Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 23 pages · 4.5 MB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 3, 2024
President Letterie calls Town Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Harvey Hearing Room
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello,
Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie
Absent: Councilor DaRos
MINUTES
Motion by Vice President Belcher to Approve the Approval of Minutes of November 19, 2024 as circulated.
2"4 by Councilor Swope
Councilor DeMarco abstains
Motion Passed
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Nate Cramer and Kathleen Hickey of the Assessor’s Office discuss the FY25 Towns Tax Classification
Please see copy of Presentation on Town Website
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Public Hearing Opened
Town Council appropriate the sum of $368,000 to pay for the Design and Engineering cost of
water main replacements
Discussion
Public Hearing Closed
Public Hearing Opened
Town Council vote to authorize the Town to accept & expend the amount of $475,000 in the form of a
Grant from Clean Water Trust
Discussion
Public Hearing Closed
PUBLIC COMMENT
Peter Gill P5-Opposes Fires Station at the Middle School Site. Believes the Basketball courts is a better
suited location. The Middle School site should be used for housing. Requests Town Council to discuss this
matter at the meeting.
Jack Dowd P1-Gives information to Councilor Swope on the Winthrop Pathways and Walkways
Requests a re-evaluation on the current Fire House to review if could be reconstructed.
Marci Hamilton P2-Commented on the Town Council vote on 3A. Requests Town Council to report updates
with MWRA and Massport Contracts.
Todd Sacco P5-Discusses the Town Council Abandonment Clause
Lois Baxter P2-Discusses the endorsement of the Pauline St. location to be chosen for the new Fire Station.
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to allow a nonresident, Attorney Kuzinski to speak on behalf of 76
Summit St. Easement
2"4 by Councilor DeMarco
Passed Unanimously
Attorney Kuzinski continues discussion on this easement and requests Town Council to approve this
request.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 1
CORRESPONDENCE
Brian Perrin’s letter is read into the record of his opposition of the town releasing the public pathway on 76
Summit Ave.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Vice President Belcher reports on meeting and that motions reviewed were both voted with a positive
recommendation and reviewed the FY25 Tax Classification and did discuss a residential exemption to be
reviewed in the future and was voted with a positive recommendation.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Town Council President reports that the School Override Question and reviewing budget to ask for another
election to be held was discussed.
A warrant was voted on.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager report is now issued electronically and posted on the website for any questions or
comments. The Town Manager did want to include that the authorization for the sidewalk study has been
completed and he will schedule a presentation to the Town Council in the future.
Councilor Swope requests that though the Town Manager may believe not voting for 3A will be difficult for
the town, she requests he still support the vote.
Requests pathways are included in any sidewalk studies in the future.
Councilor Aiello asks if there has been any correspondence with the AG on 3A.
Town Manager reports we are not out of compliance until 12-31-24
Councilor Aiello asks all updates be posted on website.
Reports unfortunately, the Town Council did not ask for a formal presentation from the WPB to discuss and
he has two comments he would like clarification on
-CBD and whether the guidance read to us is in fact irrelevant with our draft settlement with the state...they
were accepting our zoning
-All other language that was read...if you intend to create a new mixed use development does not impact
us... WPB said the CBD wiil not be a 3A district and not subject to mixed use...
TM- Yes, this is a true statement...
Councilor Aiello asks our town attorney if the Town Council has any personal liability since the voted
against the State on MBTA 3A.
Attorney Cipoletta discusses and explains the town might be considered in violation of the law and how the
Governor and Attorney General can request a court order of the town violating this law. There is a broader
explanation of what the future holds on communities that did not comply with this law.
Vice President P Belcher requests on next TM report an update on Yirrell Beach...
Councilor Tassinari...Discusses the FY26 Budget planning and requests a consultant review a Master plan
and a physical impact study ...we making decisions that have no contribution to what we want our town to
look like in the next 30 years and would like this to change and be updated.
We need to consider the climate resilience and the future costs
Councilor Munson...He wants this on record that this report should be read allowed and discussed
He thought Morton St. gathering great....sandbag plan worked on where to install these bags in the best
place... worked with DPW Calla and neighbors...
Best place for these bags were against the property.
