair share of property tax, "your schools became my children's schools", that we pay for just like the rest of the community. I can see that you both don't want things to change, it seems to me that you would rather not have any new comers in town. You'd rather have same old, same old, different day. Your support of a powerplant, sited on an aquifer, for tax dollars, shows me that you don't care about the environment, water supply or a clean future for this town. Lots of ground pollution that already exists and adding more is okay with you, not me. The long time residents of this town invited junk yards, scrap metal and many other businesses that we now have to clean up after. This doesn't demonstrate any regard for the land and families that reside here. If it wasn't for the new comers, this town would be a cesspool of more bad planning. We care about this town and our dear neighbors, their children, pets and future.
Here is a quote from Mr. Amaral;
"If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools".
Quote from Sparky;
"Well said, Mike".
I'm glad that you both share fond memories of what Walpole once was. My family's tax dollars benefit the entire town and not a select group of individuals. There are a lot of towns that we could have lived in, but we chose Walpole in spite of it's issues. Frankly, the town slogan of "Walpole, The Friendly town", should be changed to "Walpole, The Mean Spirited Town".

Well said. Whar you hear in Mike and Sparky is the anger and hostility of a dying breed. The disdain for those who come and try to change things. They like their old ways. They like it being "their" town. They like being the lord of the manner. Sounds like a throw back to the pkantation days inh the south. A good old boys club. Eberyone else is just their to serve.

Lovely coming from a self appointed Rebel opponent...

[Unregistered]

from Lavender Lane Resident;
I've lived in a "McMansion" on Lavender Lane for about 8 years. I take exception to the snarky comments by Mike Amaral and Sparky. When we moved here and began paying our fair share of property tax, "your schools became my children's schools", that we pay for just like the rest of the community. I can see that you both don't want things to change, it seems to me that you would rather not have any new comers in town. You'd rather have same old, same old, different day. Your support of a powerplant, sited on an aquifer, for tax dollars, shows me that you don't care about the environment, water supply or a clean future for this town. Lots of ground pollution that already exists and adding more is okay with you, not me. The long time residents of this town invited junk yards, scrap metal and many other businesses that we now have to clean up after. This doesn't demonstrate any regard for the land and families that reside here. If it wasn't for the new comers, this town would be a cesspool of more bad planning. We care about this town and our dear neighbors, their children, pets and future.
Here is a quote from Mr. Amaral;
"If your origins were from a more crowded environment, I do feel sorry for you. Mine weren't: they were from the area now developed off of Plimpton St & East St...where once stood tall trees, tall grassy fields, brooks, a meadow, a swamp, a drumlin now stand McMansions, their traffic, their infrastructure needs, and their children attending our schools".
Quote from Sparky;
"Well said, Mike".
I'm glad that you both share fond memories of what Walpole once was. My family's tax dollars benefit the entire town and not a select group of individuals. There are a lot of towns that we could have lived in, but we chose Walpole in spite of it's issues. Frankly, the town slogan of "Walpole, The Friendly town", should be changed to "Walpole, The Mean Spirited Town".

You seem a little defensive over Sparky's and Mike's comments.

I understand that Mike could/should have been a little more tactful in what he was trying to say, i.e. "their traffic, their infastructure, their children, etc." but I don't think he meant to diss you or your neighborhood, but rather make the point about the costs related to development, both financially to the town and also to the environment.

If you have lived here longer than a few years (and I'm not a townie, either, but we've been here over 20 years, and my kids were all born here, so they qualify as townies), you do remember when Lavender Lane/Wisteria Way was open space. Our first house was off Kendall street and we used to walk the dog over there. It really wasn't that long ago.

During the last bad recession (in the early 90s), housing prices plummeted, the developer couldn't develop the land, so he offered it to the town for purchase-- not once, but twice, as I recall, maybe even three times. The overrides were turned down each time. Personally, I don't begrudge you any of the services that you require and are entitled to through your taxes and home ownership, but it does make me sad to remember when it was open space that is now gone. No one should blame you, but we can blame ourselves, because we had the chance to retain the open space and blew it, because of course "there is a recession and we can't afford it."

So when Adams Farm came around, it was a miracle for a town that, at the time, refused to pass overrides, actually passed one to purchase the land to "keep as open space." I didn't vote for Adams Farm to sell it off later, to turn it into a golf course (although athletic fields would still be in the spirit of the purchase, I believe), or any of the other short-sighted options that are being floated around. It was purchased so that 20 or 30 years from now, there will still be open space. Period.

For all you "sell the farm-ers", what are you going to sell next time that economy tanks? Selling assets to pay
for operating costs is a basic no-no, Accounting 101.

