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Upcoming Brownfields Committee Meetings:

 No meetings are currently scheduled - please watch this site for upcoming meetings.

For additional information about Brownfields or to make suggestions for the project, please contact Robin Chapell at (508) 660-7320, or by E-mail: rchapell@th.walpole.ma.us

Previous Brownfields Committee Meetings
and Project Fact Sheets:


June 5, 2002- Public Meeting at Town Hall to discuss the initial results of Attorney General's Grant Program Activities

May 28, 2002 - Presentation of Grant Program to Board of Selectmen

February 12, 2002
Brownfields Committee Meeting

July 16, 2001
Brownfields Meeting - Golf Course Potential

February 21, 2001

January 24, 2001

Tuesday, April 25, 2000

At this meeting, the public learned how they could participate in the Brownfields Program as well as learning more about the recent Brownfields Insurance Program developed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  A presentation was given on the Brownfields Program and a discussion was held about the new DEP Brownfields Insurance.

Public Kick-off Meeting - March 8, 2000

 

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Jan 24, 2001 Department Head Meeting

 

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  Brownfields Pilot Program
  Walpole, Massachusetts

 

MEMORANDUM

TO: Town of Walpole Department Heads and Board Chairmen
FROM: Walpole Brownfields Committee
DATE: January 8, 2001
SUBJECT: Brownfields Project Meeting - January 24, 2001 at 10:00 a.m.

The Walpole Brownfields Committee would like to invite you to an informational meeting on the Town's ongoing Brownfields Project. Some of our projects might need to come before your Boards and Departments for review or help in the future. This would be a good opportunity to bring you up to speed on the project and answer any questions you may have. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 112 at Town Hall. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Robin Chapell in the Board of Health office.

The Brownfields Project is being funded through a $200,000 grant received from the United States Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) as a result of a grant application prepared by the Board of Health. The objective of this project is to clean up Brownfields sites in Walpole, to ensure protection of public health and the environment, and to return these sites to productive economic uses within the community.

The Town has been working with the environmental consulting firm of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) to assist the Brownfields Committee with implementation of the EPA Brownfields Grant. The Brownfields Committee and CDM will provide an overview and an update on the activities of the project thus far.

For additional information about Brownfields or to make suggestions for the project, please contact Robin Chapell at (508) 660-7320, or by E-mail: earthbird@aol.com. Walpole Brownfields Committee Minutes - Project Meeting No. 3 (January 31, 2000)

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  Brownfields Pilot Program
  Walpole, Massachusetts

FACT SHEET
Summer, 2000

The Walpole Brownfields Committee would like to take this opportunity to update the public on the progress and activities completed to date on the Town’s Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Project.
The objective of the EPA funded Brownfields Project is to identify potential Brownfields sites in Walpole and to perform environmental site assessments on these properties with the goal of protecting public health and the environment while returning these sites to productive economic uses. Residents are strongly urged to participate in the process by voicing their opinions on site selection and redevelopment decisions. Public participation will be sought at public meetings, through our project web site (www.walpolebrownfields.com), or the public can call the Board of Health office. Information about the project will be distributed to the public through press releases, public meetings, library and town hall repositories, the project web site, and other forums.
The Walpole Brownfields Committee is a subcommittee of the Walpole Economic Development Commission that was formed to provide guidance throughout the project and to ensure that public participation is used to the Town’s advantage. Its membership includes representatives from the Board of Health, Fire Department, Board of Assessors, Economic Development Commission, and other interested parties.
Brownfields Pilot Project Tasks Completed to Date

The Brownfields Committee has been working very diligently to complete the following tasks since our last update:

