City Property Committee

City Property Committee Minutes 5-1-18 Meeting called to order at 6:00pm Committee Councilors Present: Zarrella, Beauchemin (Arrived 6:11pm), Green, Fleming, Squailia Other Councilors Present: Donnelly, Kaddy, DiNatale, Clark (Arrived 6:34pm), Kushmerek (arrived 6:50pm) The following recommendations were made: 115-17. City of Fitchburg Planning Board, to rename the portion of Westminster Hill Road from Industrial Road easterly to the "Game On' property boundary as outlined in the enclosed petition. Motion by Councilor Green to approve 115-17 (with intention of vote to rename portion as “Game On Way”i), Second Councilor Squailia, Unanimous 4-0 116-17. City of Fitchburg Planning Board, to rename the portion of Westminster Hill Road from the Westminster Town line to Industrial Road. Motion by Councilor Green to amend 116-17 to rename the portion of Westminster Hill Road as ‘Roper Rd’, Councilor Squailia Second & Unanimous Vote to Approve 315-17. Key Fitchburg, LLC, represented by Elisha W. Erb, Legal Counsel, to petition the City of Fitchburg's Public Works Department to accept a gift of land located on the east side of John Fitch Highway, Parcel 86-4, as described in the enclosed petition. 316-17. Key Fitchburg, LLC, represented by Elisha W. Erb, Legal Counsel, to petition the Fitchburg Conservation Commission to accept a gift of three parcels of land located on the east side of John Fitch Highway and small parcel of land at the corner of intersection of Proctor Avenue with Woodbury Street as described in the enclosed petition. Motion by Councilor Squailia to hold 315-17 & 316-17, Councilor Fleming Second, Unanimous 5-0 044-18. Councilors Squailia and Zarrella, and David Thibault-Munoz, to postpone the listing of the 116-118 Day Street property to the side yard sales program in order to explore the possibility of creating a Pocket Park to honor Abolitionist Benjamin Snow. Motion by Councilor Squailia to hold 044-18 & send to Parks Commission, Councilor Fleming Second, Unanimous 5-0 Public Forum: 115-17 Mike O’Hara, Planning and Steve Marsden, Game-On speaking on behalf of abandoning and renaming a portion of Westminster Hill Rd to ‘Game On Way. Mike O’Hara noted the goal of the renaming of the street was to avoid folks accessing the facility from the wrong Westminster Hill Rd and having to turn around in people’s driveways. The Physical address of the facility will be known as ‘Game On Way’…accessed through 2A off Industrial Rd. There are no other addresses planned to be on ‘Game On Way’. The planning board requires striping plans and labeling plans. Status update on Game-On, fields set to open in summer, building in the fall. Motion by Councilor Green to approve 115-17, Second Councilor Squailia, Unanimous 4-0 116-17 Propose to rename the portion of Westminster Hill Rd heading to the Westminster Line, suggested by Mike O’Hara & Councilor Kaddy to rename as ‘Roper Rd’…as this is a natural continuation of the Roper Rd that is in Westminster. Noted there will be no other ‘Roper Rd’ that exists in Fitchburg. Beauchemin arrives 6:11pm Motion by Councilor Green to amend 116-17 to include the name ‘Roper Rd’, Councilor Squailia Second, Unanimous Vote to approve. 315-17 & 316-17 Atty Elisha Erb speaking on behalf Notes some land given/sold to Lunenburg, no taxes owed, $1 cost, no reason to believe the land is polluted, Sold because land cannot be sold as cannot access across the brook. Mike O’Hara noted that Atty Erb appeared before Conservation Commission a few months ago. 6:17pm Councilor Green asks questions about the details of the separate deeds of the land and the split between the DPW and the Conservation Commission. Atty Erb also notes the land parcels given to Lunenburg. Commissioner Laakso spoke on behalf of the DPW 315-17, in order to potentially ‘mine sand’. They would have to work out something with the town of Lunenburg. Councilor Beauchemin asked how much sand there is, “there is some, someone had mined it in the past, not the answer to all of our problems, but at some point, in the future, it could be handy’ Beauchemin noted Conservation Commissioners testimony from 2 weeks prior that they have the 200’ water rights protection, Laakso noted they cannot mine sand within 200’ of the Brook (35-40% of the property), but