There has been a resolution on traffic during flood times.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 2
Engineering Design quote will be brought forward to the Town Council
Monies have been set aside for coastal towns., but, these grants are contingent on being 3A compliant.
Councilor Tassinari requests follow up on Morton and Banks design...do we have follow up on Girdlestone
and Tileston?
Director Calla reports that hydraulic is complete and have a memo report...will discuss with the Town
Manager
This also includes Pico area...
Councilor Costigan asks if vehicle buy out parking effects 3A?
Town Manager reports ,no
He requests that though the Town Council voted no on 3A, the Town Managers office respect this while in
discussions with the state.
Town Manager Marino reports he and his staff will always be the greatest advocates on any discussions
with the State in reference to the Town. Whether he agreed with vote or not, he will always push for Grant
monies.
CDICR
No Meeting
UPDATE POLICY MAKING COMMITTEES
Up to Date on Committee Meetings
OLD BUSINESS
Motion by Councilor DeMarco to waive the reading of the motion
2"4 by Councilor Swope
Passed Unanimously
Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council appropriate the
sum of $368,000 to pay for the Design and Engineering cost of water main replacements... (Motion was
attached)
No 2"4 Needed
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello,
Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie
Absent: Councilor DaRos
Motion Passes
Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to authorize
the Town to accept & expend the amount of $475,000 in the form of a Grant from Clean Water Trust
..(Motion was attached)
No 2"4 Needed
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello,
Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie
Absent: Councilor DaRos
Motion Passes
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 3
Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council maintains a shift
of one single class rate between residential and commercial property, not recommending a discount to be
granted to open space, a residential exemption or a small commercial exemption
No 2" Needed
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello,
Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie
Absent: Councilor DaRos
Motion Passes
FIRE STATION DISCUSSION
Town Council President reports that the survey sent out for location was roughly 55% favored Pauline St.
and 45% favored Walden St. He requests a vote on this and goes forward with this discussion of the debt
exclusion vote for the new Fire Station.
Vice President Belcher is leaning towards the Walden St. location.
Councilor DeMarco asks about a backup plan if the vote is opposed.
Councilor Aiello discusses the School Override and the need for more discussion and explanation of this
vote, he believes would have helped the outcome of this vote.
He requests a more detailed question for the Schools.
He asks discussions on all be stopped and put everything together to discuss what this town needs and how
to dig us out of the hole. We have no plan, we are not read to vote.
Councilor Tassinari requests the removal of the Middle School as well
Councilor Munson does not want to prolong process and believes the Walden St. location for the Fire
Station would be best.
Councilor Aiello does not feel that costs are sufficient, we need more information.
We are not voting in favor for the taxpayers...we need more options...
He will be voting against both Overrides at this point.
Town Council President reiterates that we have received information from the residents that we are ready to
begin this vote and move forward with this Fire Station. The conditions that our Fire Men are living is
deplorable.
We need to ask the public what they want.
To not continue this conversation is unjust. We have been incredibly attentive to our town’s infrastructure
but we also have to be aware of costs.
Town Council President is open to a motion to vote...
Motion by Vice President Belcher to consider the Walden St. location for the Fire Station Debt
Exclusion Vote to be on a future ballot
No 2" was given
Motion does not pass
Town Council President reports discussion of Fire House will again be continued.....
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 4
Summit Ave Pathway
Councilor Swope reports months of discussion on this project. There have been several committee meetings
on this particular project and the committee was voting with a positive recommendation until further
comments from the public opposing the town releasing this pathway came into light...
Discussion continues that these pathways are an important part of history for this town and we should
consider some maintenance for these pathways to be restored.
Motion by the Town Council to release this pathway to the homeowner on 76 Summit Ave. to put in a
driveway
ROLL CALL
No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello,
Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie
Yes: President Letterie
Absent: Councilor DaRos
Motion Does Not Pass
COUNCILOR ATTENDANCE
Town Council President discusses the last meetings and the attendance has not been favorable by certain
councilors.
At this point he council would have to motion for the current abandonment clause not to take effect. There
are two councilors that have technically abandoned their positions.
The town deserves proper attendance by all councilors.
This will continue at next Town Council Meeting for a motion
Town Council President reports on developing a committee an Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing
PUBLIC COMMENT
-Marci Hamilton P2-Requests information and updates on all flooding areas in town be discussed at each
Town Council meeting.