[Unregistered]

Hey, I'm putting on my Tin Hat and standing on my Soap Box so that I can sell the farm The friends of Adams Farm won't allow soccer fields for the kids. Personally, I think they control the land as if it were their own back yard.
It's good and bad at the same time. They are good stewards for the land, but won't let the kids play on it. I always contended that a golf course was a bad use for the farm. That would be an elite use of public land. Yes I voted for it's purchase for open space in town. I've been re-thinking my vote and wish that I could recind it. The farm has an elite feel to it and quite frankly I never feel welcome their. I feel like I'm an intruder on land that the town purchased for all to use. No, I don't live on Lavender Lane, or live in a McMansion, or live in North Walpole. I just live in WALPOLE. I prefer to walk in Bird Park, owned by the Trustees of Reservations. I also enjoy walking in the town forest, owned by the taxpayers of Walpole.
I didn't like this poster's comment;
"Your purchase of an overbig energy-hogging home with double car garage (to park those overbig energy-hogging vehicles), placed on what was once a beautiful parcel of land now flattened and denuded into a suburban development says a lot about YOUR concerns for the environment!"
If YOU didn't want those types of houses in town, then YOU could have gone to town hall with a petition to limit the size of homes and added a required lot size, like they did in Weston. But this isn't Weston. By making a statement like that you've just alienated approximately 25% of Walpole, was that your intenet! I think that we should all stop poking each other and get on with trying to bee The Friendly Town. What do you think? All agreed?

[Unregistered]

Back on the topic at hand, there is a new website - www.walpole2020.org - that is devoted to a "clear vision" for municipal building planning in Walpole, and part of that vision is a position of "no" on the override to build a police station on Robbins Road. Check it out.

[Unregistered]

Back on the topic at hand, there is a new website - www.walpole2020.org - that is devoted to a "clear vision" for municipal building planning in Walpole, and part of that vision is a position of "no" on the override to build a police station on Robbins Road. Check it out.


At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy duddy, which I am, I miss the times when issues like these were discussed face-to-face over coffee at Country Kitchen. There, you could look the person in the eye, and speak your mind. Here, all we will have is anonymous, faceless criticism. These appear to be the same arguments raised by the neighbors on Robbins Road when they spoke at Town Meeting. Who knows, there is no identity!

I am not saying which way I feel about the police station, other than we are in desperate need of a new one. People should talk more, and blog less. Looking forward to Saturday's Walpole Day, where I can leave the computer at home, listen to Governor Patrick, and eat. With other people.

[Unregistered]

Here, all we will have is anonymous, faceless criticism.

...said the anonymous poster!

It's pretty clear who's running the website, and if you agree with the message, you're supportive. If you disagree, then you are not.

At least someone is speaking out and raising questions that should have been asked early on in the process.

To your overall point, perhaps someone should set up a public debate between the proponents and opponents?

[The Raven]

:)
You seem a little defensive over Sparky's and Mike's comments.

I understand that Mike could/should have been a little more tactful in what he was trying to say, i.e. "their traffic, their infastructure, their children, etc." but I don't think he meant to diss you or your neighborhood, but rather make the point about the costs related to development, both financially to the town and also to the environment.

If you have lived here longer than a few years (and I'm not a townie, either, but we've been here over 20 years, and my kids were all born here, so they qualify as townies), you do remember when Lavender Lane/Wisteria Way was open space. Our first house was off Kendall street and we used to walk the dog over there. It really wasn't that long ago.

During the last bad recession (in the early 90s), housing prices plummeted, the developer couldn't develop the land, so he offered it to the town for purchase-- not once, but twice, as I recall, maybe even three times. The overrides were turned down each time. Personally, I don't begrudge you any of the services that you require and are entitled to through your taxes and home ownership, but it does make me sad to remember when it was open space that is now gone. No one should blame you, but we can blame ourselves, because we had the chance to retain the open space and blew it, because of course "there is a recession and we can't afford it."

So when Adams Farm came around, it was a miracle for a town that, at the time, refused to pass overrides, actually passed one to purchase the land to "keep as open space." I didn't vote for Adams Farm to sell it off later, to turn it into a golf course (although athletic fields would still be in the spirit of the purchase, I believe), or any of the other short-sighted options that are being floated around. It was purchased so that 20 or 30 years from now, there will still be open space. Period.

For all you "sell the farm-ers", what are you going to sell next time that economy tanks? Selling assets to pay
for operating costs is a basic no-no, Accounting 101.

I am with all those that endeavor to preserve and protect Adams Farm. I have enlisted a full squadron of ravens, as well as red-winged blackbirds, bluejays, a few hawks a flying squirrel and a moose, to help you set up a defensive perimiter. Some people think the property is useless. Have you ever noticed the wildlife LIVING there?

(the squirrel showed up with an aviators leather helmet and goggles...whats up with that?)

fyi: The Ravens Nest opens officially this coming Tuesday. See you all there!!