Taxes Could Snag Planet Aid Project

Selectmen last night postponed a decision on whether to waive the requirement that back taxes be paid before Planet Aid can obtain building permits for improvements to its facility on Cross Street. 

The property's owner, Axton Cross, owes the town $533,000 in back taxes and interest, dating to the early 1990s, said Treasurer and Tax Collector Mary Bousquet.  

Planet Aid, which turns clothing and other items donated through its ubiquitous bright yellow collection boxes into assistance to emerging countries, is a tenant in the facility located just off Route 16 and pays about $13,000 monthly in rent. 

While the Board of the Selectmen has the authority to waive the requirement that taxes be current before permits can be issued, Bousquet told the board that doing so would give up any leverage the town has in the situation. 

"The town would have nothing to work with," she said. "And the town could use $500,000."

The board acknowledged that the situation is a tricky one. By all accounts, Planet Aid has been a good tenant, Selectman Jay Leary noted and having them in the space is far preferable to having it sit vacant. Meanwhile, the town has stopped short of completing foreclosure proceedings because taking the property would also mean taking on an environmental cleanup with an estimated $1.1 million price tag. 

According to the EPA, the former Axton Cross property is one of three Superfund cleanup sites in Hollistion. 

Planet Aid has said it would be willing to have part of its monthly rent be diverted to the town, but would need Axton Cross to agree. 

"I like Mary's idea of holding Axton Cross' feet to the fire," said Selectman Kevin Conley. 

Town Administrator Paul LeBeau said Planet Aid had hoped to begin work on its renovations soon in order to complete them before winter. The board agreed to hold off on its decision at least until it meets again on Sept. 6 in the hopes that all parties can be brought together for a meeting before then. 

In other business, selectmen: 

- Formally received a letter of thanks from the Ashland Police Department commending Holliston police--especially Sgt. Glenn Dalrymple and Officer Timothy Heney--for their work in helping to detain suspects in an Aug. 12 house break incident that began in that community. 

- Heard a complaint of speeding from Winter Street resident Isabella Hines, who said cars, trucks and motorcycles drive recklessly on the road, using it as a shortcut. The board said it would refer the issue to Police Chief John Moore for possible enforcement or an increased police presence in the area.  

- Approved a request from the Agricultural Commission to allow lawn sides advertising Farm Day on Sept. 11 to be kept in place for two weeks starting Aug. 29.

-Agreed to hold their Oct. 3 meeting during the day at the Holliston Senior Center.