Politics & Government

Commons at Weiss Farm Viewed Unfavorable by Selectmen, Public

The Stoneham Board of Selectmen held a public meeting on Tuesday evening to view John M. Corcoran and Company presentation for a Proposal to MassHousing the site plan approval and project eligibility for the Commons at Weiss Farm at 170 Franklin Street.

There was no formal application with the Town of Stoneham, but the presentation was an opportunity for the Board of Selectmen and the public to see what Corcoran and Company proposed to MassHousing. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board of Selectmen to gather enough information on the project and provide comments which could influence MassHousing.

Attorney John Widdon told the Board and the public that Corcoran and Company is currently seeking a Project Eligibility Letter for an application to the Town of Stoneham. Once accepted by MassHousing, Corcoran and Company could apply for a Comprehensive Permit with Stoneham’s Board of Appeals.

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Corcoran and Company Developer Peter Mahoney presented the plan for Weiss Farm, which includes a 264-unit apartment development called The Commons at Weiss Farm on the 26.6 acre plot on Franklin Street with delineated wetlands and 12 acres of open space. Eighty-eight units in the development would meet 40B standards, which would meet the moderate income housing standards.

After the presentation, the Board of Selectmen opened their question session with Mahoney and the representatives of Corcoran and Company. Selectmen Tom Boussy asked Mahoney why Corcoran and Company did not make contact with the Board of Selectmen about this project.

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“I am disappointed with the way this came down,” Boussy said. “I’ve heard that this project would be great for the community and that you would serve as a great neighbor. If you’re so interested in being a great neighbor, why didn’t you come talk to us and get our input on what might work for the Town of Stoneham?” Boussy said that this project is located at least a mile away from any bus stops, convenient stores, or businesses.

Corcoran and Company and the Board of Selectmen each acknowledged that a past meeting between the two parties was scratched due to scheduling issues. Selectmen Boussy asked the Corcoran representatives why they were unable to wait a week in order to discuss a $50 million project.

A representative from Corcoran and Company told the Selectmen that they contacted the head of every board in the town to announce the project. The meeting on Tuesday evening was the first time this project went before a forum.

"I think this is putting the cart before the horse," Selectman Boussy said. "You're going to go to the State to get the approval and then come back here and try to negotiate. A good neighbor would sit down with us and discuss what's best for Stoneham." This drew the an applause from the crowd in the Town Hall. 

Selectwoman Ann Marie O’Neil expressed concern about traffic and pedestrian traffic and brought up the Town's inability to build a Middle School on Weiss Farm due to traffic issues. Melrose Mayor Robert Dolland spoke against the development citing concerns over flooding.

When Selectmen Boussy implored Corcoran and Company to withdraw the project, the crowd roared with applause, cutting off the end of the Selectman’s sentence. 

The Board of Selectmen meet on November 20 for a Bi-Board Meeting at Stoneham High School at 7:30 p.m.


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