-Todd Sacco P5-Discusses the State trying to bully towns with the forcing them to vote yes on 3A in order
to be considered for grants. It is just wrong.
-Lois Baxter P5-Consider public safety building on Pauline St.
-Cassie Withause P6-Does thank all TC and does not think paid enough and thanks all ....it would be
helpful to have an estimate on the Fire Station...make it clear to all on what is familiar....pass out in
town....build awareness and educate people...
Excited a new affordable housing committee will be considered....there are guidelines that will have to be
followed....there are a lot of offers out there that we can research. Transparency and accountability are very
important...
-Charles Scott P6-Thanks the Town Council considering the request for the path....also would like to add
that path way stairs should be replaced but lighting is very important....he can name several...but cost
should be considered...
-Mark Sennot feels fire house debt exclusion is in jeopardy
Prior to 3A, Town Council has committed to take care of the flooding victims...this flooding has nothing to
do with 3A...It is a flooding issue separate from 3A...6 mos prior to 3A ever being discussed...
-Gina Edgett P6-Discussed the camera staying on the Summit Ave pathway...she has video on drug use...
She would like it to stay for safety reasons....dept. of public works please take care of the pathway...it
needs a lot of repair work...
-Marci Hamilton P2-Do we have an ER Plan in case of a catastrophe?
TM Yes we do....
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGES
-Karin Chavis P2-This Town Council abandonment clause was not done intentionally to hurt anyone...it
was for scheduled meetings only and for Town Councilors that chose not to come, but why?
She cannot believe that this Town Council would not vote on the Fire House....it is wrong...why is Fire
Station being postponed AGAIN.....she only gets involves with what she believes in and she believes our
fire men deserve better.
Hopes all Town Councilors that did not vote are very happy with themselves and asks that they once again
visit our current Fire House and how safety personnel are are living.
Lisa Howard — Superintendent of Schools would like to clarify the School Override Question and this
particular subject has been discussed in complete detail. If the Town Council ever had a problem with this
Override Question why did you not attend a School Committee Meeting, why did you not ask the Town
Council President who is on the School Committee. Her comments are for a full clarity of this transparent
and detailed information of the limited funds the school has had over the years. She is stumped that any
Town Councilor does not understand the need of this Override. She is open for any questions from anyone,
especially the Town Councilors.
-Vasilli Mallios P5-Gives shout out to new fencing on River Rd that DPW put in
-Kathleen Capuccio P5-Lisa Howard said everything she wanted to say....and believes it outrageous any
councilor would make any derogatory comments on the School Committee and the Override Question
She is amazed that there was no 2™ on the Fire Station Motion. Our Firefighters are working in non-
compliant facilities.
PUBLIC RELATIO ING EVE
Closing 12-24-24 at 12:00pm / Closed 12-25-24 / Open 12-26-24 from 8:00am-4:30pm
Closing 12-31-24 at 4:30 pm / Closed 1-1-25 / Open 1-2-25 from 8:00am-4:30pm
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Vice President Belcher at 9:00 pm
2°4 by Councilor DeMarco
Passed Unanimously
Public Documents used in the meeting are available at Town Managers Office.
Documents Used in this Meeting: Handwritten Notes / Committee Openings Documents Roll Call Log
Written Motions / Verbal Motion
Respectfully submitted.
