Deb Jones at the
5th annual farm fair
September 26th 2009
Photo by Tom Christiano

http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_13478334
Tax-revenue crunch raises threat
of local-aid cuts, state layoffs
cuts
By Matt Murphy, mmurphy@lowellsun.com
10/03/2009
BOSTON -- The deja-vu cycle of declining state revenue may force another round of local-aid cuts and state layoffs in this year's
budget, Gov. Deval Patrick warned yesterday, as he announced that September tax revenue came in $243 million below expecta-
tions.
Patrick, after meeting with his Cabinet, said more layoffs are likely, and local-aid cuts are "certainly on the table."
The state took in $243 million less than expected in September, one of the first big collection months in the fiscal year. The poor per-
formance comes after Beacon Hill lawmakers hiked the state sales and alcohol taxes, doing little to blunt the ongoing effects of the
recession.
"We have more work to do, and we will get it done as we have in the past -- by being tough-minded about the tough choices in front
of us, and by being mindful that these are not just numbers on a balance sheet we're dealing with, but people whose vital services
and livelihood are at stake," Patrick said.
The governor said he and his administration will work with the Legislature and economists over the next few weeks to revise his rev-
enue estimates for the rest of the year, and offer a plan to close the budget gap by the end of the month.
Last year, Patrick went through four rounds of budget cutting, including a $128 million slash to local aid in January.
Patrick has already requested expanded budget-cutting powers from the Legislature that would allow him to consider cuts to local
aid, but has thus far been rebuffed.
"I think it's as bad as we could have possibly expected," said Sen. Steve Panagiotakos, a Lowell Democrat and chairman of the
Senate's Ways and Means Committee. "It's disappointing and disheartening, but it's the reality of the current economic situation."
Panagiotakos said cutting aid to cities and towns will always be a last resort, but it remains to be seen whether cutting from other
areas of the budget will be enough.
"Local aid is always an area we try to protect until that last moment, because it's always very difficult for schools, let's say, to cut
teachers in the middle of the year," he said. "Whatever we do now, we need to do it looking at the whole year, solving the problem
for the rest of the year. That number will dictate the choices."
Income-tax collections were down $259 million, or 21 percent, over last year and came in $58 million below the monthly benchmark.
The other major driver in the budget deficit was the slow pace of corporate and business taxes, which declined another $116 million
from the same month last year and came in $144 million below projections.
Sales-tax collections were actually up $46 million due to the increase in the sales tax to 6.25 percent, but those numbers still failed
to match up to early estimates that had figured on an extra $37 million last month from the sales tax.
"I'm not shocked by the numbers. We all knew we were going to have a challenging year. The problem is this. The governor has had
three years to address what everyone knew was coming and he hasn't done it. It's almost like sticking your head in the sand and
hoping for the best," said. Rep. Lewis Evangelidis, a Holden Republican.
Patrick said his administration has already managed through a $7 billion budget gap over the past two years, combining spending
cuts with the elimination of 1,400 state jobs.
The state also used a significant amount of federal stimulus money and one-time "rainy day" funds to plug holes in the budget this
year
Patrick stressed that Massachusetts is not alone, with 47 other states facing similar budget crises, but said he is encouraged by
positive signs in the housing market and the slowed rate of job losses.
All local lawmakers contacted yesterday said cutting local aid would be a last resort, but many were
not optimistic that it could be avoided.
"That may have to happen," said Sen. Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln. "I don't know that we have much of a
choice, and the problem is that once we give (the governor) the power, we have no say."
Rep. Jim Arciero, D-Westford, cast his first vote as a member of the Legislature in January against giv -
ing Patrick the expanded authority to cut local aid.
"The situation right now is difficult and sobering, but it's the fiscal reality we're in," Arciero said. "We
haven't found the bottom yet and everything is on the table, unfortunately. Cutting local aid is the last
possible option."

QUESTION 1:
Shall the Town of Chelmsford be allowed to exempt from the
provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts
required to pay for the bonds to be issued (i) to acquire four parcels of land,
containing a total of 16.97 acres, more or less, and the 92,844+/- squarefoot
building thereon located at 9 Alpha Road in Chelmsford, which parcels
are shown as Lots 12,16,17 and 18 on Assessors' Map 86 Block 328, and
constitute the entire premises described in deeds recorded in the
Middlesex North Registry of Deeds in Book 20818, Pages 248 and 250,
Book 6126, Page 30 and Book 6148, Page 230, and (ii) to fund the design
and the redevelopment of such land and building into a Department of
Public Works facility, including related appraisal, survey, legal and other
costs incidental and related thereto?
QUESTION 2:
Shall the Town of Chelmsford be allowed to exempt from the provisions of
proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the
bonds to be issued in order to fund the design and construction of a new
town center fire station headquarters facility on a portion of the 8.69 acre
parcel of Town-owned land located at the corner of Wilson Street and
Chelmsford Street identified as Lot 5 on Assessors' Map 73, Block 289,
including related survey, legal, and other costs incidental and related
thereto?