  • A comprehensive inventory of 25 potential Brownfields sites in the Town was developed
  • The committee, with the help of our environmental engineering consultant, established site ranking criteria that was used to prioritize the sites in terms of the environmental conditions at the site and the potential for the sites to be cleaned up and redeveloped.
  • Using the site ranking criteria, the committee selected seven sites with the highest potential for success under this Brownfields Project and we began discussions with each of the property owners to determine if they were interested in participating in this project.
  • Based on the recently completed meetings with site owners the Brownfields Committee identified three priority sites for future assessment activities. The negotiations with these property owners are ongoing and the final sites selected for assessment and redevelopment are still subject to change. A complete listing of the potential Brownfields sites and the sites selected for further study is included on the project web site.
  • The Brownfields Committee was also contacted by a private developer interested in building ice hockey rinks on former Brownfields sites. To date there have been several meetings and discussions with the developer including a tour on June 1, 2000 of Brownfields sites in Town that would meet his requirements for development of the proposed Ice Huts (more information about the proposed Ice Huts is presented on the project web site). The developer was very interested in the 1901 Main Street site and a meeting was held between him and the property owner in order begin the negotiations for property transfer.
  • In order to begin the site assessment process, the Town also developed a site access agreement that will enable the Project’s environmental consultant to begin the assessment activities as soon as an agreement on redevelopment of the properties is formalized.

What is a Brownfields Site?
EPA defines Brownfields as:
"abandoned, idled, or under used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination" 

 

Future Brownfields Pilot Project Tasks

After the final site selection process, the next step in the project is to begin the Phase I and Phase II Site Assessments in accordance with the Massachusetts DEP and US EPA requirements. The Phase I Site Assessments are used to identify past site owners and former site uses, to identify potential types and locations where environmental contamination may be present, to determine the site’s hydrogeological characteristics, to identify potential migration pathways and potential exposure points, and finally to evaluate the potential need for immediate response actions in accordance with the requirements of the MCP. The Phase I report also includes a conclusions section that summarizes the findings of the Phase 1 investigations as well as a statement of conclusions by the Licensed Site Professional (LSP) that outlines what additional activities are required to address the environmental conditions at the site.

Depending on the results of the Phase I report, the requirements for additional investigations and remedial response actions will vary. A site where the Phase I report indicates additional investigation and/or remedial actions are required will lead the implementation of comprehensive response actions. The MCP requires the following four phases of comprehensive response actions to assess the site and implement site cleanup activities:
  • Phase II – Comprehensive Site Assessment;
  • Phase III – Identification and Selection of Comprehensive Remedial Action Alternatives;
  • Phase IV – Implementation of the Selected Remedial Action Alternatives; and
  • Phase V – Operation, Maintenance and/or Monitoring.

Walpole’s Brownfields Assessment grant will enable the Town to complete the Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessments as well as the Phase III Identification and Selection of Comprehensive Remedial Action Alternatives. The activities required to develop a Phase II report will require the Town’s environmental engineering consultant to collect, develop and evaluate sufficient information to support conclusions and opinions regarding the source, nature, extent and potential impacts of contamination present at the site and the potential risk of harm posed by the site in terms of health, safety, public welfare and the environment, as well as the need to conduct remedial actions at the site. The Phase II report will thoroughly document, evaluate and discuss the findings and conclusions of the Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment and where applicable provide the basis for identifying and evaluating remedial action alternatives. The Phase III report will include an evaluation of remedial alternatives that results in the selection of a remedial action alternative that is a likely permanent solution to conditions at the site.

Brownfields Project Schedule

The site assessments will take until late 2000 or early 2001 to complete. During the site assessments, the local neighborhoods and other interested parties will have an opportunity to hear project updates about the contamination evaluation. Visit this web site: www.walpolebrownfields.com to get all the latest information.

What normally happens to a contaminated site?

Typically, contaminated sites may fall into one of several categories. First, if there is a spill at the site, the spill may need to be reported to DEP and cleaned up right away. Second, if a site has been contaminated in the past, nothing may happen for some time, until there is a proposed development project, or unless the property owner decides on their own to clean it up. Third, if the property is sold and a new company plans to redevelop it, the site will have to be cleaned up in accordance with state standards. The state standards are composed in a law referred to as the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).
How is a site cleaned up?

Cleanup of a site involves several steps. First, a site assessment is performed. This involves research (such as review of records and interviews with former employees) to identify any possible contamination locations and types, and soil and groundwater sampling to determine actual contaminant levels. Based on the nature and extent of the contamination and the current or proposed uses for the site, the requirements for cleanup are outlined in accordance with the MCP requirements and the owner or developer of a site is then required to implement the cleanup requirements.
Who decides how clean the site will be?

