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Training Green lighting and irrigation draw opposition from precinct chairs and residents
Summary
A $220,000 request to add historically styled lighting and an irrigation system at the Training Green drew objections at the precinct chairs meeting; opponents cited advisory committee ratings and Historic Commission concerns while proponents argued ADA and safety benefits and said the funding source differs from prior CPC requests.
The Committee of Precinct Chairs debated Article 18 on Feb. 19 after Lynne Barrett and Parks Director Nick Faiella presented capital improvement requests. Faiella described a $220,000 request for the Training Green that would fund historically appropriate lighting and an irrigation system intended to improve ADA accessibility and safety and complete electrical work for irrigation and lighting.
Faiella said the funding request differs from earlier proposals that relied on Community Preservation Committee funds and that the town now seeks a different funding source. He said the package includes irrigation and electrical work and argued the timing was appropriate because the walkways and landscaping work would disturb the ground and it's efficient to install lighting and irrigation together.
Several precinct chairs and at least one public commenter, Mr. Stone (Precinct 16), opposed the project, noting that the Capital Budget ranked the project low (38 out of 40), the Advisory and Finance Committee recommended not to fund it (vote 9-4), and the Historical Commission later voted unanimously not to support the project. Opponents questioned why a hiring freeze for craftsmen remains in effect while the town reserves capital money for such work. Len Levin, speaking as a resident, urged precinct chairs to discuss the article with constituents and review financial backup materials posted online.
Also discussed in the capital presentation, Harbormaster Chad Hunter outlined a Seaport Award project for Town Wharf with approximately $1.2 million in total funding, leaving an estimated $300,000 town share.
Committee members did not take a funding vote at the meeting; Barrett directed precinct chairs to the Capital Improvements Committee backup documents on the town website for full project detail ahead of Town Meeting.
