This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
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3/31 5:46pm Re: I do find irony in its (the CARE group's) apparent redundancy of human capital and effort already in place through the PTA, School Committee, and Town Counsel. That's the irony of the free market -- it works best with lots of wasteful redundancy, and not at all with none. Holds for the marketplace of ideas as well.
- AR
3/31 5:41pm Re: 3/31 2:31pm I have been searching the Norfolk websites trying to find the outcome of the Weeber property purchase proposal by the CPA. What was the outcome? Thanks, - LQ - BH
3/31 5:39pm PA, thank you for putting to words a very caring tribute to those who serve us on a daily basis in this town. I have often maintained it is goodness that speaks softly and with a positive direction. Unfortunately, the rash negative types speak the loudest. It is evident in all form of the media. If only the kinder gentler souls would speak up to be heard like you, then perhaps the futures of our children would reflect the same. Human nature is to learn from experience, and if raised in an irrational way, then the cycle of seeing the glass half empty will continue for generations to come. I find it a bit frustrating to see again, in print a renewed attempt by one contributor to force the readers of this page to see a view in their way. It is apparent there is truly a lack of discipline there. - BF
3/31 5:25pm RH, Norfolk may not have a strong legal case against Stop and Shop, but we could be employing other tactics to force their hand. For example, we could wage a very effective public relations campaign against them, taking advantage of Ahold's poor corporate record and their aggressive land banking tactics in other states such as Connecticut. Ahold is a large corporation and they are concerned about their corporate image. We need some fresh innovative thinking here. Doing nothing just because we might not have a clear cut legal case is a losing strategy. - SM
3/31 4:31pm I met the owners of the new nail salon today, Star Nails. 508-528-3200. Located at the O'Laughlin Bldg. 206 Main St. Very nice couple, Dave and Lisa, had my nails done and Dave did a nice job. Just wanted to wish them luck and to let the town know that we now have a place to be pampered. Good prices also. They had purchased a new lighted sign but when it was installed, big shock, the town said, oh by the way, no lighted signs. Hmmm. would have been nice to tell them that before, but hey, that's Norfolk for ya. - JW
3/31 2:56pm Election season's in full swing, the rhetoric is heating up! And it sure is a gorgeous day out there today. - Wm.
3/31 2:47pm Everyone seems to hold the selectmen at fault for not 'forcing' Stop & Shop to built on the property. I for one am not aware of any law that requires a land owner to build a structure, nor have I heard anyone here claim to have known of one. Also, based on the presentation at last years town meeting, I do not believe all or even a significant portion our financial problems would be solved by developing this property. Sure the town center may have a better appearance, more for people to do, and perhaps some of the existing shops would benefit from increased traffic to the center. - SF
3/31 2:42pm Re: 3/31 12:32pm MA, Mike Kulesza is honest, smart and creative. ... - SM - BH
3/31 2:32pm I never considered myself the sensitive type, but I am uncomfortable reading the CARE group's references to the School Committee and the Superintendent. I applaud the civic commitment, and I respect the "right of the people" to express their opinion - or discuss statements of fact, etc. That said, against a budgetary backdrop of much needed fiscal restraint and cost cutting, I do find irony in its apparent redundancy of human capital and effort already in place through the PTA, School Committee, and Town Counsel. - PA (no relation to PA in previous posts)
3/31 2:31pm I have been searching the Norfolk websites trying to find the outcome of the Weeber property purchase proposal by the CPA. What was the outcome? Thanks, - LQ
3/31 2:30pm To MA: I am neither running Mike Kulesza's campaign nor part of his admiration society (I had heard that one might be formed, though!) I just happened to meet him, and came away impressed with his vision. He has a plan for what needs to be fixed in Norfolk, and I really believe he'll go about trying to fix it as best he can. Things have been on hold for three years, or more, and it's time for someone new to jump start them. Somehow I don't see naysayers posting things about Mike in three years saying that he failed to accomplish what he set out to do. - JC 3/31 2:06pm Norfolk, we get what we pay for.
Sen. Scott Brown 617-722-1555, scott.p.brown@state.ma.us;
Richard Ross 617-722-2305, Rep.RichardRoss@Hou.State.MA.US
- Median household income: top 8.4% of all MA communities
- Ave. property value: top 11.9% of all MA communities
- Ave. tax bill: top 16% of all MA communities- RG
3/31 12:35pm I checked Mike's web site out, I have to tell you I don't find his campaign views very impressive. These are just broad generic statements that will take years to realize. Voters have more immediate questions for these candidates, which is how they are going to take us out of this financial mess? - TS
3/31 12:34pm CR: The porta-potty was delivered to Pond Street earlier this week. One of them is near the much-discussed shed. - TS 3/31 12:32pm MA, Mike Kulesza is honest, smart and creative. He is forward thinker who is a great business person who knows how to work with groups and build a consensus. With all due respect to Ramesh, he has talked a good game but what has he accomplished? We continue to look at the moonscape and nothing has been done to force Shop and Stop to build or give up the site. The town can't operate within it's budget and each year they come back for another override. The CPC committee is not being held accountable and has not yet put approved a project that will benefit all the town residents instead of select special interest groups. We have a lack of business development in town and the town is viewed as anti-businesses. I'd say it's time for a change. - SM
3/31 12:23pm This may be a little off-topic, but if the town or the state as a whole wants to save money, why not remove all the speed limit signs along the roads and reuse them for other kinds of signs - after all, nobody seems to know what they mean anyway. Just a thought. - CR
3/31 11:22am JC, Are you running Mike's campaign or are you just a member of his admiration society. - MA
3/31 10:33am Hey PA - I was at a meet and greet coffee the other day for Mike Kulesza. There were at least 50 people there (more than the usual Fall Town Meeting.) Mike is the forward thinking candidate. Did you catch Ramesh in the Boomerang? "We need to be deliberate and show a firm but fiscally responsible approach" Sounds like Ramesh, the 'every other year Override Selectman,' wants us to sit back and wait. - JC
[Hey, I don't mind political ads on the page, but perhaps add some fine print -- you know, "This message was brought to you by..." etc. - Wm.]
