| The annexation committee met again this evening to discuss the terms of the proposal that would be put forward to the town in an a public meeting next month and possibly as an article during the next town meeting. After the committee and Campanelli compared numbers on what the town would consider in compensation, it became clear the parties are too far apart to consider the project any longer. Therefore, the land will remain in Dedham's jurisdiction, no warrant article for annexation will be submitted, and Campanelli will develop the land in accordance with Dedham's zoning restrictions.
Using analyses performed by Mariellen Murphy and David Martin, the committee estimated that a payment to the town in compensation for the land would have to be far more than the $5 Million Campanelli considered its upper limit in an offer to the town. David Martin may be able to provide more details on why the parties saw the compensation package so differently.
Campanelli indicated that they would continue to maximize the current industrial use of the land while considering other development options. They also stated that a housing development may still be considered for the Boston portion of the property, with a "compatible" use of the Dedham land as part of that proposal.
Overall, I would have to agree with the committee that the developers were clear and forthright with their intentions concerning annexation, and I'm happy to see the matter settled quickly. It will be interesting to see what new plans Campanelli has in store for the property, but the tone of tonights meeting made me hopeful.
Background on this topic can be found here.
UPDATE: The Daily News Transcript has an article on the August 22 meeting up on their website.
Universal Hub has also picked up the news as they do with everything!
UPDATE 2: There is another article in the Transcript on 8/24. Exactly who should we be talking to in order to encourage this biotech/housing idea? I think we need to see our representation and the mayor stepping up.
UPDATE 3: Brian points out in the comments the link to the Globe coverage. |