Projects in hands of voters
Concern in Chelmsford about turnout with special election
By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13451776
09/30/2009
CHELMSFORD -- The fate of $25 million in municipal building projects rests in the hands of voters. But as town officials
presented plans for a new Fire Department headquarters and a Department of Public Works facility to a nearly empty
room last night, some wondered if turnout for Tuesday's special election will hit a record low.
Fewer than two dozen people, most of whom were town officials, attended a public gathering held inside the Chelmsford
Police Station's community room.
"I've never seen anything like this before," said Town Meeting Representative Bill Dalton, also a former selectman.
before
"Usually with issues this big, people are climbing the walls. They're out holding signs and making their
voices heard. Because it's been so quiet, it's hard to tell what's going to happen on Tuesday."
Tuesday.
Question No. 1 will ask whether voters want to relocate the DPW from its current location on Richardson Road to a larger
building at 9 Alpha Road for about $13 million. Question No. 2 will ask voters to approve building a new fire station head-
quarters on the corner of Chelmsford and Wilson streets for about $12 million.
In August, Town Meeting voted to send both projects to a town-wide vote. Supporters have said the crippled economy
presents a unique opportunity to save money on rehabbing two out-of-date facilities by taking advantage of the lowest con-
struction costs and borrowing rates in years.
Opponents argue the economy has taken its toll on taxpayers, who can not afford any more tax increases.
Town Manager Paul Cohen said even if both projects are approved, it wouldn't impact the typical single-family tax bill until
fiscal 2013, when it would climb $62. It's expected to hit its highest rate the following year, increasing to about $73.
"Broken down, that's about $1.40 a week," said Fire Chief Jack Parow.
week
"That's less than the price of a cup of coffee."
coffee.
After fiscal 2014, the cost of the debt exclusion would continue to decline, until returning to current levels in 2020.
In Chelmsford's case, current debt exclusions include funds borrowed for school building projects and the town sewer proj-
ect, and cost the typical single family about $460 -- a slice of the $5,069 annual tax bill.
Cohen stressed that Tuesday's vote is not a Proposition 2 1/2 override, which is a permanent tax increase. Instead, it's a
debt-exclusion vote, which would increase taxes temporarily to cover payments for borrowed money. Taxes to pay for the
loans decrease over time until the loans are paid off.
If only one project is approved, it would keep the town under the current $460 debt exclusion mark as payments for school
buildings and the sewer project also continue to decline.
Permanent Building Committee Chairman Pat Maloney said the longer Chelmsford waits to move on both projects, "the
worse off we are."
Maloney said there's already been an increase in construction materials, including steel and copper. Once the economy
improves, Maloney said it will tack on another $1 million to $2 million to construction costs every year.
The proposed 27,041-square-foot fire-station headquarters would replace the 3,500-square-foot building on North Road.
The new building would address the Fire Department's need for training and office space, and also include five vehicle
bays.
Maloney said the town can expect to save $20 million by moving the DPW from its current dilapidated facility into an exist-
ing building, as opposed to building a new one.
Although selectman voted against building a new fire station, 3-2, over the summer, Selectman Sean Scanlon said he
made a mistake when shooting it down. After taking a closer look at the building plans, and touring the fire station to get an
up-close glimpse of the crumbling cement floor, Scanlon said he now supports the move.
Selectmen Clare Jeannotte and Eric Dahlberg voted against the fire-station proposal, while Pat Wojtas and George Dixon
supported it. In a separate vote, selectmen voted 4-1 to recommend relocating the DPW, with Dahlberg opposing. The Fi-
nance Committee unanimously supports both projects, saying it will save the town money to do both now.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The fire station will host a final open house of its facility from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. on Sunday, and the DPW will open its doors to the public for tours from noon to 3 p.m.

What Say Y ?
ou
********************************************************************
Time is right for Chelmsford to construct new DPW and fire facilities
http://www.lowellsun.com/editorials/ci_13436822
The Lowell Sun
09/28/2009
BY JON H. KURLAND
The voters of Chelmsford have to determine whether to approve the construction of a new fire station and DPW fa-
cility.
We have known since 1987 that there were structural defects in the Center Fire Station. Moreover, the DPW facil-
ity has been deteriorating for years. A committee was established to address these concerns. For two years the
DPW/Fire committee, composed of qualified citizens and subject-matter experts, studied our current DPW/Fire
service delivery models and determined that our DPW and Center Fire Station facilities are in dire need of re-
placement.
According to structural engineers, the station may last a few more years. It was built in 1952 when fire apparatus
was much smaller and lighter than today. The last two ladder trucks that we bought cost an additional $225,000
($75,000 for the first truck and $150,000 for the last truck) because they had to be specially built to get into this
outmoded and dilapidated facility. There have been instances where trucks have been damaged when being
backed into the garage, resulting in additional town expenses for repairs. The committee reviewed several loca-
tions and determined that the Wilson Street location is best suited for a new centrally located fire station head-
quarters. The Wilson Street site offers the best and most cost-effective compromise in terms of central location,
easy access, response time, and minimum site preparation, a tremendous cost advantage.
The time to act is now, when construction and money costs are low and con-
struction companies are hungry. Every year we wait will add 4 perecent to 6 per-
cent to project costs, and when we are finally compelled to act, we will have to
accept a Band-Aid rather than a permanent fix, because to do otherwise will be
too costly.
The committee scored a home run when it comes to replacing the current DPW
facilities. After a thorough review of all locations, they found that buying a vacant
building with adjoining land on Alpha Road will reduce the cost of a DPW facility
from $31 million to $13 million. Following this recommendation will save the town
even more money on the operations side because housing our DPW equipment
indoors (equipment is currently stored in the open) will add at least five years to
the life of the equipment as well as save labor costs. DPW employees freed from
the maintenance labor associated with outside equipment storage will now have
more time to provide direct services such as road maintenance and snow re-
moval.
The Finance Committee voted to support both projects, recognizing that significant savings will result by financing
projects when interest rates and the cost of labor and materials are at historical lows. Additionally, Town Meeting
representatives overwhelmingly voted in favor of both projects. The way the bonding would be structured ensures
there would be no property-tax increases until 2013, at which time taxes would increase an average of $76 per
year for two years before dropping down to this year's level and falling every year thereafter. The conservative fi-
nancial models used by the committee anticipated bonding interest rates in excess of those currently available. By
addressing these issues now, we reduce the cost and solve two long-standing challenges cost-effectively. There-
fore, it is possible that the cost to taxpayers may be even less than projected. It is now up to voters to decide
whether to approve the debt exclusion so that these projects may proceed.
We certainly don't want to be looking back five years from now, when we are forced to address these critical
needs, to a time when we could have made a permanent fix at a fraction of the future cost.
JON H. KURLAND
Candidate for Chelmsford Board of Selectmen
********************************************************************