3/31 9:20am Two quick points: 1) The superintendent is our employee. She works for us and we pay her salary. 2) The School Committee is comprised of elected officials, whom we vote into office (which is why it's important to attend events like the CARE Candidates' Forum on April 9). The superintendent reports directly to the School Committee. - CAM
3/31 9:14am I read minutes from another school commitee meeting recently that stated they were prepared to extend the lease of NCTV, and even voted as such [minutes here], yet I read last week in the Boomerang that they informed NCTV they need to pack up and move. What's up with that? - PC
3/31 9:10am CR, Just to let you know the Boy Scouts is a Christian based organization. In most public schools in Massachusetts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are not allowed to use state facilities (this started with predjudices of not allowing gay men to be Boy Scout leaders, unjustly so). Again, we go back to separation of church and state. Although it was a nice gesture to allow the senior citizens use of their facility, let us not forget that the Boy Scouts is a christian based organzation, therefore, the church is the perfect place to hold these meetings. - DWL
3/30 10:56pm SP, our superintendent is not the first elected official with a difficult job to do and also have their contract scrutinized by the public. What elected official isn't scrutinized by the public that they are supposed to be serving? If she doesn't want her contract to be public record, she should get a job in the private sector. As parents of the children in this school system, I think we have every right to question the decisions being made and the details of the contracts being offered. If our school system is so strapped that it has to start cutting teachers and enrichment programs, but yet provide a 20% raise to the superintendent of the two schools, some people are bound to raise some flags. - JM
3/30 10:55pm Regarding JC's comment about upcoming board elections, is there any new information on the Board of Health situation? What was the outcome with Mr. Domey? Was he fired from Norfolk? If so, have we gotten a replacement? Any info would be helpful. - JM
3/30 9:51pm I agree with JC about the need for change in our town government, whether these people are elected or appointed. I had the chance to meet Mike Kulesza, who is running for selectman, and I came away from that meeting thoroughly impressed. As fas as the ZBA, how does one go about getting on that committee? - PA
3/30 8:58pm Everyday, newspapers and websites across the globe report on management decisions made by people in positions of authority, whether in private/public business or in their capacities as superintendents. To me, it's not a shame that anyone has to do a difficult job and is publicly accountable. That comes with the territory. In fact, with new corporate compliance laws, there are lots of people in high level positions with greater responsibilities, visibility and accountability than ever before. Turns out, that's a good thing. - CAM 3/30 8:52pm CARE announces a special, nonpartisan forum specifically for School Committee candidates who are running in the upcoming, contested election. The forum will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 3 - 4 in the Norfolk Public Library, Community Room. - CM, Norfolk CARE
3/30 4:58pm Yes, I concur with JB. It can be easy to criticize the superintendent's compensation when you don't see the dynamic requirements of the role. Should she ever choose not to continue the good job she's doing here, the next superintendent will cost even more. In my opinion, it's a shame that anyone has to do a difficult job and have there their salary, bereavement and other job elements, and management decisions posted on websites and in newspapers. Persons in similar business roles don't have that. - SP
3/30 4:57pm Re: the post by JC at 4:29pm, "ZBA (Hopefully we'll see a change at the top. It is overdue.)" - The ZBA members aren't elected, they are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. - AB
3/30 4:41pm JB - That can be said about almost any job in the public sector, non-profits, civil service etc. - MJD
3/30 4:32pm A discussion on process and adherence to rules might stimulate some further thoughts and informed discussions regarding the School Committee. Sorry in advance for the long post, but I hope you will all find this information as compelling, relevant and important as I do. For starters, you might review the School Committee minutes dated 2/7/06 if you'd like some background on the timing of the superintendent's contract finalization: [norfolk.k12.ma.us link] Parent Community Representatives: ...asked for investigation into how the matter was handled in particular, the communication and requested a report from the committee and until then that the Committee suspend contract negotiations with the Superintendent; ...presented letter and petition to committee.At this point, you may be wondering: where is the reference to the signing/finalization of the superintendent's contract? Then you are in good company... read on:New Business - Ed Piscitelli asked Kim Williams what the petition specifically stated. His concern was that since the agenda stated that the committee was prepared to finalize the Superintendent's contract in Executive Session and wanted to know if the petition mentioned the Superintendent's contract.
Executive Session - not necessary.
- CAM
3/30 4:30pm Regarding the comments on the Federated Church, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is that the Church has historically allowed use of its rooms to groups in town that have no other convenient meeting space. For example, the seniors used to meet at the church for many of their functions prior to the new Senior Center being built. Currently, the Boy Scouts, Troop #80, meet every week at the Church. - CR
3/30 4:29pm Here's my take on the upcoming election. We need new members on the following boards: - JC
3/30 2:01pm If you think superintendents are overpaid, become one. - JB
3/30 12:45pm GDL - please re-read my post. The only reason I zeroed in on the bereavement pay was it was the only number I could specifically remember from the contract. In fact, I think the vacation and sick time may be higher than I mentioned. I said my experience has shown 3 days to be the norm - granted, I have always worked for companies as an "at will" employee, that is, no employment contract. I believe most people are like myself - no contract. You are fortunate your employer allows unlimited days off, but again, the norm is 3 days. - RJP
3/30 12:44pm JC - You bring up a good point about Selectman Chairman Advani. I watch cable and see Hathaway and Lehan working hard to try to avoid an override... Selectman Advani not present. - PC
3/30 10:47am I see a lot of talk here about yet another override. Where has the current Selectmen Chairman been on all of this? For a guy who ran 3 years ago as the fiscal conservative - 2 overrides in 3 years - and now he wants to be re-elected? - JC
3/30 8:55am Note: if you've written us bout adding your business to the
Town Businesses page of Norfolknet and heard nothing back, your e-mail might have gotten lost, please try again. The e-mail address on the listings page was misconfigured, and messages sent though it did not arrive; I apologize.- Wm.
3/30 8:14am Wm.: We're looking into limo service to Logan. A while back, there were several postings about transportation services to the airport. Do you recall when so that I can peruse the archives? Thanks. - TMN
[Sure, most recently the question came up on 1/13 2:31pm 2006 Q1 with replies on and off through 1/17; previously, see 3/31 12:12pm and following in 2005 Q1. (No, I didn't quite recall, but I have better search tools available than the ^F built into the browser :-) - Wm.]
3/29 8:53pm Norfolknet received an e-mail from a resident expressing some thoughts on the override and school finances; with permission, I am sharing some excerpts -- Has anyone ever thought of having just one superintendent for all three towns? Have we considered having just one principal for both schools? This must not be a new thought. But, I've been looking at salaries of Superindendents in other towns and really have to question the value of what we get for our money. We have two little schools and a Superintendent making $125k plus benefits. I don't believe the population even reaches 1,000 students. If you look at the pay in other towns/cities, number of students and many inclusive of a K thru 12 system, the pay seems high (I'm assuming a compensation analysis was done and we checked these numbers?? It's easy enough to Google the questions you want answered ... If we want to pay a superintendent that much, maybe we can put more burden on that person and reduce the number of principals. I know in Lexington last year they hired a superintendent for approx. $140K and they have approx 4400 students and a K thru 12 system.- Wm.I think we need to look at sharing more duties between the two schools such as what they are looking at (Spanish, art, music, ...), but I think we need to go further. I think the administrative staff is also not off limits - did I hear correctly that the superintendent's office has 5 admins? In the private sector more is being asked of people - there no longer exists these large pools of secretaries, etc. With the advent of Word, we can all do our own spreadsheets and documents.
3/29 8:51pm DM makes a lot of good points. I have also heard talk of other perks the superintendent received in the new contract, such as a $5000.00 signing bonus and reimbursement for gas. The fact that this was approved quietly in the midst of the Eric Matez scandal, when many parents were calling for her head on a platter, makes it more outrageous. Does the school committee have sole discretion on contract negotiations? I agree that the teachers have taken the hit too many times when it comes to making cuts. How do you look subordinates in the eye when you get a 20% raise and teachers are being laid off? I would be ashamed to do so. - KM
3/29 8:42pm I think MG is spot-on. We need to send a loud message to the "in our pockets groups" in town that those days are over! - JPB
[Sure! I set up box30@norfolknet.com as an automatic fowarder that reaches JPB; JPB can reply to people, gauge interest and organize the group - Wm.]
3/29 8:41pm RJP, I would commend the superintendent on their negotiating skills to land such a contract. I dare say, four plus weeks, 10 sick days (accumulating), professional development time and five bereavement days is not exorbitant. Imagine pissing and moaning over how many bereavement days someone gets; jeez, haven't we better things to talk about. I have had unlimited (per occurence) bereavement days for the past 7 years at my job and have yet to use one! Much good they are doing me!! I applaud success, I &)9!!@%^ begrudgers!!! - GDL
3/29 6:54pm [Update 3/30 1:27pm: post listing areas where school spending could be tightened and the program improved (administration compensation, outside experts, administrative overhead, school libraries, rotating specials, new math) removed by request - Wm.]
