Issues

Position on FSI Alternatives

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Why not the Deerfield or Town owned land behind Starbucks?

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Deerfield School

No access to High Street

Is not easily accessible for anyone

Located in a densely populated neighborhood

Unfair to the residents of the neighborhood

Removes the playing fields for youth sports

Overall building is still in good shape

Can be used for other town offices

 

TOWN-OWNED LAND BEHIND STARBUCKS

Landlocked property- Eminent domain needed to get street access

Not on High Street- hidden from street visibility, set too far back

Unfair to the residents of the neighborhood

Too many environmental concerns that will require extensive permitting and expense i.e. soil, ledge, the unknowns

 

Both scenarios still require the demolition of the old Fire station

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What is your position on a new Middle School?

I favor a New Middle School.  My kids went to Thurston Middle School. I know firsthand the condition, the band-aids added to expand the learning areas, and how the school building is outdated.  In the past, I voted in favor of proceeding with the original application for the Pine Hill School and saw it through to the start of construction.  I sat in numerous meetings on behalf of the Select Board.

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I understand the process and the School Building Authority’s (SBA) need for the Select Board and the School Committee to be unified to proceed with an application.  As a former Select Board member, I understand the need for our schools to be a driving force in attracting young families to Westwood and in continuing to increase our younger tax base.  The SBA provides a significant source of financing for our aging schools.  It’s a long process, and having someone on the Select Board who has already been through the process is beneficial to the town and the schools.

After watching the Superintendent’s presentation, the future school need is at the middle school level.  I strongly support the recent SBA application and would work with the school committee to continue this crusade for a new middle school.

My position as a Select Board member is support the school system whenever possible.  I did it in the past and will in the future.   I hope we are able to sustain all three of our remaining neighborhood schools.  Any decision on this will be decided by the School Committee and not the Select Board.

 

What is your position on in-person meetings versus remote hearings?

 

I believe most hearings, especially on important issues, should be in-person, and if possible, with a remote component.  Not all town facilities can offer virtual hearings or remote options.  Residents should always be a part of the discussion, offering varying insights and opinions.

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Prior to leaving the Select Board in 2023, I was already calling for in-person meetings.  My request was rejected by others who wished to remain virtual.  Presently, I serve on three Boards.  I serve as Chair of the Conservation Commission.  We meet in person two times per month.  I also serve on the Cemetery Commission and the Executive Board of the Council on Aging.  Both meet in person.

 

What is your position on The Prout Farm?  (Bean Farm issue)

Let me start by saying I believe farming is a good thing, and I was excited to see a farm in Westwood.  What started as an issue of whether to allow the expansion of the Bean farm by an additional eight acres of the twenty-three-acre parcel has now become a much bigger issue about who controls the property and what uses are allowed.  This is now bigger than the Town of Westwood and could set a precedent for all cities and towns in Massachusetts.

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The Court must decide whether the Select Board retains control of town property or whether the caretakers can control the uses.   Ultimately, any use authorized by either would still require a public bid and a vote of the residents.  The conservation restriction clearly allows the use of a farm for agriculture. The issue of the Beans is somewhat irrelevant.   The issue is does the Land Trust have the right to control the restriction and forbid farming/agriculture?  It is my understanding that this is what the court is tasked with to decide.  

 

If elected to the Select Board, I would do my best to negotiate what is in the best interest of the town and the land trust to find a compromise that satisfies both sides.  If that agreement cannot be reached, I will allow the judicial system to set the precedence.  If it was agreed to never use this land for farming, why put the restriction in the deed?  

 

The land remains a meadow because it has been maintained and mowed annually.  If the farm is allowed, the meadow will no longer be a meadow, but it will be an area for our residence to enjoy as a farm with a food source to our community.  Again, the town would need to bid this, and it cannot be handed directly to the Bean family.

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In addition, the town would also collect additional tax revenue from the use of the land, as it is not currently generating any income.  I am always open to heathy discussion and value different opinions.  It's all about compromise and finding what is in the best interest of everyone and the interpretation of the law and the restriction.  In my opinion, the fact that this has gotten to this point is unfortunate and needs to be resolved sooner rather than later.  I pledge I will work from day one to make this a priority for all.

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CANTON STREET TO UNIVERSITY AVENUE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

 

The town of Westwood applied for funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) back in 2015 for safety improvements to Canton Street from the East Street Rotary to University Avenue.  The town contracted with TEC, Inc., to do the design of the project.  They held many public information and listening sessions over the years.  They met face to face with residents along Canton Street to hear their concerns.  MassDOT conducted a design public hearing and also heard the residents'/abutters concerns and those willing to speak in favor of the project.  The original proposal has and always will be for a roadway improvement project to address speeding and safety for all.  These roadway improvements would include utility relocations, drainage improvements, and traffic calming to name a few.  

 

The town originally thought that they would be able to include a 5 ft sidewalk on one side of the road and later learned that MassDOT's design requirements had changed and a 10 ft. Shared Use Path for all non-motorized users would be required.  After meeting again with the residents, especially those on Canton Street, it became apparent that the majority (I won't say all) were against the 10 ft. shared use path (referred to as a 3rd lane) and the project became known as the Canton Street Sidewalk Project.  Since I have not been on the Select Board for the last 5 years, I am not certain what if anything has changed in the plans.  Although, I do believe that listening to the residents that are most affected by the project is important; and that is what I would do if re-elected to the Select Board.  I do feel that a compromise can be met that would benefit all residents of Westwood and be an achievable goal for those living on Canton Street.  No one is looking to take away the country-scenic feel of Canton Street.

 

I have personally driven that road, as I have always lived on the Canton Street side of town.  It is dangerous for those walking, running and biking in the road, including children, especially teens.  I would like to see that fixed before someone gets seriously hurt.  It would also be nice to allow all users to safely use Canton Street.  Those walking and biking to school, sports, and any other activity that live off the side roads and have to either drive or bus their children to school due to safety concerns.  People move to communities for walkability.  It is a fact.  We want to keep Canton Street the beautiful scenic byway that it currently is, make it safer and more user friendly, but not negatively impact the properties, trees, walls, etc.  I find myself someone who can find common ground and meet residents in the middle.

 

Lastly and more importantly, my wife works for MassDOT, and I would need to abstain from any votes on the project, regardless of my position for or against Canton Street so I will continue to remain neutral.  As always, please reach out any time.  I am happy to discuss this matter and any other matter that comes before the town.

 

 

More questions?  Just call or email me.   Cell# 617-201-1230 or mike@mfwalsh.com