that they could mine sand beyond the 200’. Beauchemin noted how the Cons Com wanted to use the sand on the sand to ‘re-soil it’ (Loam), discusses problems with invasive species around the watershed land being a concern Tracey Betts-Sarefield, Chair of the Conservation Commission speaks on behalf of 315-17 & 316-17, looks forward to collaboration with DPW and appreciates the gift from Attorney Erb’s client; also notes there are currently invasive species on this property. Beauchemin asks about the ‘greater use’ of the property, asks if mining the sand is the greater use? Councilor Fleming asks how the ownership of the land works, Atty Erb responds that the land is deeded to the city, and he city places it under the care/supervision of a department such as the Public Works or the Conservation Commission. Commissioner Michael Donnelly asked how did we get to 2 petitions to the City of Fitchburg? When he believed there was only going to be one going to the Conservation Commission. He is also concerned about the cost of maintaining the land, as it may sit with invasive, and a barren sand pit, he wanted to turn a resource on the land into Loam, to reclaim the land… “if we sell it, we don’t have it”,noted about accepting the ‘spoils’ to the cons com after the DPW has mined the sand. “We are not in the business of accepting spoils, and that is what we are getting”. Commissioner Donnelly is researching prices for turning the sand into loam to reclaim the land. Councilor Squailia asks Commissioner Laakso what the cost of restoring the land would be, he notes that it has not been researched and cannot provide an estimate. Councilor Squailia moves to hold the petitions 315-17 & 316-17 in light of a question on cost of restoring the land, and in light of time (6:37pm), Councilor Fleming Second. Councilor Green speaks to the motion, clarification on the gifting history of the land. Atty Erb speaks to motion, clarifying his understanding of the ‘gifting’ of the land. Motion to hold unanimous. 6:41pm Petition 044-18 begins Public Forum: • Arriana Green, 144 Madison St, Fitchburg Supports, Good idea, not a lot of recreational place in the area • Ruby Hall, represents herself and 1st church of God & Christ, 82 Snow St, Fitchburg, Su- looking into the Historical aspect of this park, to keep our history up-front and fresh to all youth. In researching this, they found out tremendous aspects to the history. Their church abuts the land of Benjamin Snow. Does not believe there is enough history available to the city and community. Wishes to keep our history alive. • Elmer Eubanks, 427 Oak Hill Rd, Supports, more support for youth of neighborhood, historical value, tourism value, small pocket park, entice people to bring tourism dollars from the State.  • Antonio Pennetti, 79 Goodfellow Dr, owns two properties on Day St, one that abuts, one directly across the street… Not in Support, believes there should be more parking in that area compared to a park, would like more information about the park, better utilized as a parking lot. • Helen Obermeyer-Simmons, former faculty of FSU, former 6 year president of Fitchburg Historical Society, in Support, knows Benjamin Snow, notes that she lived in the Moses-Wood house and noted its importance of the site of the Sam Hunt Tavern, the place where David Page rode over from Lunenburg and settled. Noted the book of the City and River Chapter 32, importance of youth in the public schools. Is a beautiful green space now. • Michael Donnelly, 883 Mt Elam Rd, Not in Support, submits a letter to the Committee, owns a house on Benjamin Snow’s property, noted brother (Councilor Donnelly) owns a house nearby, offers to purchase the land for the side- yard sale of $5000 and includes an engineered plan and ‘a memorial to Benjamin Snow of 510sq ft’ • Ellen DiGeronimo submitted a letter, Councilor Kaddy read, in Support: a history of Benjamin Snow in Fitchburg. (4) Petitioners/Presenters: Including Erin Dahl, 255 Sherman St Gardner (3 unknown) A Slideshow Presentation was presented, a copy of which is included in these minutes. Councilor Kaddy requests to send this to Parks Commission Councilor Donnelly poses a series of questions: • Did you know I owned the General Moses-Woods house from 1975-80? Did not know what it was… • Is this economic