3/29 6:28pm Did the Boomerang compare the Super's contract to a comparably sized system? - MJD
3/29 5:37pm If you missed the superintendent's contract, go to the library, where they store older copies of The Boomerang. I must have missed that one, so I plan on checking it out. As far as the land being cleared on Rte. 115, I was in the restaurant around the corner at lunch, and two of the architects/developers were in there saying the radio station has been approved for a 10,000 watt signal, so they're building new studios, and also dropping the talk format and picking up a rap music format. - JC
3/29 5:08pm I agree regarding no more overrides. As seniors, we need to watch our spending and the town does as well. If cuts need to be made in our home, they get made. The town should follow suit. - JHR
3/29 5:07pm JC & MG, CARE is holding School Committee Candidates Forum on April 9th from 3-4PM, it is open to public and those who can't make it they can send their questions to box29@norfolknet.com or by mail to PO Box 94, Norfolk, MA 02056. - TS
3/29 5:06pm Not only is the Superintendent the highest paid official, you should see the vacation, sick and "professional development" time that is in the contract. The Boomerang published the entire contract a few weeks ago. I wish I had saved it so I could give accurate numbers. As I recall the vacation was more than 4 weeks, sick time was around 2 weeks, plus it could be accumulated - you know that trick - leave or retire and then ask for a check for unused sick time. The one specific number I do remember is 5 days off for a death in the family. I've work many jobs over the years and found the standard everywhere to be 3 days. - RJP
3/29 1:29pm About the CPA, the Grange is registered as a Historic site, but the Federated Church is not. - JC
3/29 1:26pm I am glad to see more postings against any more tax overrides in Norfolk. If a request for an override was to become a reality. I for one would be willing to be part of a group opposing it. I would not know where to start, but would be willing to help any way possible, be it putting a sign in front of my house or handing out leaflets. Let's show the selectmen and town officials that there is no support for any more tax overrides. - MG
3/29 12:17am I checked out the web site on the CPA fund and two things struck me. The fund is a 3% surcharge on our real estate tax which of course is receiving more money every time an override is voted in; so not all the override money can go toward the project to which we are voting. This money is apparently matched by the state but must be used for the following: - MC
Oops - apparently the CPA fund surcharge is not taken from 3% of the revenues received, it's actually a surcharge that each individual must pay as a percentage of your own tax bill - so every time an override is passed we must also increase the amount of surcharge money we are paying, as % is based on the tax we are paying. I believe it is listed on your tax bill as 'Comm Pres' under special assessments. So keep it in mind that we are also putting more money into this fund (in addition to our taxes, a separate surcharge) every time we vote for an override (check out the increases there too). Is this fund working for us?- MC
3/29 12:15am I see a lot of land clearing taking place next to the radio station on Rt. 115. Does anyone know what's going on there?? - RP
3/28 22:25pm There is plenty of information out there about the CPA, here are some helpful links... also, I have found the members of the CPC here in town to be more than willing to answer questions about what the CPA is, and what its criteria and limitations are, plus, they meet monthly, and the meetings are public. - CG
3/28 9:22pm I'm on board with the NO MORE OVERRIDES voters. We all have expenses and limited resources. I feel horrible for the elderly and others on fixed incomes. Like all business organizations and families, the town will have to get more creative or cut back. It seems it may be time for the town to launch a more aggressive campaign to attract businesses. Ideally, ones that are a good fit with the fabric of the community. While it is unlikely provide relief now, it may 5 to 10 years out. - JPB
3/28 9:21pm Yes, overrides will be difficult, no doubt. Couldn't help wonder as I passed the colorful Corita gas tank in Dorchester if we could get some revenue for letting a vendor spill paint on the Town Water tank in a like artistic manner? - JO
3/28 9:20pm Can someone explain the whole CPA fund thing to me? I remember voting for it - seemed like a nice idea at the time...but I would reconsider it in light of the recent school cuts. thanks for the info! - CMK
3/28 9:19pm Is the school's superintendent's salary and most recent pay raise public information? If so please post. - ER
3/28 6:53pm I have to agree with other previous postings. My husband and I have always supported the schools but there is no way we will vote for this override. They have had their hands out one too many times. Our personal expenses have gone through the roof but we need to find a way work within our budget. It's time the town does too. We have reached our breaking point. - MP
3/28 4:29pm I have to agree with those who posted that we vote NO for any more overrides. I too have voted for them in the past, but will NOT vote for another one. Enough is enough! This town has to learn to start working within a given budget and not continually come back to the citizens looking for more overrides. If it was the corporate world, either someone would be fired for not being able to manage the budget, or it would come down to layoffs. - PN
3/28 2:53pm SM - I vote we rescind the CPA tax. I'm done with overrides. Time to start laying off people. - LS
3/28 2:27pm I am not sure I would want to live in a town with excellent schools and no historical focus. There can be a balance if people are willing to work together. - JR
3/28 2:02pm Under state law, the $335,000 of CPA Funds proposed to be spent on the privately owned Grange Hall cannot be used to fund an override. Over $2.5 million of our hard-earned money have gone to fund the CPA, yet at the same time we have insufficient funds in the general budget and face annual overrides and soaring property taxes. It would help take pressure off the general budget if the CPA funds were used prudently to fund public projects earmarked to be funded from the general budget. Instead the CPA is being used to fund projects that benefit special interest groups like the Grange Hall. With a nice new building funded by Norfolk taxpayers, I am sure the Grange Hall will be able to rent out the building for functions at much higher rental rates. All in the name of "Community Preservation". - SM
3/28 12:50pm I apologize if I missed this and the info was already posted but: - DTB
3/28 12:05pm Is the town going to have the street sweeper clean the streets, or do you have to call and request that your street needs it? Thanks, - PP
3/28 12:04pm We have always voted for the schools, but find that our real estate taxes are so high now with everything we have funded that we will vote against the next proposed override. How about this nice raise that our superintendent just received... maybe some of her raise should go to keeping the Spanish teacher that we voted for a few years back? I also agree that the money the town is thinking of using for the Grange should be allocated appropriately - to the schools and the roads. - EP
3/28 10:56am Priorities are needed! I understand the reasoning behind helping to fund historic buildings, but why are we talking about giving 300K+ to the Grange when almost the same amount is being requested in another override or else we will make more cuts at the schools. How about we take this 300K we seem to have for the Grange and give it to the schools. Let the people vote for an override to give money to the Grange and see how that comes out. - MC
3/28 8:13am JHR, Norfolk Recreation has not received any complaints or concerns about the walking path at the Pond St. Complex. Enjoy your walk. - Todd P Chisholm, Norfolk Recreation
3/28 8:12am RJP, re: If the porta-potty company knocked the shed off its footings at the Pond Street fields why exactly is the Norfolk DPW fixing it? Are we being reimbursed? - BF
3/28 1:22am I have spent the last two hours reading all about the town I've lived in for the past 35 years. Some things never change, like the moonscape. Well, maybe not quite 35 years. This is an interesting and useful venue for Norfolk residents. - JHR
3/27 7:13pm I posted an item a while back about receiving my 3 Excise Tax bills in one mailing and wondering why we couldn't save some town money by putting them in one envelope. Jack Hathaway looked into this in depth. His analysis is posted on the Answers to FAQ' s page on the town web site, [here] - RJP
3/27 3:16pm To SM, Thank you for your post. A manager is only as good as his/her crew. I am very lucky to have a hard working and dedicated crew. The three men who work with me on the Grounds Div. have a strong commitment to the town. It makes my job that much easier. You don't always hear about a job well done. Usually, you only hear the negatives. The responses to my post have been much appreciated. Thanks again! - Tom Benedetti / Foreman, Grounds Maintenance Div., Norfolk D.P.W.
