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You are here: Home / Archives for Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

More water woes: Brockton State Rep. accuses Halifax

September 15, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Halifax selectmen were astounded Tuesday night to hear that State Rep. Michelle DuBois of Brockton accused Rep. Thomas Calter of overstating the water problem with Monponsett ponds and Silver Lake.  “This is a simple case of the wealthy residents around Monponsett Pond wanting to sunbathe on their sandy beaches while taking clean drinking water out of the mouths of poor black children in Brockton,” she said.  This was during a recent discussion in the House chamber, Calter told The Express.

“When do we stop the madness?” asked Selectman Kim Roy.   “When are we going to hear from the DEP?”  Calter said that he has heard from the DEP and they are going to issue an Administrative Order to stop Brockton from taking water from Monponsett.

“DEP now recognizes that the system is no longer sustainable.”  Things move very slowly.   

“Just so you know, Jones River {Watershed Association} was invited to speak {to the Brockton City Council} about a month ago.”  I went with them, and sat with them from 7 p.m. until our appointment at 10:45.  At 10:45 when we went to take the microphone, City Council Attorney stood up and said, ‘we are advising the Council not to take this testimony.’”  Calter said they were told it was due to the legal action pending right now.

“What legal action?” asked Roy.  “The Council twice

asked if I was aware of any legal action, and I said no.  They then asked Paul Collis and other members of the Jones River Watershed Association, and they replied no.”  Calter told selectmen that the group was allowed only to speak to funding, and could not give any technical data.  Calter said he spoke with the Mayor of Brockton outside City Hall at 11:15 at night, and, after a few choice words, pointed out to the mayor, “as an example {of the water mismanagement} here are your lawn sprinklers on at 11:15 at night!”

Calter said that when the legislature comes back into full session January 4, he will file legislation to make Brockton tap into the MWRA through Stoughton where there is plenty of water to serve the City’s needs.  Calter furthered that it is not the amount of water Brockton is taking that make up the Monponsett problem, it is the water management, or mismanagement, which has brought the situation to its sorry state.

Rep. Calter also answered concerns stated by Selectmen Tom Millias and Kim Roy that the towns of Halifax and Plympton were denied any say or vote in the sale of 5 acres of land from the Silver Lake School district for the construction of Kingston’s new police station.

Halifax’s representatives on the Silver Lake School Committee voted against the sale, and Plympton’s two members, each having a half vote, voted for the sale.  Calter told the board that his role in the matter was strictly as a legislator who filed legislation as requested of him, which was worked out between the buyer and the seller, that is the town of Kingston and the Silver Lake School District.

Selectman Tom Milias interrupted saying there is no seller until the bill passes because there is no vehicle to sell until the law is passed.  He expressed his frustration that the land that we all bought – all three towns in the district – is being sold without the voice of the voters of Halifax being heard.  Calter told him the school committee didn’t request language in the bill to include the vote of the individual towns and in the several other instances where regional districts have sold land, there was not such language for member towns to vote, other than through their elected representatives.

Millias countered that he bet those sales weren’t to another member town that has as many votes on the board as the other towns combined.  We all own this property.  We should have a say.  Millias echoed Roy’s concerns, and concerns heard at Plympton the night before.

Calter told them that the town of Kingston will bring this project back to special town meeting to ask the voters to approve the land purchase which they had turned down at their annual town meeting.  If Kingston voters turn down the project again when they vote in October, it will no longer be an issue.  The project will be dead.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

CPC 2017 Grant Applications due Oct.15

September 8, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

PLYMPTON – The Plympton Community Preservation Committee (C.P.C.) is currently accepting applications for the FY2017 funding year. Deadline for completed applications is October 15.

Projects funded in prior years include

• a safe in the Town Clerk’s office to archive important historical records;

• new insulation for the Plympton Historical Society building at 189 Main St.;

• a comprehensive drainage system to solve a chronic wet basement in the Plympton Library;

• funds to acquire and improve the 11-acre parcel on Main Street now known as Churchill Park which offers access to the abutting 87 acre parcel known as Cato’s Ridge thereby forming a large natural preserve with walking trails;

• improvements at Harry Jason Park to make it more accessible for family and recreational use;

• the installation of a chairlift in the Plympton Historical Society Building;

• renovation of the old Winnetuxet swimming hole into a recreational area; and

• facilitating the donation of O’Neil Marsh on Ring Road which offers additional access to Cato’s Ridge.

