Information on Lakeview Property on Town Website

As a resident of Wenham for over 10 years, with two children who attend the Buker Elementary School, I am submitting my opinion regarding the potential purchase of the Lakeview Property by the Town of Wenham (full disclosure: my husband is a member of the Lakeview Advisory Committee).

I strongly believe that Wenham residents deserve complete information in order to form their own opinion regarding a decision of this magnitude.

At the initial meeting between the BOS and the citizens, public feedback was solicited, and the potential developer, Atlantic Tambone, was allowed to conduct a sales presentation showing their plans for a 28-unit housing development, selling for a projected $28M (their number). In the few days following this meeting, a citizens’ volunteer committee was formed, known as the Lakeview Advisory Committee, or LAC, which was comprised of Wenham residents. Any subsequent quotes contained herein can be found in a memorandum from Town Manager, Peter Lombardi, 02/12/16, entitled “Lakeview Advisory Committee Initial Findings”.

The LAC was tasked with identifying and conducting “an initial assessment of potential municipal uses for the property including a preliminary financial and operational analysis to determine the viability and suitability of these various use options for this property”. The LAC was then required to “present their initial findings to the BOS no later than February 16”. The LAC initially “agreed that the following uses merited investigation: open space, golf course, recreational/athletic fields, farming, forestry, affordable housing or other residential development, solar, cemetery expansion, and water supply”. From there, “Each member of the Committee volunteered to focus on one or two potential uses…taking into consideration the additional projected one-time capital costs, the anticipated ongoing maintenance costs, and the projected revenues for each application…”

On February 11, despite a very brief head start, these residents presented thoughtful and researched data regarding potential simultaneous uses for the property, all or most of which would likely produce positive income for the town. According to Mr. Lombardi’s memorandum, “based on the data that the Committee was able to assemble, working within this tight timeframe, their collective opinion was that most, if not all, of these various use options showed enough promise to warrant a more comprehensive review. At this time, they did not feel compelled to eliminate any of these uses out of hand as entirely infeasible.”

Further, the projected annual cost to the taxpayers of Wenham if this purchase were to occur was nowhere near the alarmingly high figures that I have seen quoted in the HW Chronicle and on social media. Based on a projection that I have personally reviewed, if the town were to purchase the land for 2.75M, the annual average tax increase per Wenham household for the initial 5 years of ownership is approximately $29.00 for the first year, rising to approximately $55.00 in year five. (NOTE: these figures DO NOT include the potential positive offset of any income producing activity, which is discussed in the “initial findings” link located on the homepage of the town website). If the town decides to purchase Lakeview, we would then have the right to decide, through a democratic and vigorous community debate, how best to utilize this beautiful 32.4 acre parcel. Alternatively, this Tuesday, the BOS could hand this property over to the speculation of one real estate developer who clearly does not have the town’s best interest in mind.

There is information regarding the LAC’s work, as well as the history of this proposal on the homepage of the town’s website (www.wenhamma.gov). Additionally, you may contact town manager, Peter Lombardi, or any member of the Board of Selectmen for further information regarding this issue. You may also provide feedback or inquire at lakeviewfeedback@wenhamma.gov.

In closing, I ask that Wenham residents take the time to educate themselves in order to form their own thoughtful opinion regarding the future of this scenic, pastoral land that is the welcoming gateway to our wonderful town.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Bossler
7 Monument Street