3/27 3:16pm Get to know your School Committee candidates at the CARE Candidates' Forum on Sunday, April 9 from 3 - 4:30 in the Norfolk Public Library, Community Room. - CAM
3/27 12:06pm The Un-Common Theatre Company announces its "Young Performers Company's" production of "Cinderella's Glass Slipper". The musical show is presented by a talented cast of 32 local actors in Grades 1-6. - JG
3/27 11:53am RG-Maybe I wasn't clear, wasn't complaining, didn't think I needed to spell it out but here goes... If you want a say in how the CPA money is spent, attend the Town Meeting! - MJD
[To limit confusion, I should note that two people have posted recently, both with initials RG - Wm.]
3/27 11:52am CPC can be earmarked for historic purposes, but it's up to us, the residents who are the taxpayers, to decide how our CPA tax dollars should be spent. The CPC committee should be putting forth projects that will benefit all residents, not select special interest groups. Spending public tax dollars on restoring buildings used and owned by special interest groups is not a good use of public tax dollars. If we can't spend these funds more prudently, we should revoke the CPA and the tax surcharge. - SM
3/27 11:38am I was disappointed when we gave the $35K +/- to the Federated, and when I first heard about the $350K +/- for the Grange I was appalled. But there are ways to make the deal a lot more palatable. - RG
3/27 10:41am AR, it is going to be more like Medway Branch Speedway!! A footpath would have been perfect but some people like to destroy the reasons we moved to this town in the first place. If you want wide boulevards go back! - JT
3/27 10:40am You should not have to show up to town meetings to enforce separation of church and state. It is what it is, "separation of church and state." Does it really need to be explained in detail. - DWL
3/27 10:23am To those who are complaining about the use of the CPA funds for the Federated Church and the Grange, if you looked at the criteria for a building receiving those funds, you would see that one of the designations of CPA monies is for historic purposes. The Grange, and the Federated Church, are both on the registry as historic buildings, so they did not get the money because they were privately owned buildings, or because they knew someone on the board, or they just wanted money and figured that this was an easy way to get it -- they got it because they met the criteria as historic!! You need to read, and understand what the CPC is, what the funds are for, and what qualifies and what doesn't before you start making uninformed comments against it. - RG
3/27 10:22am Farewell to our beloved Charlie (Jerome) and deepest sympathies to his family and close friends. For many of us his active participation in town meetings symbolized what "small-town" democracy is all about. He will be missed. - TEM
3/27 9:16am JT, it could have been worse -- every one of those trees lining the road was marked for removal, from end to end. There was some amount of resistance to this, resulting in one of the mature pines and some of the younger woods being spared near the Boardman end. - AR
3/27 8:57am I see we have created another Moonscape, this time on Medway Branch Road. Do we not like trees in this town? I know we are building a sidewalk, which is needed, but do we have to take out all of those great shade trees? What is wrong with a foot path, we are a small community and a road as wide as the train bridge is just too much for that area. - JT
3/27 8:40am To Tom Bendetti, Norfolk DPW - - SM
3/27 8:38am EC-I think you hit the nail on the head. Since many of us don't attend town meeting, all a group has to do to make sure that their project gets the thumbs up (Like the Fed. Church or the Grange) at town meeting is get as many members to the meeting as possible. Some will object, but the group that stacks the meeting will carry the day. If residents are really serious about stopping the $300K from going to the Grange, they need to show up in force and speak up. I doubt that people will come out to stop it, but they can't complain later unless they show up. - MJD
3/27 8:37am PA-I ventured into the "park," it appears to be two benches in the woods with a really nice sign, announcing that it is a park. I was informed by another Norfolknet reader that it was created for the Bicentennial in 1976. - MJD
3/27 8:11am To EC & PA - I'm not a member of the Federated Church. I'm not a member of any church for that matter. But I was not against the use of public funds to paint the church. - JD
3/26 10:33pm Is there organized baseball in or around Norfolk for 4-year-olds? I saw the link to norfolkbaseball.com, but that claims to be for ages 6 and over. I never played until I was 8, but I hear they start younger these days, and my son would love it... (Other sports/activities, too?) - SJP
3/26 10:31pm To EC: Great point on the Grange. A private club with limited use, and they want that kind of money. As we all know, the Federated Church has received money. I'd like to see how St. Jude's can get money. Norfolk residents are in that building EVERY day. - PA
3/26 9:26pm This is to inform residents that Charles Jerome, a long time resident, veteran, and a participant in public affairs passed away Saturday. The Collection Center [Trasnfer Station] is named in honor of Mr. Jerome. Visiting Hours are scheduled for 4-8 pm Monday- 3/27 at Delaneys, Common St., Walpole, with a Funeral Service 10 am on Tuesday. - John Olivieri, Norfolk Graves Offficer / Norfolk American Legion Post #335 member
3/26 8:19pm The fisher cat's cry sounds as if a young child or children were being tortured. I heard this one night a couple of years ago and raced to make sure my daughter was alright. I have heard it since and it makes your blood run like ice water. - JW
3/26 7:50pm For sale - 1 ticket to Coldplay, Verizon Arena, NH on 4-3-06. Seat is FLOOR Sec 6 Row B seat 3. Cost is $90.00. I have this ticket in hand and it's from Ticketmaster. Face value was $76.00 with service charge and handling it came to 90.00. Please call.... 528-0555. - KO
3/26 6:25pm I am amazed that the town of Norfolk has funded the renovation and maintenance of privately owned buildings. First the Federated Church, and now the Grange. In the case of the church, a number of people spoke about their opposition at Town Meeting. Church members were out in force and voted in the funding. - EC
3/26 1:26pm Set of KEYS FOUND - Anyone lost a set or know someone who lost a set near the corner of Medway Branch and Barnstable this past week... The ring has a truck key, some house and utility keys and an MDI CPR Microshield pouch attached. - ATF
3/26 1:26pm Thanks BH. I've seen the building department's requirements for building a shed. I'm looking for someone to install the footings. I guess I'll check the yellow pages. - SES
3/26 11:49am Does anyone know of a carpenter who would replace (fully replace) windows for us. We have the windows picked out and the measurements are accurate - just want to find someone who will do a high quality job replacing the windows and finishing with new trim. Thanks so much. - JG
3/26 11:48am What kind of noise does the Fisher Cat make? Heard some odd cries last night. - CI
3/26 11:47am I asked my 5th grader about hair in the food at F-C, and he just gave me a puzzled look... my take is that this is like the myth of the bouncing F-C hot dog. - CI
3/26 10:15am KF, I believe the hair in the food at Freeman is an urban legend. This rumor has been going around for many, many years. We have a right to criticize when appropriate, but let us focus on the real issues!! - DWL
3/26 10:14am WOW! Just saw a fisher cat loping galumping through our yard and across Boardman St., toward Gump's (6:30 a.m.). S/he was about 2-2 1/2 feet long with the tail, which was full and brushlike at the base but tapering toward the tip. It reminded me of a cross between a woodchuck and a large housecat. I've heard it at night but have never seen it. Hopefully it wasn't dining on my neighbor's cats. - HPK
3/26 10:13am I would like to give a gracious thanks for everything the Recreation Dept. does. I must add they do it quite well. Some of us really appreciate your work. - DWL
3/26 10:11am Re: 3/25 5:57pm I'm looking for someone to install footings so I can build a shed. Does anyone have any recommendations? - SES Is a permit required for the construction of a SHED?Check with the Building Department for further information and possible footing installers, if needed.Sheds over 120 sq.ft. (10'x12') require a building permit (see permit procedures). A shed must be on footings at least 10" in diameter and 4' in the ground and must meet State Building Code requirements for construction. Zoning requires it to be at least the same distance from grade level to the median of the roof from the side and rear lot lines and 50' set back from the front lot line. Sheds under 120 sq. ft. do not require a building permit but must meet the above zoning setback requirements.