As stated above, the LSP is the primary person responsible for determining what level of cleanup is required at a particular site. The guidelines for site cleanup are also outlined in the MCP. The requirements vary considerably based on the nature and extent of contamination and the proposed reuse or redevelopment of a site. For example a site that will continue to have an industrial use where public access is limited will have a different level of cleanup required as compared to a site that may be redeveloped into a public park or day care facility.

Project Contact: Robin Chapell, Walpole Health Agent, (508)-660-7320, E-mail: earthbird@aol.com

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  Brownfields Pilot Program
  Walpole, Massachusetts
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:		 Brownfields Project Stakeholders
Walpole Brownfields Committee
February 23, 2000
Brownfields Project Public Meeting – March 8, 2000 at 7:30 p.m.

The Walpole Brownfields Committee is very excited to announce the first Public Meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room at Town Hall to kick-off the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Project in Walpole. The Brownfields Project is being funded through a $200,000 grant received from the United States Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) as a result of a grant application prepared by the Board of Health. The objective of this project is to clean up Brownfields sites in Walpole, to ensure protection of public health and the environment, and to return these sites to productive economic uses within the community.

The intent of this first public meeting is to introduce the Brownfields Project to Walpole residents and key project stakeholders and to educate the public about the benefits of the program. A key element of Brownfields is to get citizens and other stakeholders involved in decisions. Walpole residents have a unique opportunity to think about what they would like developed in town (i.e. more apartments, certain industries, more green space, etc.), and to suggest possible sites for the Brownfields Committee to investigate further. We will be open to your suggestions and input in order make this a successful project for the community.

The Town has selected the environmental consulting firm of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) to assist the Brownfields Committee with implementation of the EPA Brownfields Grant. The Brownfields Committee and CDM will provide an overview of the project, the site selection and site assessment processes, and the community participation opportunities during the March 8, 2000 meeting. The Brownfields Committee has been working with CDM to develop the framework for this project and the enclosed Fact Sheet.

For additional information about Brownfields or to make suggestions for the project, please contact the Board of Health at (508) 660-7320, or by E-mail: earthbird@aol.com.

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Questions & Answers

The following Questions and Answers were discussed during the March 8, 2000 Public Meeting held to announce the Town’s Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program.

Question: Is the South Street property on the list of Potential Sites for Consideration?

Answer: The South Street property (e.g. Blackburn & Union Privileges Site) is currently considered a Superfund Site by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and therefore is not eligible for the Town’s EPA Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program. However, the Town is currently evaluating other potential funding mechanisms to complete a reuse assessment of this site in order to determine the site’s future use potential.

Question: Could you further explain the tax abatement incentive for property investors?

Answer: The Town of Walpole adopted the provisions of the Massachusetts Brownfields Act of 1998 during the fall 1999 Town Meeting (Articles 18 and 19) by amending Section III of the Town’s Bylaws to include a new Section 12 - Brownfields Tax Abatement Agreements. This new bylaw is intended to encourage the continued environmental cleanup and redevelopment of sites zoned for industrial and commercial use from or at which there has been a release of oil or hazardous material. The bylaw enables the Town to negotiate with and enter into agreements with "eligible persons" to abate back taxes, interest and penalties at contaminated commercial or industrial properties. The Town will enter into negotiations with "eligible persons" on a case by case basis to further the goal of site cleanup and redevelopment. The Finance Director is authorized to negotiate agreements for the abatement of real estate taxes (hereinafter, "Abatement Agreements") with owners of eligible properties, the terms of which Abatement Agreements shall be subject to approval by the Board of Selectmen. All Abatement Agreements shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and the property owner, whose signatures shall be notarized, and attested to by the Town Clerk. Copies of all Abatement Agreements shall be provided to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue, the Board of Selectmen, and the property owner.

Recently, the Town approved the first Tax Abatement for the clean up and redevelopment of a long-abandoned gas station on Main Street. This agreement relieved the developers of only the interest and penalties associated with the back taxes on the property. Under this agreement the Town will receive full payment for the back taxes owed.

Note: There are several Federal, State and local tax incentive programs that may apply to a Brownfields property depending on many circumstances. These tax incentive programs are continually evolving at the Federal, State and local level, therefore further up to date information can be provided to property owners by contacting the Brownfields Committee.

Question: What is considered "perceived contamination"?