Video submitted by a member of the fire department
Video of current center station...please pass it on. Thank you.
CLICK HERE for Video
Chelmsford: It's time for upgrades to benefit all
The Lowell Sun
10/02/2009
By Chelmsford Permanent Building Committee:
Patrick Maloney, Gary Persichetti, David Duane, Eric Johnson, Joseph Greene, Jack Parow and James Pearson.
Now is the time to upgrade our Fire Department and Department of Public Works facilities. Not only because our buildings have exceeded
their useful life and are grossly undersized to safely and efficiently support operations, but also to take advantage of the multimillion-dollar
savings identified through several years of exhaustive analyses by several town appointed committees and outside professional experts. In
this column, we outline the reasoning behind the need for new facilities, the savings that will be realized by moving forward with these proj-
ects today, and the benefits to each department and the community.
From just a brief tour of the existing facilities it is clear that many deficiencies exist that impact the day-to-day operations of the DPW and the
Fire Department:
DPW: Due to inadequate space, the DPW operations are spread throughout town in four different locations, including rented property at a
cost of $74,000 per year, segregating and reducing the efficiency of operations. The existing facilities at Richardson Road are some of the
oldest unimproved municipal facilities in town. These undersized and antiquated facilities result in poor and unsafe working conditions for our
employees, and force a portion of the multimillion-dollar fleet to be stored in an unprotected environment, reducing the life expectancy of the
equipment and impacting the DPW's ability to respond to the needs of the community.
Fire Department: The existing headquarters is located in a facility that was built in 1952 for a much smaller volunteer fire department serving
a rural community of fewer than 10,000 people. Due to limited space within the existing building, many of the basic code compliant and Na-
tional Fire Protection Association-recommended spaces do not exist. In fact, some of the Fire Department's apparatus must be specially or-
dered to fit within the existing building, adding substantial cost to the purchase price of this equipment. Furthermore, the basement of the
station is occupied by temporary structural bracing to support the deteriorating apparatus floor above, further reducing available useable
space within the existing building. These deficiencies contribute to poor and unsafe working conditions for our firefighters and negatively im-
pact the efficiency of the Fire Department operations.
Moving forward with the purchase and renovation of an existing vacant warehouse for the DPW on Alpha Road and the construction of a new
Fire Department headquarters on a town-owned parcel off Wilson Street, as outlined in the earlier completed feasibility study, will save
Chelmsford more than $20 million in new construction costs. In addition, funding of these projects will come at a time when construction
prices and borrowing costs are at historic lows, which will save the town additional money in the near and long term. Due to the town's cur-
rent declining debt for capital projects, approval of these two new projects will result in a maximum increase of $76 per year for the years
2014 and 2015 and substantially declining to $36 per year for 2016. This debt will quickly further decline after 2016 as the debt decreases
each year. To delay these projects now will likely result in the community paying much more money for the facilities as construction costs in-
crease along with the improving economy. In addition, the town may lose the opportunity to purchase an adequately sized existing building for
the DPW that is significantly less then new construction. This lost opportunity would add substantial costs to the replacement of the DPW fa-
cilities.
In addition to the financial benefits which would be realized by moving forward with these projects now, there are many significant operational
improvements that will benefit each department and the community at large:
CLICK HERE for whole letter

Chelmsford Historical Society Farm Fair
Tom Christiano
October 4, 2009
The Chelmsford Historical Society held its 5th An-
nual Farm Fair on Saturday, September 26th at the-
Barrett-Byam Homestead, located onByam Road
inChelmsford. The nearby photos illustrate what a
great day it turned out to be this year (after getting
rained out last year, it was quite a relief to have a
beautifully clear and sunny day).
The Farm Fair featured: local farmers selling their
produce & apple cider, hay rides, pony rides and
demonstrations of old time cider making, as well as
cloth spinning & weaving. The Barrett-Byam home
was open for tours of the historical items on display.
An art exhibit included many historical photographs
of various sites around Chelmsford.
A boy scout troop held a BBQ and George Simonian
was there with his home made jams and jellies. The
musical group “Two Cat Folk” and some other per-
formers entertained us throughout the afternoon
with their folk music.
Photos by Tom Christiano

Politically Incorrect
ON THE AIR
with
Tom Christiano
Sept 22, 2009,
Topics:
SPECIAL TOWN
ELECT ION
Tue sday - Oc to be r 6, 2009
Ballot Question 1 -
Department of
Public W orks Facility
Ballot Question 2 -
Fire Stat ion Headquarters
(l to r)
Fir e Chie f J ac k Par ow ,
To w n Me e ting Re ps
Mary Tiano,
Tom Christiano &
Debbie D ery ,
DPW D ire ct or J im Pe arso n CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SHOW
NEXT on Politically Incorrect
Starting October 6th
Tues & Weds 8:30 PM
Thurs 7:00 AM
Sundays 11:00 AM
Chelmsford Cable TV Channel 8
John Belskis Colleen Stansfield Tom Golden Jim Arciero
Chairman of Planning Board Chelmsford’s Chelmsford’s
the repeal of & Town Meeting State State
40B coalition Representative Representative Representative
Precinct 6