Denise Quist
Town Clerk
Council Clerk
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 6
September, 2024
Town of WINTHROP
New Fire Station
@ Option 4: Walden Street
KAESTLE BOOS
Opinion of Probable Costs ~ Concept Level associates, inc
Description Subtotals/ Totals Comments
1. Construction Costs
HazMat Abatement + Demoltion $180,000 Interpolated
Relocate Basketball Courts to Ingleside Park $1,000,000
Site Work $2,750,000 Interpolated
FIRE Facility 27,130 sF $13,565,000 Interpolated
Subtotal: ~~ $17,495,000"
Design/Estimating Contingency @ 15% $2,624,000 Noriko
Subtotal Direct Trade Costs: | _~ $20,119,000
General Conditions & Overhead @ 8.00% $1,610,000 Noriko
Insurance @ 1.40% $304,000 Noriko
Bonds @ 1.00% $220,000 Noriko
GC Fee (Profit) @ 3.00% $668,000 Noriko
Permit Fee @ 1.50% Waived by Town
Subtotal: $22,921,000
Escalation (to 2026 Bid) @ 16,00% $3,667,000 Noriko
Total Construction Cost: $26,588,000
2. Equipping Costs
Loose Equipment $350,000 Allowance
AV Equipment $400,000 Allowance
Security / Access Control $543,000 Allowance
Furniture & Furnishings $407,000 Allowance
Communications Equipment $50,000 Allowance
New Antenna Tower / Connection $50,000 Allowance
Network & Computers $100,000 Allowance
Total Equipping Cost: $1,900,000
3. Owner's Indirect Costs
Land Survey $20,000 Completed
Geotechnical Investigation +Assess $35,000
Design & Construction A&E fees $2,850,000 10% of Const.& Equip.Cost
Additional Services and Reimbursables $360,000
Project Management (OPM) $1,200,000 4,5% of Const.Cost
Utility Backcharges $100,000 Allowance
Moving $50,000 Allowance
Reproduction / Miscellaneous $25,000 Assume OnLine Service
Legal/Advertising $40,000 Allowance
Material Testing $80,000
Subtotal Owner's Indirect Costs: — $4,760,000
Owner's Contingency (10% of all costs) $2,430,000
Total Owner's Indirect Costs: $7,190,000
Total Project Cost: $35,678,000
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September, 2024
Town of WINTHROP
New Fire Station
@ Option 2: Pauline Street
KAESTLE BOOS
Opinion of Probable Costs _~ Concept Level associates, inc
Description Subtotals/ Totals Comments
1. Construction Costs
HazMat Abatement + Demolition $1,500,000 Noriko
Relocating Existing Storm Water Pipe $3,696,000
Site Work $2,625,000 Noriko
FIRE facility 27,130 sF $13,000,000 Interpolated
Subtotal: $20,821,000
Design/Estimating Contingency @ 15% $2,523,000
Subtotal Direct Trade Costs: | ~ $23,344,000
General Conditions & Overhead @ 8.00% $1,868,000 Noriko
Insurance @ 1.40% $353,000 'Noriko
Bonds @ 1.00% $256,000 ‘Noriko
GC Fee (Profit) @ 3.00% $775,000 Noriko
Permit Fee @ 1.50% Waived by Town
Subtotal: $26,596,000
Escalation (to a 2026 Bid) @ 16.00% $4,255,000 Noriko
Total Construction Cost: $30,851,000
2. Equipping Costs
Loose Equipment $350,000 Allowance
AV Equipment $400,000 Allowance
Security / Access Control $543,000 Allowance
Furniture & Furnishings $407,000 Allowance
Communications Equipment $50,000 Allowance
New Antenna Tower / Connection $50,000 Allowance
Network & Computers $100,000 Allowance
Total Equipping Cost: $1,900,000
3. Owner's Indirect Costs
Land Survey $20,000
Geotechnical Investigation + Assess. $35,000
Design & Construction A&E fees $3,280,000 10% of Const.& Equip.Cost
Additional Services and Reimbursables $360,000
Project Management (OPM) $1,390,000 4.0% of Const.Cost
Utility Backcharges $100,000 Allowance
Moving $50,000 Allowance
Reproduction / Miscellaneous $25,000 Assume Online Service
Legal/Advertising $40,000 Allowance
Material Testing $80,000
Subtotal Owner's Indirect Costs: $5,380,000
Owner's Contingency (10% of all costs) $2,820,000
Total Owner's Indirect Costs: $8,200,000
Total Project Cost: $40,951,000
Anthony Marino
Town Manager
Town Manager Report
12-3-2024
© Met with the most impacted homeowners (8-10 homes) on Morton and Banks Street and devised a
plan to place sandbags around some homes. Director Calla has calculated how many bags we
need, and we will implement a plan to install them. Initially, we discussed creating a volunteer
event on a Saturday Morning to have them installed. It may take two days to get them installed.
e Working with Union Representatives to schedule the initial Contract negotiation meetings. Five
Unions (2 Police Unions, Clerical, Library, and DPW) have contracts that expire on June 30, 2025.
e Special thanks to everyone involved in another successful tree-lighting event in French Square.