- BH
3/25 7:57pm To SB: I believe that Medfield Properties in Medfield Center has the listing for Norfolk Center Condominiums. - AF
3/25 7:56pm Re: Todd - thanks for your comments - keep up the GREAT work! We love the Rec. Dept.! - CMK
3/25 7:52pm I listened to a group of reliable eleven year olds recently discuss how they count the pieces of hair in their lunch at the F/C School! They stated that spaghetti day is particularly disgusting. I could not believe this conversation and confirmed that their conversation was indeed true. They said that the "lunch ladies" wear gloves, but only one wears a hair net. Where are the hair nets for our entire cafeteria staff serving food? Isn't this a state law? How often is the school inspected by the health department? Is there a staff person in charge of sanitation/food safety or does our board of health deal with these issues? Has the shortage of funds affected our cafeteria too? It appears my son will be brown-bagging it from now on! A great big YUCK! - KF
3/25 6:00pm In response to DC below (3/24 9:48am), I'm no lawyer either, but I think we'd have a hard time convincing a judge that downtown Norfolk is "blighted", even if Stop and Shop, and their proxy development company is just landbanking - which is holding up the other development that has been proposed and received at least initial permits. (The lots next to the library and town hall have been through some of the required permitting for, among other things, a drug store with a drive through.) - RG
3/25 5:59pm Here's an idea to raise revenues that I have been thinking about. You pay the MBTA for the train stopping in Norfolk. It doesn't make sense to me that Norfolk has to pay this. Also, Norfolk doesn't collect (I think) money for any of the parking spots for commuters. You do own the roads leading to the parking lots. How about toll gates to enter the roads to get to the lots. If you charge a dollar per car per day I bet you could raise a few dollars. Norfolk residents could get a speed pass so they wouldn't have to pay. I see every week how many out of town cars come into Norfolk to use the T. Just a thought! - TB
3/25 5:57pm I'm looking for someone to install footings so I can build a shed. Does anyone have any recommendations? - SES
3/25 5:28pm Does anyone have a suggestion of a place my daughter can take art lessons? I am looking for something that is not arts and crafts. She is only 5 years old and would really love to do this. Thanks, - DL
3/25 5:24pm WB, After being advised that you have expressed some strong feelings towards "Norfolk Recreation" and you have posted these feelings on Norfolknet, I feel obligated to address your comments. I'm not usually one to get into a war of words, but as "Chairman" of the Recreation Commission, I feel that the comments you have made towards "Recreation" are unwarranted and unfair. Let me list some of your comments and then I will reply to each one. In closing I will then mention some additional information concerning "Norfolk Recreation". 3/23 4:24pm I think I keep up to date on Town on-goings, and as you stated, that there is support by many people of a Rec Building on the Pond Street Complex - I just don't see it, nor have I heard it. What I have experienced and heard is a small group of very vocal people that feel Recreation deserves to get money from the CPA - good, bad or indifferent. I would say that the attitude is a sense of entitlement. Is the Rec Commission doing their homework? I don't know, I just can't seem to get past what seems like whining. - WBIf what you state is true and there is only a "small group" of very vocal people that feel that Recreation deserve to get money from the CPA then stop worrying about it. From the sampling of emails I have seen on Norfolknet, I would say there is a much "larger group". As far as your comment about entitlement, I would reply be saying that by how the CPA guidelines have been defined, Recreation has an "entitlement" to a portion of these funds. Recreation falls in the 10% portion of funds that by law are required to be allocated to "Open Space/Recreation". The laws also states an additional 10% is allocated to "Affordable Housing", 10% for "Conservation", leaving a remaining 70% that can be spent on anything that is proposed within the guidelines. So Recreation is entitled to request funds from the remaining 70% that is available also.3/23 4:24pm If the Rec Commission would just stick to the facts and not make this an emotional and personal issue, I truly believe that their proposal would get farther along. - WBAgain, you reference keeping to the facts and now mention not making it an emotional and personal issue. What facts are you talking about? We haven't commented on it so there really are no facts. Also please explain how we are making it emotional and personal when no one is commenting on it. Is that a personal opinion or do you have facts to back it up?3/24 11:49am I offer the following simplistic example of why, at this time, I would not support the construction of a Rec Building with CPA funds or otherwise. A previous post on Norfolknet noted about the listing shed on Pond Street Complex. Whether or not the Rec Commission is responsible for this structure or not, they are the care takers of the fields. I view this as a good gauge of the level of commitment in the investment of a new Rec Building and how it would be taken care of. I drive by Pond Street at least two or three times a week and this shed has been leaning for months. If there has been no corrective action for a shed that cost a few thousand dollars, I have a hard time justifying a half million (or more) investment in a building. - WBI assume you have read the comments by Tom Benedetti (Foreman, grounds Maint. Div/Norfolk/D.P.W.) and probably now understand why the shed was not corrected. I'm sorry to hear you make decisions without finding out all the facts first. We at "Norfolk Recreation" not only appreciate the work Tom and his crew do, but applaud it and the decisions he makes concerning the upkeep of the grounds. We have some of the nicest fields around. Visiting towns compliment us every time they come to our complex and play at our fields. At our "Field Allocation" meetings we hold prior to each season we actually have many requests from surrounding towns to utilize our fields. They claim we have some of the best fields in the area. They always comment that our upkeep is superior. Those meetings are open to the public also if you would like to attend and hear those comments. Additionally these surrounding towns pay a fee to play on our fields. Those fees go to support the upkeep.I guess I could go on and on, but I think I have made my point. Norfolk Recreation is proud of all we have done for the town. We are happy to volunteer our time for the sole purpose of developing programs and projects for the town. We will continue to do this regardless of a selected few people's opinions.
- Bought spectator benches for both Pond St and Freeman fields.
- Built and purchased "Skatepark" at Pond St.
- Bought entire youth playground at Pond St.
- Bought soccer nets for our town soccer programs.
- Installed safety netting behind the soccer field to avoid balls going in street.
- Installed safety netting behind baseball diamonds to avoid balls going in the street.
- Purchased multiple trash cans for both Pond St and Freeman fields.
- Fund "Portable Bathrooms" for Pond St., Freeman, and "Kid's Place".
- Purchased a batting cage for baseball.