Answer: Referring back to the EPA’s definition of a Brownfields Site as "any abandoned, idled or under used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination", the Brownfields Committee considers the past site uses and/or evidence of past contamination occurring on or near the property to be "perceived contamination". The goal of the Town’s Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program is to determine exactly what contamination does or doesn’t exist at a particular site, thereby or removing the perception of contamination (by defining the exact levels present) and allowing the site to be cleaned up and redeveloped.

Question: Could you further explain the Brownfields liability clause?

Answer: Similar to the Brownfields Tax Abatement Incentives discussed above, there are several Federal and State laws, regulations, and programs to provide "liability relief" to attract new resources for cleanup and redevelopment of Brownfields sites. The EPA is working with States and localities to develop and issue guidance documents that will clarify the liability of prospective purchasers, lenders, property owners, and others regarding their association with and activities at a site. These guidance documents will clearly state EPA's decision to use its enforcement discretion in specific situations not to pursue such parties. EPA anticipates that these clear statements will alleviate concerns these parties may have and will facilitate their involvement in cleanup and redevelopment. The Massachusetts Brownfields Act establishes new incentives to encourage parties to clean up and redevelop contaminated property in Massachusetts. This Act provides liability relief and financial incentives to attract new resources for these properties, while ensuring that the Commonwealth's environmental standards are met. Additional information on the Federal and State Brownfields liability relief programs can be found on the project website: www.walpolebrownfields.com.

Question: If the Brownfields Committee wants to develop a partnership with the owner, what type of help is available for the cleanup process?

Answer: There are several Federal and State programs to help with the cleanup process. The Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program Grant that is the subject of tonight’s meeting is only one of many programs available. In fact, the first step of the cleanup process is to identify what levels of contamination do or do not exist at the site under consideration. Based on the information developed as part of the assessment process, the Brownfields Committee will work with the property owner to identify potential sources of help available to complete the cleanup of contaminated properties in Town.

Note: There is a considerable amount of information available on the Internet. Many sources of information are presented on the website for this project: www.walpolebrownfields.com/

Question: Have all property owners on this list been invited to this public meeting? If not then they should be.

Answer: No, all property owners on the draft site list were not specifically contacted to attend this public meeting. However, the meeting was announced in the local newspapers, at Town hall and through mailings to Town meting members, Town officials and other potentially interested parties. In the future property owners whose property will be discussed during a public meeting will be contacted and invited to attend the public meetings.

Question: Have town owned properties been considered for this program? Have you looked at the Bird Landfill?

Answer: Yes, town owned properties were included in the initial inventory site list. The Bird Landfill is not eligible for the program since a comprehensive site assessment has already been performed on the site and the site has been closed in accordance with DEP solid waste regulations.

Question: Could we have a list of the Brownfields committee members?

Answer: Yes, there is a list in the handout for the slide presentation and the list will be posted on the project website, www.walpolebrownfields.com/committees.htm

Question: How are the final sites for the Brownfields Program going to be selected?

Answer: CDM working with the Town of Walpole’s Brownfields Committee began the site selection process by listing all commercial/industrial zoned properties within the Town of Walpole, roughly 600 sites. This initial site list was provided by the Town Assessor’s office with the objective of including every commercial/ industrial site in Town, so that all potential sites were considered from the start. By starting with all commercial/industrial properties, CDM and the Brownfields Committee felt that no one site would be unfairly included or excluded from the process. This list was narrowed to approximately 185-vacant/mixed use and/or under utilized sites based on removal of actively utilized sites and other input from the Brownfields Committee. The initial list was further refined to the 29 sites presented during tonight’s public meeting based on input from the Brownfields Committee and CDM. Following the public comment period after tonight’s meeting, the Brownfields Committee and CDM will meet again to select the final sites for the first phase of the site assessment process. Following the initial site assessments the Brownfields Committee will meet again to determine the sites that will be selected for further study.

Question: What are the opportunities for public involvement and how can the public become more involved with the project?

Answer: There are considerable opportunities for public involvement throughout the duration of the project, from the initial site selection and identification of needs/opportunities for the Town all the way through the final site assessment process in preparation for redevelopment of the sites. The public is encouraged to become more involved in the process by attending the public meetings when they are held, talking with committee members about you concerns/suggestions and by providing feedback to the Brownfields Committee through the project website: www.walpolebrownfields.com. In addition, the public is also encouraged to contact Robin Chapell, Walpole Health Agent at (508) 660-7320 or by e-mail earthbird@aol.com.