The tree looked great, and I want to thank Mike Upton from the DPW and all the DPW workers
who worked on setting up the tree, ensuring a fantastic tree-lighting experience.
e | informed Chris Kluchman, Director of the Livable Communities Division with EOHLC, about
the Council vote and that we would be sending a letter in December about our non-compliance
vote of the Town Council and our next steps. She was disappointed in the vote but appreciated us
contacting her.
e [met with and formally introduced Cheryl McCormick to John DaRos and Ana Leary from the
Climate Commission. We discussed the list of climate-resilient projects that we are working on
and the impact that not being compliant with MBTA/3A zoning would have on future applications.
e Starting on the FY26 Budget Planning Process and sending out expectations to the Dept. Heads.
The Department budgets will be due by the end of December, and we will start to compile the
FY26 Base Budget Document in January 2025. We look forward to working with the Town
Council Members, Finance Commission, School Committee, and Department heads as we create
the FY26 Budget for the Town Council.
Please contact me directly if you have any questions about the items listed above or any other issues.
Thank you.
Anthony Marino
Winthrop Town Manager
amarino@winthropma.gov
Denise Quist
From: rkelso33 <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 1:13 PM
To: Towncouncil@winthropma.gov; Denise Quist; John DaRos
Subject: Summit Ave Stairway
Dear Friends -
lam writing to support the retention of the Summit Avenue stairway as a public walkway. | live at 6
Grovers Avenue (corner of Grovers and Summit).
As homeowners here we have safely utilized that stairway for years on our walks around the
neighborhood.
The cut-throughs of Winthrop are not only beloved by the community, they carry historic value and
are one of the many things about Winthrop we enjoy. My husband who grew up here points
these stairways out to visitors to this wonderful town.
| hope you will consider this request as you entertain the idea that this particular space be made
a driveway. It is a walkway used by many of us in the neighborhood and it would be a loss if its access
was privatized for the use of one property. Instead we respectfully ask that you to let us share it as a
community.
Sincerely,
Rachel Alabiso
Denise Quist
mal
From: Sarah Jane Fourness <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:40 AM
To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us
Subject: Public Stair Conversion from Summit to Crest
Hello Town Council,
| am reaching out regarding the potential conversion of the public way on Summit Avenue into private
property. | think this is the opposite direction that we should be going in with respect to the space, but
rather, | would like to see the town investing in it to update the stairs and provide better lighting. These
stairs are a feature connecting residential to commercial and are an asset to our community; not just to
residents on Summit, but to the neighboring streets and the businesses. A decision to privatize the space
benefits a few people but takes away from many.
Best,
Sarah Jane Fourness
Denise Quist
From: Jonathan Mctague <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:26 AM
To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us
Subject: Summit Ave - Certain Right of Way agenda item tonight
Good Morning Town Council,
| hope this email finds you weil. | understand this evenings agenda is extremely packed with new and old business.
| am unable to make it to the meeting in person due to teaching at the university | currently work at.
I did want to share my concern on the agenda item 14.3 - release and abandonment of a Certain Right of Way (Summit
Ave).
As a resident of Summit Ave for four years, | have used this access point weekly to walk or run down my local business
establishments such as Jacs or to visit family and friends who live on Sagamore and Hutchinson.
This public access point has continued to provide a safe and unique alternative to our small town other than the Main
Street/sidewalks.
| truly hope that this does not go away, especially to become part of a residential property or a driveway.
| have enjoyed bringing friends and family through this cut through and at any time of day or night. It is one of the safest
and cleanest routes to and from Summit Ave to Crest Ave.
| encourage Town Counsel to vote AGAINST this motion during old business to ensure our small town of Winthrop
remains accessible and unique for all of our residence.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Jonathan McTague
Summit Ave
Winthrop, MA
Denise Quist
Hee nn en
From: Michael Masone <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:26 AM
To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us
Subject: Town Council Meeting 10/29 - Motion to abandon right of way on Summit Ave
Dear Town Council
I'd like to voice my concern regarding the motion to abandon the path connecting Summit Ave down to Crest Ave by the
two citizens who own property adjacent to it. |am shocked to hear that this motion has gone this far through the
process, but appreciate your support in dismissing it. | walk down that path every week with my dog, to shop on crest
ave, or to just go for a stroll. It’s an asset to this neighborhood and feels safer than walking along some of our busy
streets. | have never seen any needles nor know what drugs or homeless people these residents are speaking of.
