Winthrop Voters Head to Polls on Tuesday for Override Vote

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Winthrop voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to determine whether a debt-exclusion override should be approved for the revitalization of Miller Field and a major drainage project in the Miller lake area.

The debt-exclusion override question for $9.8 million, if passed, would create funding for a new multi-sport Miller Field with synthetic turf, a regulation track, new bleachers, concession stand, and more.

Back in May the Town Council pondered whether an $8 million override request would be enough to cover the project. A couple weeks later the council decided on $9.8 million for the project. Town Council President Robert Driscoll Jr. said the finance committee wanted the amount capped. Town Councilor Nick Delvento said with $9.8 million the town would be at the upper limit of the overall project.

If the override passes property owners will see their tax bill go up $130-$155 per year for the life of a 15-year bond. The shorter-term bond is favored to reduce the impact of interest.

Tuesday MassPort presented a $2.5 million check to the town. Many hope the funds can be used on the project, but a non-profit charitable foundation has been set up to determine use of the funds. A board of directors will also be set up to determine where the money goes.

Voting will be held on Tuesday, June 21.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polling places are: Precincts 1-2-5 -Winthrop HS Gymnasium (Pauline Street)

 Precinct 3- Senior Center

 Precinct 4-O’Connell Hall (Golden Drive)

 Precinct 6 – Senior Center

Town Clerk Carla Vitale said she is hoping for a high turnout. In November 2013 when the town voted for the new high/middle school, 3,284 voters said yes, 1,881 said no and 369 voters entered the booth but did not cast a vote.