Town Meeting rejects article to acquire land near former Beal

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Town Meeting rejects article to acquire land near former Beal
Select Board members review the Town Meeting articles. (Photo/Caroline Gordon)

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury Town Meeting members gathered for Town Meeting on Oct. 17.

However, members rejected two articles – one of which would have amended the dog control law and another which would have acquired a parcel near the former Beal.

 Dog control law amendment

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar presented this article, which asked Town Meeting to vote to amend a section of the general bylaws dealing with the dog control law.

Specifically, it would have reduced the holding period for unclaimed dogs from 10 days to seven days.

After the seven-day holding period, the town would give the dog to the Worcester Animal Rescue League to be put up for adoption.

Voters voiced concerns about the shorter holding period, noting that seven days is not enough time for an owner to claim their lost dog.

Ultimately, the article failed.

Property near Beal

Another article sought Town Meeting approval to appropriate $200,000 – $91,000 from taxes and $109,000 from the treasury – to acquire a piece of property near the former Beal school either by purchase or eminent domain.

The property is about 5,000 square feet and was formerly a portion of 12 Chase Terrace.

Mizikar said the current owner of the property closed on it Oct. 4 and acquired it for $165,000.

“The vision for this parcel of land would be to enhance pedestrian connectivity and parking for the town center and the patrons thereof,” Mizikar said.

He called acquiring the parcel a “unique opportunity” as the lot was created thanks to a piece of land that was “split off” of a portion of 12 Chase Terrace.

Voters voiced their concerns about the proposed acquisition of the parcel, noting its cost and proximity to the proposed Beal Commons development. A developer is planning on redeveloping the former school into a mixed-use project called Beal Commons.

“We want to purchase a 5,000 square foot parcel for $200,000 to potentially be used for parking because we don’t have adequate parking because we sold our biggest asset in the center of town for $250,000? That’s somewhat worrisome,” said Paul Zekos.

Jason Molina asked if the parcel would be used for public use parking and not for the “Beal Commons” residents.

“Any plan that is referenced is part of the vision for the town center, not just the redevelopment of 1-7 Maple Avenue,” Mizikar said.

This article ultimately failed with a standing vote of 53-104.

According to Mizikar, as the article failed, the Select Board will consider an order of taking for the property.

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