Additionally, in a time where we should be promoting walking to encourage less emissions and healthy lifestyles, we
should be building more paths like this, not taking them away. Winthrop is one of the densest communities in
Massachusetts yet continues to be limited by car focused infrastructure that inhibits its residents to enjoy all that it has
to offer. | implore the council to block this motion and instead focus efforts on rebuilding the path and putting forward
proposals to build more pedestrian pathways across the town.
These two sour residents should not be allowed to remove something that they had full knowledge of prior to moving
into their residences and also something that has existed in town for decades, with no issues. Plenty of residents park
their cars on the street with no problems, and these people should be no different.
That you again for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Michael Masone
100 Summit Ave, Apt 2
[removed]
Winthrop, MA 02152
[removed]
Denise Quist
Ce el
From: sandy pathe <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:25 AM
To: towncouncil@winthropma.gov; Denise Quist
Subject: Stairway to Crest Ave/Summit Ave
Hello,
{am a resident of Winthrop on Summit Ave and | am very concerned around the motion of replacing the
stairway that leads to Crest Ave with a driveway.
What is more alarming is hearing the reason, it being a haven for drug use. My neighbors and | use these
stairs regularly in daylight and evening hours. Not only is it a lovely part of the town's history, it
encourages us to walk, minimize transit, and is most definitely NOT a haven for drug use or
homelessness.
| would think our local police officials would be intervening if this were the case.
My neighbors and | are against this, and for the preservation of the pieces of history that the long term
residents of this town claim to wish to preserve at every town council regarding housing.
Much appreciated,
Sandy Pathe
From: Jonathan McTague <[removed]>
Date: October 29, 2024 at 11:22:04 AM EDT
To: Towncouncil@winthropma.gov
Subject: Summit Ave - Certain Right of Way agenda item tonight
Good Morning Town Council,
| hope this email finds you well. | understand this evenings agenda is extremely packed
with new and old business.
| am unable to make it to the meeting in person due to teaching at the university | currently
work at.
| did want to share my concern on the agenda item 14.3 - release and abandonment of a
Certain Right of Way (Summit Ave).
As aresident of Summit Ave for four years, | have used this access point weekly to walk or
run down my local business establishments such as Jacs or to visit family and friends who
live on Sagamore and Hutchinson.
This public access point has continued to provide a safe and unique alternative to our
small town other than the Main Street/sidewalks.
| truly hope that this does not go away, especially to become part of a residential property
or a driveway.
| have enjoyed bringing friends and family through this cut through and at any time of day or
night. It is one of the safest and cleanest routes to and from Summit Ave to Crest Ave.
| encourage Town Counsel to vote AGAINST this motion during old business to ensure our
small town of Winthrop remains accessible and unique for all of our residence.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Jonathan McTague
Summit Ave
Winthrop, MA
Denise Quist
From: Paul Basken <paul@basken.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 10:40 AM
To: towncouncil@winthropma.gov; Anthony Marino
Cec: Denise Quist
Subject: Summit Ave to Crest Ave pathway
Dear Winthrop Town Councilors,
| join other Winthrop residents in asking you to absolutely reject the idea of relinquishing public rights to
the public stairway at Summit Avenue leading to Crest Avenue, and any other such giveaways of public
land to private owners for the further encouragement of the use of individual motor vehicles over safer,
healthier and less expensive alternatives such as walking, biking and using public transit.
That kind of giveaway -- even if it produces some nominal amount of public funding at the moment -- is
far more costly in the long run, and absolutely represents the wrong direction for this town, especially
given Winthrop's already-suffocating levels of prioritization of the use of individual motor vehicles.
| already live with the repercussions of this kind of short-sighted giveaway of public property -- a public
connection long ran alongside my house between Nevada Street and Forrest Street, until the town
sometime in the 1990s allowed its purchase by adjacent homeowners. That poor decision to sell off
public land led to more car parking, and more obstacles to the free use of our house and other houses,
including fences that block access to our exterior doors and block freedom of walking in our
neighborhood. But now that it's been done, there's pretty much nothing that can be done to fix it. This
kind of decision is effectively permanent, with no way to undo the damage once it becomes evident in the
years ahead .