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  Brownfields Pilot Program
  Walpole, Massachusetts

FACT SHEET
Winter, 2000

The Town of Walpole's Brownfields Pilot Project is underway. It is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The objective of this project is to clean up Brownfield sites in Walpole to ensure protection of public health and the environment and to return these sites to productive economic uses. Residents are strongly urged to participate in the process by voicing their opinions on site selection and redevelopment decisions. Public participation will be sought at public meetings, through a web site, or the public can call the Board of Health office.
This Pilot Project will hopefully set the framework for continuous Brownfields programs in Walpole.
Pilot Project Tasks
  • Developing a comprehensive inventory of Brownfields sites in the Town
  • Determining criteria that will be used to rank the sites for assessment.
  • Screening or ranking the sites (according to the criteria)
  • Selecting several sites for further study
  • For the selected sites only, conducting site assessments and developing "clean-up"
    cost estimates; and then preparing site redevelopment packages,
    to aid in marketing

The Town has chosen Camp, Dresser, and McKee (CDM) to help us complete these tasks.

What is a Brownfields Site?
EPA defines Brownfields as:

"abandoned, idled, or under used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination"  (Fields, 1995)

Under the Pilot Project, grant funds cannot be used at sites with only petroleum contamination, for example, a gas station. (Sites with petroleum mixed with other contaminants remain eligible.)
Brownfields Committee
This committee, a subcommittee of the Walpole Economic Development Commission has been formed to provide guidance throughout the project and to ensure that public participation is used to the town's advantage. Its membership includes representatives from the Board of Health, Fire Department, Board of Assessors, Economic Development Commission, and interested parties.
Information about the project will be distributed to the public through press releases, public meetings, library and town hall repositories, web site, and other forums.
Walpole Brownfields Inventory
The first step in the project is to develop an inventory of Brownfields sites. The project team has completed a current inventory of sites in the Town that meet the Brownfields definition.
Project Contact: Robin Chapell, Walpole Health Agent, (508)-660-7320, E-mail: earthbird@aol.com
The inventory was developed by three steps:
  1. CDM compiled a comprehensive list of any possible contaminated sites from Walpole Assessors Office files and MA Department of Environmental Protection (the Sites Transition List, Reportable Release List, and the Tier I List, obtained from the DEP website).
  2. Information about the sites was obtained, such as whether the site is occupied or the type of contamination. Using this information, the sites were put into different categories.
  3. Based on the categories, those sites that meet the Brownfields definition were identified.

For a site to be listed on the town inventory, either there was some contamination incident reported, or, based on past uses of the site, may be "perceived" to be contaminated. Some of the sites on the list have already had some clean-up action.

 What normally happens to a contaminated site?
Typically, contaminated sites may fall into one of several categories. First, if there is a spill at the site, the spill may need to be reported to DEP and cleaned up right away. Second, if a site has been contaminated in the past, nothing may happen for some time, until there is a proposed development project, or unless the property owner decides on their own to clean it up. Third, if the property is sold and a new company plans to redevelop it, the site will have to be cleaned up in accordance with state standards. The state standards are composed in a law referred to as Massachusetts Contingency Plan.

How is a site cleaned up? Who decides how clean the site will be?
Clean-up of a site involves several steps. First, a site assessment is performed. This involves research (such as review of records and interviews with former employees) to identify any possible contamination locations and types, and soil and groundwater sampling to determine actual contaminant levels.
Pilot Project
The EPA grant will fund site assessments on two to three sites. The Town will continue to seek more funds and to conduct assessments on additional sites in the future. The Brownfields Committee has developed a list of criteria to help select the initial sites:

Criteria Adopted by Brownfields Committee

Feasibility for Redevelopment (for different types of reuse)
  • Site Ownership
  • Size (less Wetlands), Amount of Land/Amount of Building Space
  • Zoning / Adjacent Land Use
  • Level of Restriction on Potential Reuse
  • Importance to Surrounding Properties
  • Rail Access
  • Rail Spur on Site