Selectman makes it a race for GOP in Senate primary
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13460840
By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com
10/01/2009
Eric CHELMSFORD -- Casting himself as a fiscal conservative with an independent voice, Selectman Eric
Dahlberg Dahlberg threw his hat into the ring yesterday for a shot at the 3rd Middlesex District Senate seat.
"The state Senate needs more independent-minded thinkers to help get us out of the economic mess
we're in," said Dahlberg, a registered Republican. "Massachusetts is hemorrhaging people, jobs, money
and businesses. Voting to raise taxes at a time like this was the wrong move."
Dahlberg, 31, is conservative when it comes to spending but supports abortion rights and gay couples having
the right to marry.
"If that's your thing, go for it," Dahlberg said of gay marriage. "I believe government should stay out of
people's personal lives."
Besides a stint working as an aide for former state Senate Minority
Leader Brian Lees, Dahlberg is a newcomer to politics. He beat incum-
bent Sam Chase for selectman in 2008 after a grass-roots campaign in
which he spent weeks knocking on thousands of doors and asking for
residents' votes.
Dahlberg also came out against a controversial Proposition 2 1/2 override at a time when the
economy was headed south. He emerged the victor in each of the town's nine voter
precincts.
Although he's only halfway through his first term on the board, Dahlberg said he believes he
can win a race against Lincoln Democrat Susan Fargo, who has held the Senate seat since Sandi
1997.
Martinez and Eric
But in order to challenge Fargo, Dahlberg will first have to beat Sandi Martinez, another
Chelmsford Republican running for the seat. And Martinez, who's campaigning for the third
time, said she's determined to race against Fargo this year and win.
"I've established a lot of groundwork during the past campaigns," Martinez said. "A lot of people know who I am and what
I'm about, so I'm very confident this is the year."
An active member of the Chelmsford Republican Town Committee, Martinez also served as a Town Meeting representative for
seven years. She lives on Carter Drive with her husband and five children, and owns and operates an information technology com-
pany.
Martinez said she's running to restore the voter's voice on Beacon Hill, adding that legislators have ignored pleas to roll back taxes
and stop wasteful spending. She also wants the state to adopt a bill, similar to those in Rhode Island, Texas and South Carolina,
that requires transparency in government.
"If legislators knew that it was easy to view
every transaction online, they're going to be a
little more prudent about where the money goes
and how they spend it," she said.
On running against Dahlberg, Martinez said,
"I think Republican primaries are good for the
party, and I look forward to a hardy race against
him." Teddy
Dahlberg works at the Commonwealth Health In-
surance Connecter in Boston, part of the state's program to provide health insur-
ance to more residents. He lives on Boston Road with his wife, Suzanne, and their
dog, Teddy. He has a bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College and a
master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University.
Unlike Martinez, who has been down this campaign trail before, Dahlberg will have
to make his name known throughout the district's nine communities, which, be-
sides Chelmsford, include Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Sudbury,
Waltham and Weston.
But, he adds, "I only knew six people in Chelmsford when I decided to run for
Suzanne the Board of Selectmen."
and Eric
When asked what he would do to help the state recover from an economic slump,
Dahlberg said,
"I definitely would not vote to raise the sales tax or income tax."

Submitted by "The Dahlberg Committee"
Chelmsford Selectman Eric Dahlberg To
Announce Candidacy for State Senate
in Third Middlesex District
Chelmsford, Mass – Chelmsford Selectman Eric Dahlberg will soon
officially announce his candidacy for state senate in Massachusetts’
Third Middlesex District. Describing the timing of his announcement
as “the start of a marathon, not a sprint,”
Eric has filed paperwork establishing a campaign committee, which
has already swung into action with the implementation of an aggres-
sive fundraising plan.
Eric currently sits on the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen, where his
priorities have been: serving as an independent voice for the
taxpayers, streamlining town government, and improving the local
business climate. He was elected to the Board in April 2008.
Eric’s professional background is in the field of health policy: he
currently works at the Health Connector, the award-winning agency
established in 2006 to implement the Commonwealth's landmark
health care reform law.
He previously worked at the US Department of Health and Human
Services and as a staffer to Massachusetts Senate Republican Leader
Brian Lees, who has signed on as a member of the campaign's
Steering Committee. Eric also worked for the late US Senator Daniel
Patrick Moynihan of New York while pursuing his graduate degree in
Washington DC.
Eric received a BA in history from Dartmouth College in 2000 and a
Master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University in 2002.
He and his wife Suzanne live in their first home with their dog,
Teddy.
“I am running because I know I can effectively represent the
interests of the people, businesses and communities of the
Third Middlesex district in the Senate,” said Eric. “I am running
Senate
because I will bring an independent perspective to Beacon
Hill.
I am running because I believe we can do better .”
The Dahlberg Committee has already begun building an army of
supporters across the Third Middlesex District, and planning is
underway for a series of kick-off events this Fall.
“I intend to run a lean, mean, high-tech campaign operation ,”
said Eric.
A formal announcement, to include the campaign's web site and
leadership team, is coming soon.