More generally, Winthrop's town leadership should take a hard look at all the kinds of public
subsidization of individual motor vehicle use that it creates in this town, from vastly underpriced public
parking permits (only $5 for an entire year's rental of public land) to the virtual 100 percent allocation of
all public roadway to the use of private motor vehicles, and begin to understand why that approach is
literally killing our town and other communities.
You're starting to feel the repercussions of that massive policy mistake in the increasingly loud
complaints from motorists who encounter chronic congestion getting into and out of Winthrop by car --
including the hideous experiences and blight of roadways such as Route 1 and Route 16 -- and have been
misled into thinking that the solution lies anywhere other than ending the use of their taxpayer dollars to
subsidize private motor vehicle use.
That fundamentally mistaken approach is now erupting in the form of Winthrop citizens who think their
town is too congested to allow more housing -- despite the obvious need for it -- because they
automatically associate more people with more cars. You'll hear that frustration even more loudly once
you truly begin to understand the long-term costs facing this town as it tries to cope with the hard
environmental realities facing a low-lying coastal community that is stuck living in an archaic car-only
mindset.
Denise Quist
LT
From: Joanne Hillman <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 8:51 AM
To: Towncouncil@winthropma.gov
Ce: Denise Quist
Subject: Summit Ave Stairway
| am writing to support the retention of the Summit stairway. | live at 116 Summit. | have used that
stairway many times as a safe traffic free way to get to the shops on Crest Ave. When my grandaughters
are here we use it to get to the Crest Ave Park. Also, there are bus stops on Crest.
| have not personally seen anything untoward happening there. My family did come upon a falcon one
day on the stairs, and promptly turned around to give him the right of way. Even the wildlife appreciates
it.
Denise Quist
Cena en
From: Scott Mahoney-Wright <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 8:27 AM
To: towncouncil@winthropma.gov; Anthony Marino
Cc: Denise Quist; Scott Mahoney-Wright
Subject: Retain Right of Way - Summit Avenue Walkway / Pathway
Attachments: Screenshot 2024-10-29 7.17.52 AM.png; Screenshot 2024-10-29 7.14.17 AM.png; Vision
Government Solutions.pdf
Good Morning,
1am writing to express concern over the Town of Winthrop's potential forfeiture of its right of way to the pedestrian
pathway adjacent to 76 Summit Avenue. Upon review of this two-family residential property (see attachments), adding
a driveway would benefit the property owner and any tenants; whereas relinquishing the right of way by the town
would not serve to benefit the broader community. The current owners of said property purchased it knowing there was
an absence of a driveway. The property was constructed in 1920. | would suspect the pathway was created around the
same time or even before the residence was built. As you are well aware, these points of access for pedestrians are
interwoven into the fabric of our community. They add history, charm, and a unique aesthetic to the town. Residents
constantly emphasize that Winthrop is different and special. These pedestrian pathways and walkways are part of that
"special" design we have here and maintained for centuries.
Have the property owners at 76 Summit Avenue reported ongoing issues to the WPD [loitering, drug paraphernalia,
etc.)? What about the adjacent property owners at 70 Summit Avenue? What is their take on the town giving away its
right of way to the Summit Ave pathway? The property owners at 65 and 71 Sagamore (directly behind 76 and 70
Summit); has someone from the town spoken with them yet on this matter? It would seem that relinquishing the right
of way would impact them (at least | would think so). If there are serious issues where loitering, presence of drug
paraphernalia and such concerns can be effectively addressed between town departments (police, DPW, etc.) rather
than just eliminating a pedestrian pathway that has existed for years and serves to make traversing Winthrop on foot
much safer for pedestrians, that would seem to be an appropriate route in which to follow.
These stairways, walkways, and pathways exist almost everywhere in town. We have several on the Point and | utilize
them all the time when walking throughout the neighborhood. Do these walkways, staircases, and pathways need to be
maintained and well-cared for by the town? Yes, of course. To fund any repairs, we can search for infrastructure grants.