development? • Does Fitchburg need another park? • Can Fitchburg afford to maintain another park? • Do petitioners own property or live nearby the proposed park? • Do any Councilors live 10 ft away from a park? • Do you think parking is considered for renters/purchasers? • Is naming a street after someone a tribute? • Noted History of Green St Park… Councilor DiNatale asks if the committee can find out if we can add a stipulation for a memorial at the park via side-yard sales? Councilor Squailia Moves to Hold 044-18 and send to the Parks Commission, Fleming Second Meeting adjorned at 7:03pm Documents added to minutes: 1. Attorney Erb map Re: 315-17/316-17 2. Commissioner Michael Donnelly Letter re: Day St Property 044-18 3. Brochure (front & back) re: Day St Property 044-18 4. Ellen DiGeronimo Letter re: Day St Property 044-18 5. Presentation by students re: Day St Property 044-18 i edited minutes 5-4-18 11:39am to reflect intention of petition 115-17 to be renaming the road as ‘Game On Way’  Eryn Dahl, Delaney Fontaine, Helen McGonigle, Mackenzie Mobley, Celina Anctil  Our Goal: To create a “pocket park” in the college neighborhood to celebrate Fitchburg’s rich history of involvement in the movement to end slavery. Today’s presentation will specifically focus on the important role that local abolitionist’ Benjamin Snow played in this movement.  Who was Benjamin Snow? Benjamin Snow was a man of ambition and very much a part of his community. He took part in and established many institutions in his lifetime: • Owner and manager of a West Fitchburg paper mill • Real estate broker • City councilman • President of Rollstone Bank • Co-founder of: • The Trinitarian Congregational Church • The Fitchburg Athenaeum • The Fitchburg Anti-Slavery Society Benjamin Snow and His Abolitionist Role •Home. •As an abolitionist, he was known to use his land in Fitchburg to aid slaves and house important anti-slavery speakers such as Frederick Douglass, Lucy Stone, and many others. •Church •He also helped to co-found the Trinitarian Congregational Church as an anti-slavery institution. This church was established because the Calvinist Congregational Church, which he was a part of, was pro-slavery. •Bell •His strong anti-slavery work and views later led him to purchase an 800 pound plantation bell which he swore to never ring until slavery was abolished. Fitchburg Athenaeum Snow and others helped establish the Fitchburg Athenaeum (1853-1859), which was housed within the original City Hall. City Hall, at the time, included a theater and a library. The purpose of the Athenaeum was “to furnish facilities for intellectual, moral and social improvement through reading and lectures”. Its’ speakers included such abolitionists as: Wendell Phillips, Ralph Waldo-Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. The Athenaeum was also the place where Solomon Northup performed in his own play, “12 Years a Slave”. ➢ Benjamin Snow’s house served as a depot on the Underground Railroad. ➢ The Underground Railroad was made up of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early-to-mid 19th century, and used by African American slaves to escape into free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionist and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. Many visiting abolitionists, whose speaking tours went through Fitchburg, stayed at Benjamin Snow’s house. His land was within the borders of North, Green, Blossom and Pearl St. and was measured to be about 3 acres. Two famous former slaves that Benjamin Snow helped to freedom were: ➢ Josiah Henson, character that the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was based on, who escaped slavery and was trying to raise money to buy his own freedom. ➢ Shadrach Minkins, who escaped re-enslavement after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, which required citizens to report escaped slaves to the police. Benjamin Snow hosted both men in his home in 1850. According to Martha Snow-Wallace’s memoir My Father’s House, written in 1915, several prominent abolitionists stayed in Benjamin Snow’s home as guests. Such people included: 1844-1859: Frederick Douglas, more than once 1849 – Lucy Stone 1850 – Josiah Henson 1850 – Shadrach Minkins 1851, 57 and 58 – William Lloyd-Garrison 1853, 55, 56, 57 