- Bought storage sheds for Pond St. and Freeman.
- Funded work and supplies for all playgrounds in town.
- Offer "Free" concert series in town.
- Made financial contribution to rebuild the "Major League" baseball field.
- Made financial contribution to skin/rebuild the softball field.
- Developed a sponsorship program to secure funds for Pond St. maintenance.
- Supplied fencing on numerous fields.
- Purchased and installed "Shade" trees at Pond St.
- Had a "water bubbler" installed at Pond St.
- Installed a "Shade Structure" with CPC Funds at Pond St.
- Purchased and installed "Wind Screens" at the tennis courts.
- Purchased safety signs for Freeman School driveway.
- Made financial contributions to the schools.
- Held dances/activities for the youth.
- Purchased "Christmas Lights" for the "Town Hill.
- Offer an Easter Egg Hunt annually.
- Todd P. Chisholm, Chairman of Norfolk Recreation
3/25 5:15pm OK.... enough is enough with the requests for tax overrides! What is happening in our town is the reason that Prop 2 1/2 was created. The cities and towns must learn to operate within a budget!! The town must live within its means as we (citizens) must. Our own "operating costs" at home have also gone up (heat, electricity, fuel for our cars etc...) but we can not go to our employers and ask for an override to help make ends meet. We must go without or use Reserves saved (if that is possible). - MG
3/25 5:09pm MJC: Regarding the latest request for another tax override - it's horrifying enough that we are seeing yet more threats against our kids' education. But to see yet another hand out for another override within such a short period has to have more of you frustrated (especially those of you who can't sell their houses). I do not believe that our current assessments have actually been updated with all the overrides to which we have already voted yes. Is it too unreasonable for the town to be required to include all the previous overrides on our assessments before requesting another override so that each individual can make an informed decision regarding our own budgets? It seems to me that the town should know they are asking too often when the overrides are overlapping. Isn't there some other way to raise money if we think creatively? Is anyone else questioning the creativity and priorities of the town leadership here? - MC
3/25 8:50am Re. NCTV funding and whether our taxes are used to operate it, the answer is no, no tax money is involved. See updates to the post of 3/24 6:23pm) for the details. - Wm.
3/24 9:33pm Does anyone know the contact information for the condos being built on the moonscape? Listing realtor, price, availability, etc...Thanks! - SB
[That's unkind, calling it The Moonscape... Call it by its proper name, Pebble Hill! :-) (...unkind to the moon, I mean :-) - Wm.]
3/24 8:25pm In response to all of the people filing complaints about the Pond Street complex and its upkeep, I feel it should be mentioned that this facility has gotten rave reviews from all visiting towns for sporting events that our complex is one of the best . People who do nothing proactive for this town have plenty to say behind the scenes; why not step up and help us out. Tom Benedetti and his limited crew work very hard on the upkeep of our grounds all around town, most towns have at least double the number of workers. I have been on the Recreation Department for two years and feel we have accomplished quite a bit in this town for the benefit of all residents in this town to enjoy. - Don Owen, member of Norfolk Recreation Committee
3/24 8:23pm To MJD: When we moved to Norfolk almost 2 years ago I did do a cost analysis based on the maximum amount of trash that Dover Trucking and BFI would pick up and compared it to what it would cost to dispose of that amount at the town dump. It actually turned out to be just about even. So we went with Dover Trucking and I can't recommend them highly enough. They are pleasant and friendly and return calls right away. - AF
3/24 8:21pm To AL: Definitely try craigslist.com. I saw car seats being offered by somebody in Norfolk today when I was looking for something else. The Police Department does do installations for you too. - AF 3/24 6:23pm NCTV is non-profit (from what I read) - however, I must ask - does any tax money go to them? What is their budget? If tax money does go to them, is a community cable TV station worth having in Norfolk if our school's children are about to lose their language, library, health and art programs? - CK
[I thought the NCTV is funded by Comcast, not the town. - Wm.
Update 9:26pm: It has been explained to me that Comcast's contract with the town obligates them to pass on a portion of the subscription revenues (5% was mentioned) to produce and operate the community access channels. - Wm.]
[Update 3/25 8:45am: Federal and State law requires Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access TV as a part of the local Cable franchise. Ref Section 611 of the Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. 531, and others, plus Mass General Laws Ch. 166A. No Norfolk tax money is used to support NCTV. The cablecasts of the Selectmen and school committee have been particularly useful in showing the difficult jobs those people have. NCTV relies on a lot of volunteer help in producing its programs. - BH]
3/24 6:20pm I guess it's time for me to join the discussion about the Pond St. rec shed. The shed was knocked off its perch by the truck that removed the Portatoilet. I didn't see this happen, but it didn't take long to figure it out. Yes, it stayed tilted for a while because of the wet condition of that area. I needed to drive the front end loader with forks over that area and wanted to make sure it was dried out. As you can see, we did take care of this issue. We (The Grounds Maintenance Division) take great pride in maintaining the fields, not only at Pond St. but also at the Freeman/Centennial school. We are responsible for maintaining over 75 acres of green space such as the fields, all municipal bldgs, two cemeteries, roadside trees, etc. Four full time town employees do this. At times, it may take us a little while to respond to issues because of our workload, but we ALWAYS respond. To use the tilted shed as an example of the commitment of the caretakers is unfair. I think the Rec. Commission does an excellent job, and you can't get anyone more dedicated and hard-working than Ann Proto. I think the answer everyone is looking for lies with the state. Why not put this CPA funding issue in their lap and see what they say. - Tom Benedetti, Foreman, Grounds Maint. Div. / Norfolk D.P.W.
3/24 5:52pm I am a huge fan of taking the moonscape and doing something with it. I have been in town over 20 years and I cannot believe we still have this miscarriage going on. Come on people, we live in this town because we choose to, why let the center look like something from Apocalypse Now? - JT
3/24 3:56pm To WB: Please stick to fact. The shed at Pond St was knocked off its perch by someone or a group, it did not magically move on its own. It was out of position for a period of weeks not months, it was again put back on its perch when it was clear enough and frozen enough so that a machine could be brought in there to lift it and not tear up the field in the process. This is the care and quality I like to see for our precious few sports fields in town. Btw I am all for funding for a concession/storage facility, like any other town in the 21st century. - JG
3/24 2:48pm SJP: someone has alot of 'splainin to do. I recall the selectmen saying if we passed the override last year, this would allow us to build up our reserves. Now I know everything has gone up, healthcare not the least of it, but we're in dire straits already? Can someone direct us to some real numbers, what we are looking at, before the April 4 public hearing? Thank you. - AL 3/24 2:28pm Can someone please explain to me the letter we got from the schools yesterday on the potential layoffs if we don't pass another override? One of the people is a Spanish teacher. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't we pass an override a couple of years ago to implement Spanish specifically in the Norfolk schools? If we say yes to that and fund it how can they say we need yet another override so she doesn't get laid off? There should be money already slotted for Spanish. No? - JGP
3/24 1:40pm WB, Building a 3,000 foot building on the Pond Street facility to house equipment and concessions, etc., is NOT similar to building a gym or stadium. This is a support building for recreational fields that will house equipment. This murky legal argument provides convenient cover for the CPA committee to reject a proposal that will benefit a majority of Norfolk residents while approving funding of projects that do not benefit the taxpayer but special interest groups. This is not just and we will seek to revoke the CPA if the funds are not spent in a more responsible way. Every decision/action made today expose towns and businesses to a certain degree of legal risk. We need smart town leadership that understands how to manage risk and move forwards with well-thought out game plan. It's always easier and safer for bureaucrats to just say no. - SM
3/24 11:52am [Post about NCTV having to vacate its F-C premises removed by request - Wm.]
