Pirie Purchase Turned Down in Large Town Meeting Turnout

Hamilton voters on Tuesday turned down a proposal for the town government to buy the so-called Pirie property and move forward with a plan to build housing on it combined with an athletic field and open space.

More than 800 voters filled the cafeteria and gymnasium at Winthrop Elementary School for the meeting, which took nearly an hour and a half. Once voting began, it took about an hour to complete before the final tally was announced at about 10 p.m.

The final vote saw 391 in favor of the purchase and 481 opposed. It needed two-third approval to pass.

There were passionate arguments made by both sides, including from town leaders and other who said the property would play an important part in meeting an important housing need in the town. Other said it was a risk the town could not take on would create a dangerous situation for traffic pulling out onto Bay Road.

Take a look at the attached videos to see clips from speakers on both sides of the vote.