To address loitering, homelessness, and any presence of drug use, we can enlist the assistance of the WPD, CLEAR
program, and the Winthrop Health Department. Maintenance and repairs can be overseen through the DPW. Possibly
establishing a core of neighborhood volunteers to keep these walkways, staircases, and pathways free of debris, etc. It
takes a village.
| urge each of you to reject this motion with a resounding NO.
Respectfully,
Scott Mahoney-Wright
Precinct 3 / Point Shirley
He/Him
Denise Quist
SS i SS SS as as =a
From: Julia Wallerce <[removed]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 6:35 AM
To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us
Ce: Denise Quist; Anthony Marino
Subject: Keep Summit Ave Stairway
Dear Councilors,
| see in the packet for tonight’s meeting that there is a motion by Council President Letterie to relinquish
public rights to the public stairway at Summit Ave, leading to Crest Ave, so that a couple of new residents
(bought in 2020) can build a driveway. Please vote NO to reject this motion.
After the outpouring of support for our public walkways and staircases over a year ago when this attempt
was first made, | am shocked to see it back on the table. We may not have the narrow gage railroad
anymore but these walkways and staircases, including the one on Summit Ave, provide enormous value
to the town. Not only do they add historical charm, they are safe and enjoyable ways to navigate the
community on foot, providing pedestrian access to schools, parks, businesses and yes, transit (which
the attorneys letter erroneously claims it does not do, despite that the 712 stops at the top and bottom of
Crest Ave).
To give up our rights to this stairway so that a couple of residents can build a driveway is blatantly not in
the public interest. We should be making it easier for people of all ages to walk safely throughout our
community, not for people to build more driveways.
The attorney claims the stairway has become a “haven for homelessness and drugs”. Is there any proof
of this? Can the WPD verify this activity? And if it is tue, can we instead address the problem by adding
security presence or lighting, as has been done on other paths?
| am a huge fan of the improvements that were made recently to the public stairway at Hermon and
Walden Street which | use with my dog and/or children almost daily. | assumed this was the level of care
that the rest of our public staircases would receive as it was made quite clear in the last public meeting
about this that these are highly valued public assets. | am deeply disappointed to see this issue on the
agenda again tonight and hope you will reject it.
Sincerely,
Julia Wallerce, precinct 2
Fe SII II
Thank you!
Julia Wallerce
@juliawallerce
Co-Founder, Project Play Winthrop
Denise Quist
ae Ei Be Ss a STS SSS SSE
From: Brian Perrin <bperrin@perrinlawoffices.com>
Sent: Monday, December 2, 2024 9:29 PM
To: Denise Quist
Cec: Brian Perrin
Subject: OPPOSITION TO CITIZEN'S PETITION SUMMIT AVENUE
PLEASE READ AT PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO SUMMIT AVENUE VOTE AT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON 12-3-24:
Dear Winthrop Town Council,
| am writing to express my strongest opposition to the Citizen's Petition seeking to purchase public land or extinguish
the town's easement for any portion of the public pathway on Summit Avenue. These historic pathways have been in
existence for well over 100 years, serving as vital corridors for public access and contributing to the unique character
and charm of our town.
Spread throughout Winthrop, these pathways are essential for accessing our businesses, beaches, and neighborhoods.
Their value far outweighs the request of any individual seeking additional parking or private use of public space. Allowing
the extinguishment of this easement or sale of any portion of this or any public pathway would not only erode our town’s
history, but also set a dangerous precedent. Every inch of public pathway we lose diminishes our connection to the past
and our ability to move freely and conveniently throughout our community. This petition, initiated by a local landowner,
will likely encourage other individuals to seek similar exemptions, potentially leading to gaps in our network of pathways
and even landlocking portions of public easements or land.
| strongly urge the Town Council to consider the long-term consequences of this petition and to deny it in order to
preserve the integrity of our historic pathways.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Thank you,
Brian J. Perrin Sr. Esq.
Perrin Law Offices
217 Lincoln Street
Winthrop MA 02152
Off: 617-846-8122
Fax: 617-846-8123
bperrin@perrinlawoffices.com