Dedham Isn't Done With The Manor Fields Vote

DEDHAM, MA — Two days after Town Meeting and Dedham officials are still unsure with how to proceed regarding the Manor Fields proposal. A narrow vote on Monday night technically approved the proposal, but officials are considering revisiting the proposal before taking action.

The Manor Fields Project, proposed funding for a $14-million recreation complex on Town land known as the Striar Property or Capen Woods. Under the proposal, Dedham households can expect a tax increase of about $81 a year for 20 years.

The article passed on a two-thirds vote, with 148 members for and 75 against. The passage signified that the proposal will now move on to a town-wide vote. There was controversy around the vote being so close, with the first vote yielding 144 votes out of 218 members voting, and a second vote yielding 148 votes out of 223 members voting. Town Counsel prepared a legal opinion (PDF) to address questions people may have about the closeness of the vote.

After the Town Meeting results simmered with members and residents, officials held a meeting to discuss the issue. The Vice Chair of the Select Board, Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Parks and Recreation Director, Town Manager, Town Moderator and Town Counsel, with Board Member Sarah MacDonald participating for a time by telephone, met on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on what would be best for the Town as a whole, the town said in a statement. The participants agreed that there would be value in revisiting the issue. The Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission intends to call a meeting to discuss with the commission, the possibility of requesting that the Select Board call a special town meeting to consider the issue or place it on the warrant for a future Annual Town Meeting.

The town added that the Town Moderator is researching best practices with regard to calculating a 2/3 vote and will report to Town Meeting.