To 40B or not to 40B ?
The BOSTON GLOBE
*************************************************************************************************************
Zoning door reopens for low-cost housing
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/24/opportunities_for_chapter_40b_developers_increase_in_andover_elsewhere/
Town loses ground in its effort to meet state-mandated target
By Katheleen Conti, Globe Staff | September 24, 2009
When a 220-unit apartment building in Andover recently converted entirely to market-rate rental units, it put the town’s low-cost housing stock
below an important threshold.
Now at 8.6 percent, Andover’s affordable housing numbers have fallen below the minimum 10 percent required under the state’s controversial
40B “antisnob’’ law that allows developers to sidestep certain local zoning regulations if they reserve at least 25 percent of a project’s units for
below-market-rate homes.
The decline has created better opportunities for 40B developers looking to enter the community, despite the general lull in new construction
projects during the recession.
And it’s not just in Andover. When a community is under the 10 percent low-income housing level - and most are - it has less leverage over the
proposals it can reject or the restrictions it can impose. Some projects that are under appeal, even some that had local rejections overturned by
the state, are back on the table in other communities, including Chelmsford, Billerica, and North Andover.
Lisa Schwarz, Andover’s senior town planner, said town zoning officials welcome projects that will increase Andover’s affordable housing stock,
and they try to work with developers on appropriate conditions. A few years ago the town was flush with applications for 40B developments, but
they’ve since slowed down, Schwarz said.
“There’s definitely a feeling of supporting affordable housing, especially in the right location and if it’s meeting the right need,’’ she said. “There
have been a few rejected when a developer didn’t agree to conditions.’’
Among the supported projects, she said, is Wild Rose Estates, whose developers applied to build 12 condominium units but were persuaded
by the town to cut the number to four in 2005. Of the four, one three-bedroom town home is affordable and eligible to be purchased by a first-
time home buyer through an upcoming lottery.
A project that has resurfaced is Taylor Cove, whose developer, Todd Wacome, recently won an appeal with the state’s Housing Appeals Com-
mittee over the town’s rejection. He is proposing a 32-unit condominium on 12 acres off of River Street. The project will be before town officials
again soon.
Schwarz has calculated that it would take about 110 affordable units to put the town back over the 10 percent minimum, but added there is no
timeline to get there, only a goal.
Chelmsford is also working to increase its affordable housing stock, which is between 7.5 and 8
percent of the town’s total housing , said Evan Belansky , community development director.
Historically, Chelmsford has been very attractive to 40B developers , likely because of its
location and proximity to highways , Belansky said.
“ Before the economic downturn, we got our fair share of applications. During the height of 40B
we got two or three a year, ’’ Belansky said. “ Chelmsford is rumored to have had the highest
number of applications in Eastern Mass. . . . Chelmsford reviews 40Bs very closely .’’
Belansky said the town’s most recent approval is Hillside Gardens on Route 110, which was scaled
down from 59 mixed-use units to 44. The project has been opposed by residential and commercial
abutters, Belansky said. At a recent Master Plan Committee meeting, concerns were raised that the
development is too close to an industrial area. Belansky said commercial abutters appealed the project
on the grounds of public safety.
Some Chelmsford residents attended a Board of Selectmen meeting last week opposing a proposed
two-unit rental development on Arlington Street, filed as a so-called “friendly 40B’’ under the Local Ini -
tiative Program, which serves to form a partnership between the developer and the town to shape a
project. Residents, however, claim the project would harm nearby wetlands, Belansky said. Selectmen
continued the hearing to Oct. 5.
Chelmsford residents are also appealing a recently approved 384-unit apartment development, but this
one is in Billerica. The complex would be on Rangeway Road on the Chelmsford line, said Jane Nolan,
head clerk for Billerica’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Originally, the project’s New Jersey-based develop -
ers proposed a 672-unit complex dubbed Aspen Apartments, but it was scaled back after months of
debate, Nolan said. With Billerica’s affordable housing stock at around 6 percent of the town’s total
housing, Nolan said Aspen Apartments would help the town meet its goal of approving 95 affordable
units per year.
Under 40B laws, communities that voluntarily increase their affordable housing stock by half-a-percent per calendar year receive a one-year
exemption from 40B proposals.
In North Andover, some area residents have opposed the 32-unit 40B development known as Orchard Village at 1001 Turnpike St. The ZBA
approved the project last year, but the developer filed an appeal with the state regarding some of the conditions imposed by the town. That
project is now back at the local level, said Albert P. Manzi III, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
As communities try to strike a balance between meeting affordable housing quotas and residents’ concerns over the projects, the future of the
40-year-old Chapter 40B law is uncertain. Early this month the state attorney general’s office approved a petition by the nonprofit Coalition to
Repeal 40B to allow voters to decide in November 2010. Members of the coalition must collect 66,593 signatures by Dec. 2 to get their petition
on the ballot.

Chelmsford claim against 40B developer denied
http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x2024000244/Chelmsford-claim-against-40B-developer-denied
By Chloe Gotsis/ staff writer
Sep 22, 2009
Orchard Woods development off of Turnpike Road
Chelmsford —
The town of Chelmsford’s claim of excessive profits against Orchard Woods LLC and
ALTID Enterprises and developer
Raymond Carye was denied in Middlesex Land Court last week, according to Town
Manager Paul Cohen.
The jury handed down a verdict in favor of the defendant finding that Carye’s profits
from the Chapter 4OB affordable housing complex did not violate rules governing the
amount of profit his company could realize. Under Chapter 40B, the developer’s profit
cannot exceed 20 percent, Cohen said.
Chelmsford has 30 days to file an appeal and there has been no decision on whether
to file that appeal, Cohen said.
*********************************
BOARD OF SELECTMEN NAME AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE
Appointed members from various Town Boards include:
George Dixon - Board Of Selectmen,
Bill Gilet - Zoning Board of Appeals,
Cori Rose - Conservation Committee,
Georgie Mueller - Chelmsford Housing Authority,
and Susan Carter Sullivan - Planning Board.
Plus two Chelmsford residents
CLICK HERE to watch
the Board of Selectmen vote for the two residents
who will sit on the committee.

