Medfield Neighbors Attend "98 Pine Street" Info Session ...

Many Neighbors Attend "98 Pine Street" 12 Unit Development Info Session...

Medfield residents who live in and around 98 Pine Street came out on a cold and windy night to learn more at an Information Session being held by MEDFIELD HOLDINGS LLC regarding the proposed 12 unit development to replace a single family home on that property.

The Attorney for Medfield Holdings, James Murphy, spoke on behalf of the developer, Bob Borrelli by giving a brief overview of the age-restricted (over 62) 40B project stating 25% of the units would be "Affordable" and 75% would be "Market Value". Murphy stated that their first step was to meet with the Affordable Housing Trust, followed by tonight's public meeting, but they will need complete support of the AHT and the Select Board to move forward.

As shown in the letter sent to a butters, this development would be similar in style to Enclave Medfield (located near the Kingsbury Club and The Center at Medfield), with the plan to build 3 duplexes on each side of the property at 98 Pine Street equaling 12 residential units in total.

More than 50 residents attended this session and many of them asked questions with grave concerns about many aspects of this project. Concerns about additional traffic on a twisty, narrow and dangerous street with many young children, bikes, walkers and the like, the scope/size of the project on a property with approximately 50% wetlands, the negative affect on an historical/scenic road, construction noise and the affect that this will have on the wildlife that live in the wetlands to name a few.

Residents from both Pine Street and Shining Valley Road were quite vocal about the adverse affect this project will have on their neighborhood, some calling it "A Very Dangerous Proposal".

One resident in particular, Krisanna Onorato, manager and trainer at Shining Valley Farm, is very worried about the negative affect this project will have to her business and to her horses. She was adamant that it would be dangerous for her clients as she knows that the horses would get spooked. "Clients will get hurt". She states "horses are extremely sensitive to sounds, visions and smells". During the time of construction it would cause her business to suffer losses, but once built, the entire area that is currently used for equestrian activities would be changed forever. "Doing this project will take away the beautiful nature of this equestrian area. We need to preserve this area of Medfield and allow small businesses be able to continue."

After taking quite a few questions from the crowd and also indicating he was quite surprised by the turnout, Attorney Murphy commented that at Medfield Holdings' 1st meeting in December with the Affordable Housing Trust, was favorable to them, but he quickly pointed out that at this meeting he heard everyone's concerns and the "Votes are against me" tonight.

Not one resident attending this session showed favor toward this proposal. Resident, Tom Schofield asked "Why would you pick a location that is completely single-family residences to propose a 12 unit condo development in place of a single family house on the property now?" Attorney Murphy simply stated that Mr. Borrelli always has his eyes on properties and they felt is was a good spot for Enclave 2.

Below is the invitation sent to some of the a butters of 98 Pine Street informing them of tonight's information session. More to come....