and 58 – Attorney Wendell Phillips Two Possible Locations of the Pocket Park: Option 1: 116 Day St. The 116 Day St. lot is currently owned by the City – it was given to the City by New York Mellon Bank in lieu of a $60,000 lien due to demolition. A previous house on the property was torn down three years ago. The lot is level with Day Street and has been mostly maintained since that house’s demolition. Option 2: 19 Wood St. Used to contain a building that was torn down in the 90’s Not level 3 feet above Wood Street Supported by a granite wall Owned by HUD The lot was not maintained The summer FYE class cleared the lot of the overwhelming brush and building material dumped there over time. Option 1: 116 Day Street Option 2: 19-21 Wood St Renderings courtesy of Sam Squalia  The Massachusetts Historical Commission granted the Drake House in Leominster, $60,000 for their project. We plan to apply for the same grant.  We are considered a developmental project (due to the restoration of a historical site) and could be granted anywhere from $7,500 to $100,000.  “Buy a Brick” – Supporters of the park can pay to have their name engraved on a brick that will be placed in the park. • Stones- More low maintenance than greenery! • Planting perennials - They come back every year! Some perennial flowers include Lavender, Meadow Sage, and Daisies. • Artificial grass (potentially) – This is a very good option due to the low maintenance! • The Park would be maintained by the City, in conjunction with the Adopt a Park program. The Historical Inscription at the park would read: At this location, once stood the home of Benjamin Snow, which served as a “Depot” on the Underground Railroad as well as a host site to many prominent abolitionists who visited Fitchburg in the 1840s- 1860s, including Frederick Douglass, Lucy Stone, William Lloyd- Garrison, Shadrach Minkins, Josiah Henson, Sarah and Angelina Grimske, Henry Clarke-Wright, and Wendell Phillips. Benjamin Snow co-founded the Trinitarian Congregational Church, a chapter of William Lloyd-Garrison’s American Anti-Slavery Society, and the Fitchburg Athenaeum, which hosted the play 12 Years a Slave, as well as such abolitionist speakers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Benjamin Snow was born in 1813 and died in 1892. He owned and managed a paper mill in West Fitchburg; was a real estate broker; served as a city councilor, and as President of Rollstone Bank. He had four children, three sons and a daughter.  A Warm Thank You to ALL Who Helped Us Make This Happen Eunice Bilick Fitchburg Historical Society Kartia Celestin Worcester County Registry of Deeds Josef Tocci Fitchburg Public Library Alicia McMiller New Vue Communities Stephanie Rosado First Church of God in Christ Colby Kazanjian Leeanna Wilson Pauline Wilson Renee Goldstein Elizabeth Lovern Michael Donnelly Angely Morales Dr. Danette Day Alexis Patchen Sam Squalia Brionni Spinazzola Ruby Hall Julie Aguiar Nick Squalia Morgan Dawson Steve Curry, Health Dept. Skylar McCarter Ricky Egan Attended Past Versions of the Presentation Nicole Gaudet Steven Cook, New Vue Mayor Stephen DiNatale Nathan LaRose, Park Director Tom Skwierawski, Planning Dept. Bibliography Emerson, William. Fireside Legends: Incidents, Anecdotes, Reminiscences, an Early History of Fitchburg, Massachusetts and Vicinity. Fitchburg, MA: 1900. Emerson, William. Fitchburg Past and Present. Fitchburg, MA: 1903. Crocker, Barbara and Kirkpatrick, Doris. A Bell for Shadrach, a Dramatic Narrative. Fitchburg Historical Society: Fitchburg, MA: 1954 Hitchcock, George. The History of the Calvinistic Congregational Church and Society. Fitchburg, MA: 1902. Melanson, Alana. A Fitchburg Connection To ‘12 Years A Slave’. Sentinel & Enterprise: March 30, 2014. O’Connor, Anne. Fitchburg History, Part V: Churches and Ethnicity. Sentinel & Enterprise: May 8, 2011. O’Connor, Anne. Ayer Church Bell Has ‘The Voice of Freedom. Nashoba Valley Voice: August 2, 2016. O’Connor, Anne. Bell’s Peal Is ‘Voice of Freedom’. Sentinel & Enterprise: August 8, 2016. Ruchames, Louis. The Letters of William Lloyd Garrison, Volume IV: M to W, 1850-1860. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press: 1975. Thoreau, Henry David and Snow-Wallace, Martha. My Father’s House. Boston: Press of Geo. H. Ellis., 1915.