ASK THE MANAGER
Q&A with Chelmsford’s Town Manager Paul Cohen
In-Town Report :
Concerning the new strip mall where Skip's restaurant used to be.
First the good news: I have noticed that during certain times of the day
the parking lot is very full.
The bad news: Café Madrid is still the only business located in that mall.
Do you know if there are new businesses headed into that location or are
the owners still looking for tenants to fill the open spaces.
Paul Cohen :
There have been no building permits filed for any interior
improvements at the other locations in this plaza. The
property owner continues to search for potential tenants.
ITR :
On a related note, one store front is equipped with a drive-thru,
is it possible for a restaurant like McDonalds to go into the
strip mall?
PC:
It is possible for a fast food restaurant to locate in the strip mall; however, it is not probable.
You may recall that a few years ago, there was a Wendy’s restaurant located in a strip mall in
Westford across the street from the Applebee’s location. The fast food franchises generally only
locate in a site that meets the dimensions for their model building plan, which is generally a
stand alone building
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITR :
What is the current status of putting up a cell tower at the
Chelmsford Country Club?
PC:
There are no active plans to obtain Town Meeting approval for a
wireless communications tower at the Chelmsford Country Club.
There is interest from a wireless broadband company that is seeking
to construct a tower in this area. However, I have not received any
simulated image photography or other detailed plans that would
illustrate the appearance of a wireless communications tower at this
location.

ITR :
What is going on with all the heavy equipment and mountains of dirt at the
old Route 3 Cinema site (& possible site of the new Super Stop & Shop) ?
PC:
The heavy equipment and earth materials serve as a staging area for the sewer work being
performed in the Highlands section of Lowell.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITR :
Concerning the latest 40B proposal to go before the town, "Westland's Place" There has been
some confusion over the developer's representative to the board.
Some news sources wrote he was a lawyer when in reality he is not a lawyer
but a consultant. Is it unusual not to have a legitimate lawyer
present a 40B proposal to the town boards and commit tees?
The reason I ask is, once when I was sitting in on a Zoning Board
of Appeals meeting concerning the 40B project "Hillside Gardens",
the commercial abutters had a consultant speak on their behalf
and the attorney for the developers argued that the consultant
could not speak before the board on the 40B matter because he
was not a lawyer or an abutter.
PC:
An applicant decides who provide representation before the Board of Selectmen. It is not re-
quired to be an attorney or an engineer. An applicant may also have more than one person
represent a project before the Board of Selectmen. The Zoning Board of Appeals serves as an
adjudicatory board regarding a 40B application. This is not the case with respect to the Board
of Selectmen’s consideration as to whether to endorse a Local Initiative Project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITR :
With the Special Election right around the corner, why has there been a lack
of town wide publicity on the two projects under consideration?
(I realize there have been "open houses" and a public forum for residents
at the police station. But there are more voters than can fit into the police
station training room)
PC:
Town officials have provided public notice of the special election on numer-
ous opportunities. The Board of Selectmen has made an announcement at the beginning of
each of its meetings. Informational flyers publicizing the election date have been circulated at
the library, senior center, town hall, and other municipal buildings. Election banners will be
displayed in the town center and in North Chelmsford. Election information is listed on the
home page of the Town’s website. Town officials have appeared on various cable television pro-
grams to promote the election. I am open to any suggestions that you may have that could
further publicize the date of the upcoming special election.

The BOSTON GLOBE *****************************
Six overlooked Mass. towns
By Rona Fischman, Boston.com Correspondent
http://www.boston.com/realestate/gallery/overlooked_neighborhoods?pg=2
Overlooked towns: Chelmsford
By Rona Fischman, Boston.com Correspondent
According to Pat Magnell, there is a lot to like in
Chelmsford:
"Chelmsford is located north of Boston at the junction of
Routes 3 and 495. Housing is varied in style and price
ranges.
"In 2007, Money Magazine named Chelmsford one of the
100 best places to live in America. Why? A great combina -
tion of historical preservation and new growth."
Photo: A barn with a working clock tower in Chelmsford,
a Globe "home of the week" in October 2008.
*****************************
Chelmsford church eyes town billboard
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13443561
By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com
09/29/2009
CHELMSFORD -- They've become a sign of the economic times.
Revenue-boosting billboards are on the fast track to springing up in
Chelmsford, and the Congregational Church might become the first to
plant one. Town Manager Paul Cohen said the church in North Chelms-
ford, which owns property on Oak Hill just north of Scotty Hollow, has
been in negotiations with a billboard company and could ink a deal
within weeks.
A representative of the church was unable to be reached yesterday, but Cohen said that if the Planning Board grants the
church a special permit, and the church has made a deal with a company, then it could become the proprietor of the
town's first billboard.
In the spring, Town Meeting approved the creation of billboard overlay districts to help bring in up to $90,000 in additional
revenue. The new bylaw allows for no more than four billboards in the specially zoned areas, but until now there were
plans to build only two, one near Chelmsford High School and another at Oak Hill on Route 3.
Although the church, located at 15 Princeton St., is also seeking to place a billboard in the Oak Hill area, Cohen said "it
won't box (the town) out" from building a sign in the area as well.
The new bylaw requires that billboards must be at least 500 feet from a residence and at least 1,000
feet from another sign. The two billboards in the Oak Hill area would meet those guidelines, Cohen said.
A representative of the church has said the congregation plans to use its new revenue stream to pay for church repairs

