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Community Corner

Stoneham Oaks vs. The Commons at Weiss Farm

Last night at the Selectmen’s meeting   Stoneham Oaks, the par 3 golf course was brought up as a possible land swap consideration with the developer of The Commons at Weiss Farm.   The thought was to make Weiss Farm open green space for the community and swap Stoneham Oaks Par 3 with the developer.

 

As a buffering neighbor to Weiss Farm I should be ecstatic to this consideration however I have mixed emotions.  There are pro’s and cons to this idea.

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First and foremost it was stated that the town would continue to pursue stopping the development as currently on the table by the developer. This would be considered another avenue of approach to satisfy the requirements of CH 40B that would be more agreeable to the community.

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Lets consider the good and the bad of a land swap such as this.

First of all it falls under Article 97 of Massachusetts Laws since Stoneham Oaks is open green space and benefits from money’s paid from Federal and State pocket books and has not paid any taxes etc.  There is the argument that not really open green space since pay to use the facility but that could be considered merely a maintenance fee for the grounds.  The argument can be made once you lose open space you never get it back.

 

Another drawback is that the Par 3 is a nice little luxury the town has to offer.

 

The land value of Stoneham Oaks is worth more than Weiss Farm since although only 13 acres has minimal if any Wetlands and marsh area where the 26 acres of Weiss has swamp, Wetlands, marsh possibly and an intermittent stream.  

 

Would not a development at the Oaks cause a density problem in that area on Montvale Ave?

 

We would still need additional services of all departments and create additional enrollment for our school system.

 

 

Would not a development at Stoneham Oaks create a strong traffic problem on Montvale Ave and remember Montvale is access rd. to Route 93, and also access directly to Woburn and be considered in part a state highway as a CH 90 access road to Woburn and Stoneham 

 

 

Ther is intricate protocol in securing land swap under CH 97 as must secure a 2/3 vote of town residents possibly at a special town meeting then a 2/3 vote of the state legislature and pay back to Federal and State any money’s received in the past for use at Par3

 

 

Okay that’s the bad.  Now what is the good?

 

Make the developer come to the table with a sound design of housing and commercial for the Oaks.  Keep the Stoneham Arena and secure additional $$$ to improve that facility and possibly put in a second floor for a banquet type room to be used.  Realize that the Stoneham Arena is the largest seating capacity rink on the North Shore with approximately 1600 seats.  

 

It would be a great attraction for housing and commercial space knowing the rink was there and also close to the Unicorn Golf course.  Remember who the abutters are to the Par 3, a storage facility, McDonalds, a small strip mall with Dunkin Donuts, Laundromat, and the Office buildings and one a Medical Building at Unicorn Park.

 

There would be no access road to Williams Street.  The RINK REMAINS.

 

Stoneham Oaks Par 3 is currently losing money around $30,000 to $40,000 a year.

 

Negotiate actual $$$ value of Oaks vs. Weiss and may not give all 13 acres so still protect green space with grassy areas etc.

 

Open Space at Weiss Farm would benefit the whole community since neighbor of High School and could show a betterment for all population by creating track and fields, soccer fields, farmers market, half shell for concerts, small area for farming to retain some of the farming history of Weiss and there are many other ways to use Weiss once townspeople speak, create committees to improve space etc.

 

Alleviate the density issue on Franklin Street which although not a CH90 access road goes to Melrose.  Minimize the severe flooding and sewerage issues would have if no development built.  Be an added reason to move to Stoneham to avail oneself of this open space. 

 

Stoneham Oaks could create some great commercial property and bring to Stoneham additional retailers and service-oriented businesses that would help our tax base. 

 

This thought of a swap must be fully vetted and all the pitfalls and benefits of it must be shown to residents.  We need to stay a good neighbor to the City of Woburn with this and also a good neighbor to the City of Melrose and if we pursue this avenue let our State legislatures be for it.

 

Keep in mind that we cannot let up on our concerns about the development at Weiss Farm and we need Mass Housing to be totally aware of these concerns.

Montvale Ave and Franklin Street are both gateways to Stoneham and as such both should be positive and palatable entrance ways to Stoneham and exhibit not only Stoneham Strong but also Stoneham’s pride as a community that cares about the quality of life for all residents and visitors to our town.  Just maybe we will bring more revenue to our golf course, rink and retailers in town and increase our property values with the right economic development...

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