3/24 11:49am SM - I'm not doubting that a "lot of Norfolk residents that take their kids to the Pond Street facility that would use the recreational building." Unfortunately, I disagree with your broad assessment that "CPA funds can be used for building recreational fields and buildings on the recreational fields. What is expressly prohibited is building a gym or stadium" ...you forgot "or similar." And the construction of recreations fields is an allowed use of CPA funds but new construction of a building is not. As you noted "The legal argument against using CPA funds for a recreational building is not clear cut and there has been an existing legal precedent already established where towns have used CPA funds to renovate existing recreational buildings." There is actually a very clear distinction between renovating an existing building and new construction. As you noted "So what are we going to do... sue ourselves over non-compliance with the CPA act?" The expenditure of CPA funds is reviewed by at the State Level as well, and they can nix a project... so no we aren't going to sue ourselves. Failure to properly administer the CPA funds has larger ramifications. - WB
3/24 10:25am AL - I must have been napping, could you give more info on the loss of librarians, Spanish teachers etc? - MJD
3/24 9:58am The Nearly New Sale committee would like to thank the community for its overwhelming donations of children's clothes, toys, and baby equipment! As a result of the enormous contributions we will no longer be accepting donations at this time. (please do not leave items outside of the bin!) - LR, Norfolk Community League
3/24 9:48am Perhaps the Town should consider taking the land by eminent domain and giving to someone who will develop it. For the land to remain vacant is of no benefit to the Town. I'm no lawyer, but I am pretty sure that is what eminent domain is for. Didn't some town in Connecticut take some residential property and give it to a developer? - DC
[So did Sherborn if I recall correctly; that new little commercial complex next to the railroad crossing on Rte 16 was a private house whose owner didn't want to sell nor develop. - Wm.]
3/24 8:39am I don't know how many people are aware of the budget cuts that will be taking place in our schools, but I am very upset that our children will be losing the librarians, the Spanish teachers and the Health teacher. I would like to know why our school committee opted to give our superintendent a large salary increase when they should have known that these cuts were coming. Can anyone explain this to me, and is there anything that we can do about it? - AL
3/23 11:38pm RO - There is a butchershop in Millis called the Meatcutter. I understand he carries a high quality product. - MJD
3/23 11:36pm What Stop & Shop is apparently doing is shameful. While I am not eager to see one go in there, I agree something should be built there. For them to get away with this is reprehensible. A friend suggested a boycott, and I am all for it. A bad PR campaign, and every Norfolk resident taking their business to Shaws, Whole Foods, or Roche Bros. would be just what they deserve. They are a really sleazy company, and sounding more and more like WalMart every day. Consumers should send these bad businesses a strong message and stay away from them. It may not change the outcome, but Norfolk residents should not just roll over, nor should the Selectmen, and let Stop&Shop's greed prevent the town from becoming a real town. This is a story for the Globe if there ever was one. - TC
3/23 11:00pm To CF: I don't know which Church you are referring to, but I believe the parking lot at St. Jude's Church is deemed a Civil Defense spot, which needs to be kept clear in case of emergency. St. Jude's pays their own plow company to clean it, and then the town also maintains it for the reason cited above. As far as the CPC, if the Federated Church received money for renovations, shouldn't St. Jude's receive consideration? - PA
3/23 10:58pm Are there any stand alone bakeries & butchers in this area (that is, ones that aren't part of a Shaws/Stop 'n Shop type shopping centre)? Also, are there any open air markets (e.g. in "flea market", "food market") in any of the towns in this area? - RO
3/23 10:57pm My wife and I were amused to read that the "Moonscape" has been like that for so many years! We just moved to town and assumed that it was really work in progress, that something (Stop and Shop) would be built there this year. Obviously something should be done there; a tasteful shopping center seems logical to us. We will wholeheartedly support any efforts to pressure Stop and Shop to cooperate. We'll write letters, etc. - SJP
3/23 10:56pm I would like the Webmaster to start a straw poll on the Grange spending. Also, could you list the members and how they voted? - PC
3/23 8:07pm MH, your logic is indeed faulty on the Stop & Shop issue, and for the following reason--you simply can't compare the Weeber property, which borders a bucolic farm and forest in a rural area of town, with the Stop & Shop parcel, which is at the heart of Town Center and is absolutely screaming for development. - RM
3/23 6:44pm I'm opposed to a shopping complex in the town center. Perhaps an idea is for the Town to purchase the land from Ahold/Stop & Shop utilizing CPC monies. I believe Ahold bought the land for $1,000,000.00 from Mr. Borelli in 2005 (or was it 2004). - CF
3/23 6:12pm It is ironic the double standard that has developed in regards to the Stop & Shop land and the Community Preservation Commission acquisitions. It is acceptable for the town to use taxpayer money to buy land to let it remain vacant (Weber Property), but not an outside corporation. I don't personally want a grocery store going in there. From my way of thinking, Stop & Shop is paying taxes even if the land is vacant, and it is not costing us anything in regards to the extra fire and police services that developing the land would create. I acknowledge that the town would receive more money from the taxes on a building rather than vacant land, but it would be at a cost to the town resources. Please correct me if this logic is faulty. - MH
3/23 5:04pm WB, There are a lot of Norfolk residents that take their kids to the Pond Street facility that would use the recreational building. Also the concession stands would generate revenue to offset our costs. So the support is deeper than just the Recreational Committee. CPA funds can be used for building recreational fields and buildings on the recreational fields. What is expressly prohibited is building a gym or stadium. The legal argument against using CPA funds for a recreational building is not clear cut and there has been an existing legal precedent already established where towns have used CPA funds to renovate existing recreational buildings. Besides these CPA funds belong to Norfolk taxpayers. So what are we going to do... sue ourselves over non-compliance with the CPA act? - SM
3/23 4:27pm Our Town Counsel needs to send a strongly worded letter to Stop and Shop. This should be followed by a public relations campaign. The selectman should send out a press release (with a copy of the letter sent to Stop and Shop) to all print and TV media. - SM
3/23 4:24pm To SM: I think I keep up to date on Town on-goings, and as you stated, that there is support by many people of a Rec Building on the Pond Street Complex - I just don't see it, nor have I heard it. What I have experienced and heard is a small group of very vocal people that feel Recreation deserves to get money from the CPA - good, bad or indifferent. I would say that the attitude is a sense of entitlement. Is the Rec Commission doing their homework? I don't know, I just can't seem to get past what seems like whining. - WB
3/23 3:52pm A quick Google search revealed two corporate addresses and three major players for Stop & Shop: - TEM 3/23 3:44pm Ahold (Stop & Shop's Dutch Corporate Parent) actively employs a strategy of monopolizing regional food markets by buying out other food stores and purchasing land and buildings (through its real estate partners) to suppress competition. Once Ahold has gained significant control of a local market, their food prices are much higher than what they charge in competitive markets. "Ahold/Stop & Shop's latest attempt to erect barriers to entry in the northeast United States involves its acquisition of shopping centers and other sites suitable for supermarkets not for the purpose of operating a supermarket, but so that a competing supermarket cannot operate on the site. For example, as noted above, Starwood Ceruzzi acquired a Big V store in Poughkeepsie, New York across the street from a Stop & Shop, and rather than lease the store to a Stop & Shop competitor, the site has remained without a tenant for over one year, In fact, I understand from Wakefern that Stop & Shop has acquired no fewer than ten shopping centers in the northeast, and that only one of these centers has a supermarket tenant. Moreover, Starwood Ceruzzi, which in the past has developed supermarkets for Stop & Shop and acquired supermarkets and then sold these stores to Stop & Shop, has purchased fourteen shopping centers. Not one of these fourteen centers has a supermarket tenant. This anti-competitive "land-banking" strategy is consistent with the conduct of Ahold/Stop & Shop described above-to erect and maintain barriers to entry and thereby acquire and maintain a dominant position in the regions where ShopRite competes. The impact of this conduct on reducing competition cannot be understated: as recognized by Thomas Infusino, Wakefern's Chairman, when he testified at trial as to entry barriers (Big V Supermarkets, Inc. v. Wakefern Food Corp.): ..."This is what is happening to us in Norfolk!! We need to mobile our forces and fight back!!- SM
[The strategy is not unique; Wal-Mart has been accused of similar: building new stores and operating them just long enough to drive competitors out of the area, then shuttering the store and leaving the building empty, neither selling nor leasing the premises. Drives up profits at the other area Wal-Mart stores. - Wm.]