and maintenance, Cohen said. While the town's bylaw also requires that a billboard must have some sort
of public benefit to the town, Cohen said the town has not had any discussion with the church yet as to
town
what that benefit would be.
On Oct. 19, Town Meeting will vote on three more articles to erect billboards in Chelmsford. The articles will include clarify-
ing language in the bylaw so uses conform with the overlay districts, allowing the School Committee to identify school land
as surplus and pass control over to selectmen, and finally, to give selectmen approval to enter a 20-year lease for a bill-
board.
The billboard proposal was initially brought forward by Chelmsford resident Sal Lupoli, owner of the Sal's Pizza chain, as a
way to generate money for a new community athletic field. Lupoli, also the owner of several billboards, said outdoor adver-
tising has the potential to drum up hundreds of thousands of dollars for the town.
During spring Town Meeting, Lupoli explained that the MBTA was asking $175,000 as a minimum bid from companies to
advertise on an MBTA billboard in Lowell along Interstate 495.
"And that's just the minimum-bid package," Lupoli said. "I've seen projects go north of $200,000 for ad -
package,
vertising space along 495, and these are serious numbers."
numbers
Tyngsboro town officials also struck a deal this month with the landlord of a billboard. The billboard's owner agreed to pay
the town $20,000 annually for 10 years, and 2 percent of the advertising revenue generated by the billboard annually
thereafter in exchange for the OK to place a 65-foot high billboard on the northbound side of Route 3, behind Makepeace
Road, just south of Exit 34.
Lupoli has said Chelmsford could reap similar benefits.
Although Town Meeting approved the overlay districts by a two-thirds majority vote, the idea did not sit well with some rep-
resentatives. Fran McDougall said she did not want to see Chelmsford "tattooed" by billboards, "which in the end
becomes graffiti."
*****************************
MORE TRASH TALK
Changes in town's trash collection
www.chelmsfordmassnews.com
Kevin Zimmerman/Staff Reporter 29.SEP.09
On Monday, the Board of Selectmen discussed proposed changes to how the town collects residents garbage.
Town Manager Paul Cohen presented information he and Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator Jennifer Almeida along with
Carolyn Dann from MassDEP complied on how the town will move ahead with a new collection system.
Chelmsford has joined with nearby communities on a regional solid waste disposal contract that begins July 1, 2010. The
disposal rate will be $67 per ton of waste.
In Chelmsford, residents will be provided with one 40-gallon container per household to be used for the new automated
solid waste collection.
In addition, recycling will occur on a weekly basis in what is called a single-stream collection, which means residents will
no longer have to separate paper and plastic.
The recycling bins currently in use will continue to work for the new collection.
Cohen said the cost of this type of collection will remain at approximately the current $2 million level.

New twist
on an old favorite
Chelmsford Independent
http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/education/x593054811/New-twist-on-an-old-favorite
By Jesse A. Floyd/ staff writer
GateHouse News Service
Sep 27, 2009
There’s going to be a new twist on an old favorite when curtains rise on the annual
Chelmsford Schools Foundation Spelling Bee.
In years past, the foundation has been the sole organizer, chief cook and bottle-
washer for the event. The bee has grown to become the group’s primary revenue
source, awarding $36,122 in the first three years.
The money pays for small grants to bolster curriculum, said foundation member Eric Andrus.
But the logistics of the event were beginning to wear thin on the all-volunteer foundation. Enter the Chelms-
ford Arts and Technology Education Fund, a quasi-public group formed at Town Meeting in 1994.
“We were running out of gas a little,” Andrus said. “This energized us and it energized them.”
The Arts and Technology Fund is paid for through voluntary donations on tax bills. Over
the years, according to member Kirk Marshall, it has built an endowment of $50,000.
The idea: Divide the work between the two groups, creating a deeper talent pool for
both groups. For example, Andrus pointed out the Marshall has experience working on
corporate fundraising, not always a strength with the foundation.
The two groups have been meeting for several months now and everything seems to
Kirk be in place for the bee on Nov. 5. The long-time hosts Peter and Paul Reynolds are in
Marshall place, the venue has been rented and the rules are in place. As in past years, teams
are adult-only.
According to Marshall, there have been regular meetings and the two groups have worked well together in
the partnership’s inaugural year.
Plans are to split the money raised between the two organizations.
What this means for the future isn’t clear, Andrus said. It’s working well and might work for other
fundraisers in the future, but right now, the focus is on Nov. 5.
“At the very least, it’s going to keep the bee going,” he said.
People interested in taking part can log on to
chelmsfordschoolsfoundation.org and download an entry form.
There’s also a study guide of possible word choices at the
foundation Web site.
For anyone interested, last year’s winner was affenpinscher.

Town Meeting representative Danielle Evans
speaks as a tax payer and a mother of a
new kindergartner on the over crowding in
the schools
CLICK HERE
FOR
VIDEO CLIP
*****************************************************************
State giving Chelmsford and Billerica millions for school work
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_13470362#
By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com
10/02/2009
CHELMSFORD -- The Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved $321 million for
school construction projects in 15 districts, including Chelmsford and Billerica.
Authority Director Karen Craven said Wednesday the $321 million in state funding will combine
with local funding for a total of $660 million to build or renovate three high schools, three middle
schools and nine elementary schools.
In Chelmsford, officials will receive $7.28 million of the state money for reimbursement on the
McCarthy and Parker middle-school building projects.
Town Manager Paul Cohen said it's good news considering that when the town approved the
projects in 2004, there was a moratorium on state funding.
" The town proceeded at risk to do these projects, not knowing for sur e if the
m oney would come back," Cohen said.
back
B ut now that Chelmsford is g etting r eim bursed, the town can pay off its tem por ar y
bor rowing notes, Cohen said.
notes
Last year, Chelmsford was also awarded $8.74 million for renovations at Chelmsford High
School, giving the town a total of more than $16 million in state money.
The MSBA has also awarded Billerica more than $17 million to construct a new Parker School. The bigger elementary
school is planned to hold about 500 students, including 100 redistricted students from the overcrowded Dutile and Vin-
ing elementary schools.
Billerica's plans are still up in the air as the town must first pass a debt exclusion.
"We're very close to getting this done," said Selectman Bob Accomando, who sits on the town's Permanent Building
Committee, adding that the project must receive a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting and a two-thirds vote of the Board
of Selectmen before going to a townwide ballot.
"I'm 100 percent behind this project," Accomando said. "Even in tough economic times, we cannot let capital improve-
ments suffer."
If the measure passes, Billerica residents will pay between $50 and $100 more a year on their tax bills. The state will
reimburse the town 55.69 percent for the total cost of the project.
State Treasurer Tim Cahill has said the state funding will help reinvigorate the economy by creating jobs. The largest
slice of state money was awarded to Wayland for renovations to the town's 50-year-old high school.
Dennis Shaughnessey contributed to this report.