Consistency with Town Plans

  • Consistency with Town Plans and Initiatives
  • Town needs
 Attractiveness to Companies/Developers
  • Cost of Redevelopment
  • Tax Incentives (Economic Opportunity Areas, Commercial Area Revitalization Districts)
  • Availability of Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Sewer)
  • Physical Appearance/Attractiveness

Environmental Concerns

  • Public Benefit for Site Clean Up
  • Water Resource Protection District
  • Proximity to public/private well, and wetland
  • Complexity/Extent of Contamination

Community Acceptance/Support

  • Type of project for that site

 

Project Schedule
Soon, the Brownfields Committee with public input will select the sites for site assessment, using the criteria above. Then the sites will be announced and a forum for public comment will be held, either by cable TV program or by a public meeting. The site assessments will take until late 2000 or early 2001. During the site assessments, the local neighborhoods and other interested parties will have an opportunity to hear project updates about the contamination evaluation. Watch this website, www.walpolebrownfields.com, to get all the latest information about the project.

Project Contact: Robin Chapell, Walpole Health Agent, (508)-660-7320, E-mail: earthbird@aol.com

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  Brownfields Pilot Program
  Walpole, Massachusetts
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:		 Brownfields Committee Members
Matt Mullarkey, CDM
February 26, 2001
Meeting Minutes from Project Meeting - February 21, 2001

I. Introduction

The objective of this meeting was to discuss the current status of the two major redevelopment prospects that have been identified by the Brownfields Committee for this project. The first is the Central Business District (CBD) Parking Lot, which is currently in progress (with final access approval being the key obstacle to moving forward with the site assessment activities at this point). The second is the potential golf course development alternative at 1901 Main Street and abutting properties, which is currently in the beginning stages of project feasibility analysis. The following is a list meeting attendees:

Town of Walpole: Clem Boragine, Samantha Brown, Gail Nixon, Robin Chapell, Steele Lightbody, Roger Turner

CDM: Matt Mullarkey

II. Discussion on Status of CBD Parking Lot

Robin Chapell opened the meeting by updating the Brownfields Committee on the current Status of the CBD Parking Lot. She mentioned that the Site Specific Sampling and Analysis Plan has been submitted to the EPA for approval and we are currently awaiting a response. One of the site owners, Fred Giandominico is somewhat distressed about the project status all together, but the Town is currently doing all that they can to get things under way. The purchase and sale agreement for a portion of Fred's property was sent to Town Counsel (Kopelman & Page) and is in the process of being finalized. Robin estimates that the project is not likely to be complete until June of 2001.

III. Discussion of Potential Golf Course Development

All attendees received copies of the Golf Course Potentials Memorandum and a Draft Preliminary Concept for the site developed by CDM as well as another copy of the site analysis memo prepared by Dick Bonz (Bonz/Rea Inc.). Based on Robin's public interaction to date with this potential project/site, she's found an overall acceptance to cleaning of the 1901 Main Street site and the abutting parcels. Some of the abutting site owners have heard about the potential project before receiving their preliminary notification letter in the mail and have expressed concerns regarding their properties being taken by eminent domain. She also mentioned that there may be a guest joining the meeting who is a recently new member of the Walpole Community and has experience with golf course design/development.

Robin explained to the committee that Dick Bonz has gone as far as he can at this point in identifying development potentials for the site. There is a good possibility that the Town will be able to attain by eminent domain the abutting properties that may not willingly relocate, such as Chris' Service Center. The Town Counsel (Kopelman and Page) is currently evaluating this alternative and they seem optimistic due to the conditions at the 1901 Main Street site and at many of the adjacent parcels (i.e. current "blighted" conditions). In order for Dick Bonz to proceed with bringing this concept to potential developers he recommends further confirmation of the eminent domain possibilities for the site(s), the approximate value of the properties and a preliminary timeline/budget for the project.

Robin estimates that there may be $25,000 left in the project budget upon completion of the site assessments and remediation plans for the CBD Parking Lot. While the remaining grant funding will not be enough for a full environmental assessment of the 1901 Main Street parcel and abutting properties, the EPA has indicated a willingness to potentially continue to support the project if the golf course alternative proved to be a viable alternative. Further funding could possibly be obtained from EPA through a supplemental Brownfields Assessment Grant.

