Letters to the Editor

ATTEND THE NEXT MWRA MEETING

Dear Editor:

I am writing to defend my neighborhood from the MWRA’s construction plans to build a large parking lot and pier on Deer Island that will have a negative impact on residents down the Point, those who live and drive along the route to Deer Island, and those who don’t want to see overcrowding on the walking paths.

As the phrase goes, “If you build it, they will come,” and a new large parking lot will certainly bring increased traffic and congestion on our narrow, residential streets that are already in desperate need of repair.  The parking lot will also demolish one of the few pieces of green space left in our area and turn one of the region’s best views of Boston into a view of a parking lot.  Security is a serious concern too.  This parking lot will be open 24 hours a day, with no sunset to sunrise closure like in other state parks, and is a virtual no man’s land for law enforcement jurisdiction.  Not to mention, where are all these additional visitors going to go the bathroom?! I’m afraid that, with no additional resources planned, we all know the answer to that.

The MWRA contends that our opposition is somehow sudden and unexpected.  But we have been vocalizing our displeasure with these plans for well over a year now.  And we were told by Fred Lasky, the head of the MWRA, that if we didn’t want it, then it wouldn’t be built only for him to backtrack on that promise once funding became available.  If this construction moves forward, it will tarnish the trust and relationship the MWRA has built with the neighborhood residents possibly forever.

There is an MWRA meeting on Thursday June 28, at 7 pm the Winthrop High School Auditorium for residents to be heard and I urge my neighbors to attend.  I also ask Speaker DeLeo and Sen. Boncore to attend so that you can hear firsthand the concerns of your constituents.  And for those living up the Maze or on the beach, I urge you to attend too.  Because if Winthrop people don’t stand up for each other, these state agencies that surround us will trample our neighborhoods one by one.

Sincerely,

Nick LoConte

Precinct 3 Town Councilor

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

Dear Editor:

The Senior Class of 2018 would like to thank the following for their generous contributions to them during their senior year. We are grateful for your help in ensuring our last year in Winthrop Public Schools be an enjoyable and memorable one!

Massport

The 11 Foundation

Michael Eruzione & Winthrop Charities

Senator Joseph Boncore

Speaker Of The House Robert Deleo

Jimmy Gillis And The Winthrop Pro Shop

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

New Deal Deli

Muffin Town

Mutual Beef

Paula Dimartino

Thank you from the class advisors, Gina Massa and Joannie Singarella

 

AMMENDMENTS TO THE CBD ZONING ORDINANCE

Dear Editor:

A joint hearing by the Town Council and the Planning Board will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday June 19 at the Senior Center. The hearing will consider a citizens petition that seeks to amend certain provisions of the Center Business District (CBD) zoning ordinance

The zoning ordinance approved by the Council in 2014 currently allows four story multi unit buildings, requires only three-quarters of a parking space per unit and allows multi unit building within 15 feet of an adjacent residential property. Also, the CBD zoning omits any density provision. Zoning in effect for the rest of the town limits the number of units to one for every  2,000 square feet of the lot. The inadequate parking requirement can be totally avoided by a developer by merely paying the town $2,000.00 for each required space.

 

The petition seeks the following:

1) A density standard of one residential unit per 2000 square feet of a lot as required throughout the rest of the town.

2) Side and rear distances of 50 feet between a multi unit and an adjacent residential home as required in other multi unit zoning.

3) A reduction from four to two stories. In multiple sections the Winthrop zoning ordinance contains language citing an intent for development that is compatible with and enhancing to the character of the surrounding homes and businesses. Four-story buildings especially when combined with no density standard and  insufficient parking would diminish the neighboring properties. The negative effect of shadows does not appear to have considered when adopting the CBD zoning.

4) A change from the current unrealistic requirement of three-quarters of a parking space for each residential unit  to 2 parking spaces per unit This is consistent with other zoning provisions. A two family home is required to have 2 spaces for each unit for a total of four. Under the current CBD zoning, a multi unit building adjacent to a two family home only needs 3/4 of a space per unit. The discrepancy is unjustifiable. The lack of adequate parking would force multi unit occupants to seek parking in the already congested residential neighborhood.

5) A repeal of the $2,000.00 buy out of any and all parking requirements.

All interest citizens are encouraged to contact the members of the Town Council and to attend the June 19 hearing.

Thomas E. Reilly

30 Cottage Park Road

Winthrop MA 02152

617-846-7195

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