On The Border
1,500 sign petition
opposing asphalt plant in Westford
By Prudence Brighton, Sun Correspondent
09/22/2009
http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_13392487
WESTFORD -- A petition signed by more than 1,500 residents opposed to the proposed Groton Road asphalt plant was
presented last night to the Planning Board.
Alisa Nakashian-Holsberg, who presented the petition, assured the board, "This drive is by no means over." Nakashian-
Holsberg is a member of the Route 40 Clean Air Coalition, which sponsored the drive.
She had a copy of the inch-thick document for each member of the Planning Board as well as one for the applicant, New-
port Materials LLC.
The board received the petition without comment except that it "will be in each member's packet for the next meeting."
The discussion last night focused on civil-engineering aspects of the proposed plant, particularly fire safety, drainage and
storm-water run-off.
John Borgesi of Woodard and Curran highlighted 11 remaining engineering issues, including a proposal to use a 10,000-
gallon cistern to provide the Fire Department with water in emergency situations.
Board member Fred Palmer said, "I would be surprised and concerned if the fire engineer didn't ask for at last 20,000 gal-
lons. The Fire Department would be very challenged with a 10,000-gallon cistern."
Newport Materials has engaged a fire engineer to evaluate the cistern.
Chris Lorrain of LandTech Consultants, the engineering and design firm working with Newport Materials, advised the
board that asphalt has a very high flash point, unlike gasoline.
Board member Dennis Galvin said he wants to know "exactly how the fire system works." He has asked for a presentation
on special fire-protection features of the equipment.
Galvin also asked if the Planning Board intends to have an independent study of the fire-safety issues done.
Douglas Deschenes, the attorney representing Newport Materials, argued against such a review.
"We have had several meetings with (Fire Lt.) Don Parsons about this," he said. "He gave us advice on our hiring an ex-
pert. I would like the board to hear Mr. Parsons on this."
Galvin said that in two recent cases, Parsons "deferred to our peer reviewer."
Board member Andrea Peraner-Sweet suggested that the board ask Fire Chief Richard Rochon and Parsons to attend the
next meeting.
Some discussion also occurred last night regarding the visibility of the four silos that will be used in the manufacturing
process.
Some neighbors asked for information about what the final appearance of the silos would be and what they would look like
from the street. Deschenes responded that Newport Materials several months ago placed a crane at the site that matched
the height of the silos. It was there for two weeks for the Planning Board's inspection.
"But we couldn't see it," one resident said.
"That's the point," Deschenes answered.
The facility is set 1,700 feet from the road and should not be visible, he added.
Newport Materials last week received its air permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection for the facility
based on the tests and studies it submitted.

COFFEE TALK
SUPPORT OUR TOWN GET TOGETHE R AT
THE J AV A ROOM
by Tom Christiano
On October st the first day of the new local option
taxes in Chelmsford School Committee member
Kathy Duffett organized a support our local busi
nesses get together at the Java Room By the way
the additional local option tax on a cup of cof
fee would be less than cents
Many local political & town leaders stopped
by for some coffee & tea and to catch up
with their Chelmsford friends including:
Town Manager Paul Cohen State Representatives Tom
Golden & Jim Arciero Selectmen Pat Wojtas
Eric Dahlberg & George Dixon Selectmen candidates Jon
Kurland & Matt Hanson former Selectmen Bill Dalton &
Sam Chase Carol & Walter Cleven School Committee mem
bers Angie Taranto & KathyDuffett Fire Chief Jack Parow &
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Curran and many other town meet
ing representatives came by to show support for our
town and to talk with their friends
This get together was so successful Kathy Duffett and
Tom Christiano are planning a Winter Support our
Town Coffee at the Java Room in mid December
Photos by Tom Christiano

EXTRA EXTRAS
Submitted by Laura Lee - Town Meeting Representative Precinct 1
The Chelmsford Town
Halls Benefit Concert is
a musical celebration to
help fund the revitaliza-
tion of Chelmsford’s two
historic Town Halls.
It is also a concert to
acknowledge the rich
musical talent that
Chelmsford possesses,
featuring Nova Scotia
Celtic Band Tri, Stuart
Highlanders Pipe Band,
Anna Dagmar, Yoke
Shire, Dance New
England Celtic Dance
Troupe, and other
special guest
appearances.
All the acts involved
have strong ties to
Chelmsford.
The concert will be held at Chelmsford High School's Performing Arts
Center on Saturday, November 21st at 7:00pm.
Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 (children under 3 are
free) and are available at www.MKTix.com, Music Academy of Chelms-
ford, the Chelmsford Town Clerks Office and the Office of Community
Education, Chelmsford Public Schools at 170 Dalton Road.
Please contact
Laura Lee at laura.lee@comcast.net or
978-251-7410 if you would like more information.

Submitted by Evan Belansky - Community Development Director

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“ Government's view of the economy could
be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it. ”
- Ronald Reagan
Who Can Take Your Money?
CLICK HERE and find out ; )
With A Twinkle In Their Eye ?

In-Town Report NEWS LINKS
Lowell Sun
Chelmsford Independent
Kevin Zimmerman’s Chelmsford MassNews
Boston Globe
Town of Chelmsford Website
If you have friends,family or neighbors
who you think would like to be
added to this news update list
just have them drop us a line at
intownreport@gmail.com
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For Back Issues off the In-Town Report
CLICK HERE: http://www.slideshare.net/re007hq/documents
Roy Earley Tom Christiano
Precinct 6 Town Meeting Representative Precinct 9 Town Meeting Representative