Generally, there are lots of unanswered questions remaining. No real solution for drainage is found. The developer proposes to use a drainage system that holds back the water in a storm, and releases water slowly, every 12 hours. But the Salem Planning Board did not find this to be a proper solution. Because as we all know, when it rains here, it rains for more than 12 hours some days. And letting this water go at intervals into the streets, where there is already flooding occurring, is not a wise idea, nor in my opinion an improvement.
The plan did show a slight change where the entry road to the camp is now through the middle, between Lowe's and Walmart. Some consider this an improvement for traffic, and I see it as a disaster for the camp ground. The camp road will wind around back, where trucks also drive through to unload. My first thought... is this really a safe idea for kids? - First to have the same access road for a camp ground for children, where stores like Lowe's and Wal-mart have attracted crime: shoplifters, thieves in the past? Having an escape route into the woods, near a children's camp? Second, how feasible is it to have the camp access road, the same with trucks?
The storm basin for Lowe's grew. One person commented on the issues with this.
A person on the Planning board asked the developer to look into the issues if the storm sewer conditions on Highland Ave could be fixed before a decision is rationally made, instead of after... and who will pay for it... Salem or the developer (wise question). The developer said, it wouldn't be cost efficient for them to make this determination now for the Salem Planning Board's decision, because they will likely have to make one with the state too. The Planning board person continued to ask "How hard is it to have someone look underground?"
Two persons on the Planning Board made mention of sustainable systems - why Walmart is not presenting a building like this... and why is Lowe's or Walmart not going for LEED certified building. (In my opinion.. (just an opinion) a green building cannot justify the destruction of an environment + the added increase in greenhouse gass emmissions contributing to global climate change from traffic congestion. A green building can really offset all this?)
The developer presented facts such as: There are no endangered species or historic resources listed on the site, and showed a dimension line on the drawings of how far Lowe's was from Spring Pond, but failed to speak of the streams and contours of the site, and the possibility that these streams connect to Spring Pond. (There is a new report to share soon). One of the reps from Lowe's said they had an environmental person visit the site and search for endangered species - but I don't think this can be analyzed in one season as plants appear in different times of the year and animals migrate. I have reports of endangered species in the abutting area sent to the state from someone, but cannot post them here (to protect the animals).
There was a room full of labor union workers, wearing Lowe's stickers and holding signs. Some people left half way through the presentation before it was open to the public for comment. There was not much commenting this time around in general. A union person did ask for Lowe's to commit to the union labor now... (smart before the unions carry on voicing the project through the public hearings).
One member of the Salem Planning Board, Mr. Tim Ready, lead me into the hallway after the meeting to speak with him. He said in front of others- "You are very good in what you say and are very persistent, but will not win this. It is better if you ask them (the developer), what they or this project can do for you instead. [pause] They are listening to you. You have them listening."
- Now if I am being listened to, why should I stop speaking? Only THIS statement has managed to make me silent in the brief moment it was said... that's about it. My response (as he quickly turned to walk away): "Try to see this pass with state agencies".
peace on
I am sure he meant the Planning Board - they are listening.
ReplyDeleteThat bad old man should probably take his bribe money and spend it quickly, if the project doesn't go through the Kennedy/Lowes goons may try to take it back.
ReplyDeleteTim Ready is the bad old man's name. He is disingenuous
ReplyDeleteYou really probably shouldn't allow libelous statements on your website. If you have no hard evidence of bribes the above comments are libel.
ReplyDeleteThis old man makes constant remarks like this on his own from time to time. He makes himself look like an old fool. Nice approach, but rude.
ReplyDeleteThat was uncivic of him to try to cut your speech.
It is just a comment. No one knows if he has taken a bribe or not, but it is the person's right to think so. As everyone is thinking someone is profiting off this deal. Its just a thought, and who doesn't help wondering how much money the head honchos at the Lion's club is making?
ReplyDeleteThere was a comment post here that was approved, but blogger rejected the comment for some reason.
ReplyDeleteIt said - "Your a Stup!d girl who needs a husband or baby to fill in the voids in your life" - end of quote.
Kind of odd if this is coming from a potty-mouth mother or father, who thinks they know best... and who has nothing better to do in life than to harass an advocate.
Maybe they really mean we need to fill in the voids with consumerism.... then life will be better? :(