Robin then identified the following key issues that need to be addressed at this meeting. She asked the individual committee members to express their thoughts on the following:

* The overall concept of redeveloping the site(s) as a golf course; * The Conservation Commission's reaction due to the fact that the site includes Conservation Land; * Public verses private golf course and public verses private ownership; and * When to bring the concept to the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee

Steele Lightbody questioned whether this type of project would actually fall under scope of what this committee was appointed to achieve and Robin responded with confirmation that it does. The committee and CDM are trying to find as many Brownfields Redevelopment alternatives that would benefit the town. Steele agrees that the 1901 Main Street site is in need of cleanup for environmental reasons, but has reservations regarding taking by eminent domain due to the fact that the many of the properties currently have active businesses on them. If committee is to agree to move forward with the project he strongly suggested going directly to the Board of Selectmen with the concept.

Clem Boragine also agreed that development of a golf course would be good for the community, the environment, and increase the value of surrounding properties. In past experience with a potential golf course development project in Walpole there have been numerous developers expressing interest. The public has also expressed their concerns that the course should be privately owned rather than owned by the Town or State. Revenues generated by golf courses, particularly in this area, are quite profitable and the popularity of the sport is constantly increasing and not expected to decay. He recommends having somewhat of a financial plan in hand before bringing the idea to the Board of Selectmen.

Samantha Brown agreed with Clem and thinks that the golf course is a great idea for the same reasons. She also agrees that we should have a better plan before talking to the board.

Roger Turner prefaced his response by expressing his concerns with the severity of contamination in the area. If capping the site is not a viable option, remediation could be far too expensive for developers to see the project as feasible. He also expressed concern with the impact that digging up contaminated soils in this boggy area would have on the water supply and flow to the Neponset River. He believes that the town would benefit greatly from the project if there were a safe remediation technique applied. He mentioned that Chris' Service Center may actually benefit from the project as well if trading land became the answer. He brought up the fact that there is currently a conceptual plan underway for a Cedar Swamp Recreation Area in the vicinity. This would include small parks and recreation areas combined with walking/biking paths. He is currently looking further into this plan to see if the golf course could be proposed as a centerpiece to this project.

Gail Nixon also supported the golf course idea, but understands Steele's standpoint in backing the site owners that may be forced off of their property. She thinks that we should get more feedback from site owners before going to the selectmen.

Clem then offered the idea of preparing meeting minutes from this meeting, submitting them to the Board of Selectmen and letting them know that we are currently looking at the site and talking with property owners although there is no concrete plan in place yet.

Roger questioned what the State's reaction would be if we look into this further and identify a serious contamination problem. Would they be able to start issuing fees to site owner?

Robin replied saying that they certainly could do that, however if the state knows it's being considered as a Brownfields Project they are more likely to cooperate and support the project than fine owners.

Clem also added that if fines were issued, it could be used as leverage to move Chris' Service Station.

Steel then further emphasized the importance of talking to the selectmen with a timeline and budget before talking to the site owners. He questioned whether Chris' Service Station could legally move across the street (to the industrial park area) due to the current water resource protection laws.

Roger asked if the town could be help address the environmental conditions if we find contamination exists, but the project does not continue.

Robin replied saying that they wouldn't come after a Town who is actively trying to clean up such a site. She then passed around a pamphlet that she received from the EPA regarding Superfund sites. The pamphlet referenced golf course development as an alternative and contained some interesting information. She mentioned that she is going to request more copies for the committee, CDM, Board of Selectmen, and the public to take a look at.

IV. Conclusion

Robin then summed up the meeting confirming that the committee is in favor of moving forward with the project. The current approach will be to approach the Board of Selectmen with these meeting minutes, a project timeline, budget, and any information regarding revenues from other similar projects that CDM has been involved with. We would let them know that we are currently in progress and intend to come to the Town Golf Course Development Committee for assistance/partnership once the ball is rolling. After talking with the selectmen, the committee will then hold a meeting with all of the property owners to get any concerns and issues on the table. She suggested meeting with the Conservation Commission separately from property owners. It was also decided that the committee would like to see a public golf course with private ownership. Robin will contact all committee members as well CDM to schedule the next committee meeting, as Ken Fettig is interested in attending since he was not available today.