3/23 3:43pm It's great that minutes from SOME meetings will be posted. I was trying to find out info on a past Conservation Commission meeting, and that page happens to be blank. Not a single meeting has any semblance of minutes posted. I needed to look into a past meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and they do post their minutes... but the last meeting they opted to post the minutes from was in August of 2004... - JC
3/23 1:07pm To Paul Terrio - - SM
3/23 1:01pm The Federated Church of Norfolk Sunday worship service is at 10:00 a.m. with Church School for children preschool through Grade 8; coffee and Fellowship follow service. Our interim Pastor is Rev. Steven Alspach.
No Sunday School classes Child care at 10:00 service for children up to age 4.
Palm Sunday, April 9 - Worship and Sunday School
Maundy Thursday - April 13, 7:30 PM Candlelight Communion Service
Good Friday, April 14 - Prayer Vigil - Noon -5:00 PM
Worship Service - 7:30 PM
Easter Sunday - April 16
Sunrise Service 6:00 AM (location: Norfolk Cemetery)
Worship Services, 8:00 AM , 10:00 AM Services. (in church sanctuary)- LD, Federated Church of Norfolk
3/23 1:01pm Regarding Stop `N Shop, I think it's becoming increasingly obvious that they are engaging in a practice called ``land banking'' where a retail chain buys a piece of property and lets it sit vacant to keep out potential competition. This is fairly common among large retailers, and certainly understandable if you consider the number of new grocery stores opened in the area recently--a new Stop N Shop off 146 in Foxboro near the Norfolk line; a store in the new shopping center in Medway (Star Market, I think); the new Big Y at 27 & Route 1; the renovation of the Shaws in Medfield; there are probably others. - RM
3/23 12:54pm Yesterday around 3 - 3:30pm the Norfolk Fire Ladder truck was extended next to Town Hall. It appeared that two firefighters were adjusting the weathervane on top of Town Hall. Driving through town center a little later, the kids noticed that the weathervane was indeed taken down. I'm guessing it needed some work, but my kids are questioning my answer and are curious as to when it will go back up. I'm pretty sure that this has something to do with seeing the ladder truck in operation again, but I thought I'd throw out the question to the knowledgeable folks here. Thanks for the help! - TS
3/23 12:53pm Mr Terrio, I just happened to read your post regarding the town pond renewal effort. I had no idea this was even an upcoming issue. I have lived in Norfolk for almost 30 years and have quite fond memories of swimming there as a younger child. I applaud the efforts of the rec committee and plan to be at the meeting April 1st. Thanks for bringing this to Norfolknet.com - JG
3/23 11:59am - Paul H. Terrio, District One, Chairman, Norfolk Community Preservation Committee
3/23 10:43am Re: 3/23 9:15am ... I read here earlier that Marie Simpson is the contact for the Grange. Is this the same Marie Simpson who works for the Conservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals? Just curious. - JC - BH
3/23 10:41am Regarding the CPC funding; I believe that the funding for the Grange still needs to be approved at Town Meeting so you will have the opportunity to represent yourself and vote. In fact, the Weeber property purchase and painting of the Federated Church(including fixing the steeple) were both approved at TM. The Federated Church monies were approved, I believe, because the representatives of the church convinced the voters and CPC that the church is enjoyed by everyone in town as a landmark and historic structure. The Weeber property purchase was approved for many different reasons; the main argument that swayed me was that it provides a buffer to Jane and Paul's farm which is enjoyed by everyone. There also was the potential impact to Jane and Paul's of the dense building and retention pond that the builder was proposing. Next Town Meeting is May 9. If the Grange painting is one of the warrants, you'll get to present your arguments and vote. - BS
3/23 9:15am TC: About the Grange... I see that funds were approved for the renovation by the CPC. I read here earlier that Marie Simpson is the contact for the Grange. Is this the same Marie Simpson who works for the Conservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals? Just curious. - JC
3/23 9:12am The Norfolk TPA has started its Ink Jet Cartridge/Laser Print Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling Program! Please drop off any of these items that you no longer use at the many sites listed below. Money collected by the TPA from the recycling company will go towards curriculum programs, teacher grants, scholarships, and many other uses within our schools. Please refrain from donating cell phone accessories. H. Olive Day School Freeman-Centennial School Town Library Transfer Station Senior Center Town Hall- in the Main Foyer and in the Park & Rec, Office - KM, Norfolk TPA
3/23 9:11am AL, I would suggest craigslist.org or freecycle.org. I would anticipate that you might have to pay for one though. I would also suggest that when you get it, you call the Police Departments around here to find a police officer who is qualified to install it (they get special training). A car seat that is improperly installed puts the child in danger. Good luck! - KGD
3/23 8:45am Just wondering if anyone out there has success with getting oil C.O.D. After reading yesterday's postings I was annoyed to see Horan gave $2.00/gal when I am "capped" for $2.49 with them. When I called to inquire about the discrepency, I was told that is a new customer price and that is just how it is. Fine. We canceled. When doing COD - how far in advance should one call to get a delivery and what kind of prices are folks finding? - KS
3/23 8:44am TC, You have a right to be frustrated regarding the CPC. They rejected funding for constructing a building at the Pond Street Recreational Complex, a facility that would be used by a majority of residents since most kids participate in sports. Then they approve funding for renovating the Grange Hall, a privately owned building which is not used by the majority of the residents. What's next from this committee? The CPC is lacking a long-term master plan and a vision that all residents buy into. If CPA funds can't be used to benefit all town residents we should vote to repeal the CPA Preservation Act which is tacking on (I think) a 3% surcharge to your tax bill. Taxation without representation will not be tolerated! - SM
3/23 8:43am AL-Boosters are really cheap, less than $30 at most stores if you buy the one without the back (kid has to be over 40lbs) It is much safer to buy a new one than to make due with an older model as they change and are made safer every year. You can't put a price on safety! - MJD
3/23 7:50am Does anyone know where to find used car seats (preferably the 20-80lbs seat for kids)? I need to find one ASAP, and really don't want to buy a new one. - AL
