Protecting Holliston's Environment

by Bobby Blair 1/21/12

Casino and Solar Farm figure into Holliston's environment...

The Democratic Town Committee organized a discussion and forum on the environment in Holliston.  While the early part of the meeting was informative, the later portion turned political. Organizer Meghan O'Brien of David Street told the HollistonReporter.com that after Brentwood residents organized earlier last year over an issue at Chamberlain Pines Tennis Club, she wanted others facing the proposed casino in Milford and the Solar Farm on Bullard Street to know those in town who make decisions on town boards.

O'Brien, above left, introduced the discussion panel - from left Rep. Carolyn Dykema, and Alan Rutberg  of the town's Conservation Commission and Ann Marie Pilch who serves on the Conservation and Open Space Committee. Pilch explained that people are often confused by the usage of the word "open space". Pilch told the 30 residents in attendance that open space is simply undeveloped land either in public or private hands. The town's open space committee derives its funds from several sources including monies from the use of town cell towers (water tanks), grants and community preservation funds. Rep. Dykema said the state has several tools to help insure open space including legal protection, financing and a planning council.

Norland Street resident Liz Theiler questioned the panel as to why the Town of Holliston wasn't considered a "Green Community" http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2011/111216-adv-six-gc-town-grants.html such as Medway and Hopkinton who receive thousands of dollars in grants. Rep. Dykerma said she didn't believe Holliston had taken steps toward being green.

Several residents were clearly unhappy about the prospect of the proposed Solar Farm on Bullard Street. Rep. Dykema explained that the law concerning solar farms is of a home rule type where local communities have a say rather than a one-size-fits-all law. Speaking of the builders of the solar farm, Marti Boyles (above) of 124 Bullard Street said "if they can do it here, they can do it anywhere".

Posted in Green.

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