Development Planning Forum Set for Dec. 11

Winthrop residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the town’s future development plans at a public planning forum on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Cummings School multi-purpose room.

Joseph Domelowicz, grant manager and assistant to Town Manager James McKenna, said the forum is a joint event of the town and the Metropolitan Planning Area Council (MAPC).

A planner from the MAPC has been working with the Planning Board, town officials, and residents on future planning and development efforts in the town. The MAPC’s assistance was secured by a grant.

“Basically, what we’re trying to do is get a sense of how people want to see the town grow,” said Domelowicz, who is the town’s liaison to the MAPC. “As we look at revitalizing old properties or building new projects, we want to ascertain what kinds of projects we are looking to bring to the town.”

Currently there are three projects in the pipeline: the conversion of the Dalrymple School building into affordable housing units; the building of an assisted living facility on the former Winthrop Hospital property; and the building of new housing units for people ages 55 and older at the site of Temple Tifereth Israel.

Domelowicz said the forum will address this question: What other kinds of things (besides the three aforementioned projects) should the town be looking for in terms of developing the community?

“We want people to come to the forum and tell us what they’d like to see in town in terms of businesses, residential developments, mixed-used developments, and other potential projects,” said Domelowicz. “We want to hear from the community.”

Cynthia Wall, a senior regional planner from MAPC, will make a short presentation at the outset of the forum and then seek input from attendees at the forum.

Domelowicz said the MAPC will compile a report with recommendations to the town and the Planning Board on the best course of action for future developments in the town.