Project guidelines and applications can be found on the Plympton town website at http://www.town.plympton.ma.us/community-preservation-committee.

Click on “Documents” at the left hand side of the web page to bring up the Plympton Community Preservation Plan which includes the application and criteria.

Applications are also available at the Town House and at the Plympton Public Library.

Questions can be addressed by contacting C.P.C. Chair Mark Russo at Mrusso2@msn.com.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

South Shore Chamber of Commerce releases report on future of the Region’s Infrastructure

September 8, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce, (www.southshorechamber.org) the region’s largest chamber, has published a report, “Infrastructure Priorities for a Stronger Regional Economy.” This report, which addresses concerns and provides recommendations for the South Shore and beyond, is part of the Chamber’s overall initiative, which is examining key issues relating to growth and development of the South Shore.

Copies of the Chamber’s report and findings are being sent to key business and community leaders and the report is also available for viewing on the Chamber’s website, www.southshorechamber.org.

Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber, said, “Infrastructure concerns are not new to the region, but it is critical to have clearly-defined priorities when advocating for infrastructure projects; it is also essential to be able to connect those priorities to other important goals such as housing, economic development or to building stronger communities.” He added, “As a regional Chamber of Commerce we serve a valuable role in helping state and federal officials understand those connections, and perhaps accelerate funding for projects in our area.”

Because infrastructure spending and private economic development go hand in hand, Forman noted that the Chamber has identified infrastructure projects which will have the broadest impact on the region. He noted that, “Since the Chamber does not represent any single community or any single private interest, we believe we are in a strong position to show the best opportunities for the region.”

• Key Recommendations include;

• Improve the commute to Boston

• Encourage more transit-oriented developments

• Leverage the transit-oriented housing into broader commercial and economic activity

• Recognize the importance of regional suburban smart growth

• Recognize the strength of the region is driven by the strength of our communities

• Recognize that future growth can be stimulated by growth outside of our own region

Recommended priorities for the Boston commute include increased capacity, repair, and re-construction of Mass transit service parking garages. T Stations need upgrades and the Chamber believes relatively easy and inexpensive steps can be taken to improve the stations while state officials should provide reliability of service. The report also recommends an expansion of South Station to increase the number of tracks needed to increase trains to the South Shore.

There are also several possible highway projects that require further study. One involves widening Route 3; options include traditional state funding and a Public/Private Partnership, which might be a voluntarily tolling through a new lane. Another possibility is improving “The Split” at Braintree/Quincy to eliminate some local bottlenecks. The Chamber believes that the existing and potential Transit-Oriented Developments offer the best opportunity to promote new housing growth that will appeal to younger workers and provide some relief to the very expensive Boston housing market. In addition these developments are powerful drivers for growth and they continue to support the following:

• Opening the connections between Union Point (formerly SouthField)  and Union Street in Rockland

• Widening of Route 18

• Improvements to Reservoir Park Drive and Hingham Street in Rockland

• Possible short-distance parallel or access roads between Exits 13 and 16.

The report includes recommendation for the future or energy, water/wastewater, tourism and community development for the region.

“We believe our report sets some priorities for today,” Forman said, adding, “The South Shore Chamber has a long history of prioritizing and advocating for the infrastructure projects that have the greatest benefit for the region.

“The South Shore, by definition, is not part of Boston, but our economic life is heavily influenced by it,” states the report. “Our development strategies and transportation priorities are closely tied to Boston’s future growth.”

  About the South Shore        Chamber of Commerce

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has long been recognized throughout the state as one of the most active and forceful advocates for the business community and numbers among the larger Chambers of Commerce nationally. The South Shore Chamber is a not-for-profit association of businesses in the communities south of Boston. It is committed to helping its members grow their businesses and to improve the business climate in the region. Members range in size from major international corporations headquartered on the South Shore to small local firms and sole proprietorships. For additional information on the Chamber, please visit www.southshorechamber.org or call 781-421-3900.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Good voter turnout expected for Thursday, Sept. 8, primary

September 1, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

   Town Clerks Tara Shaw and Barbara Gaynor are preparing for the Thursday, Sept. 8, State Primary Election.  They expect a good turnout.

    The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Plympton will vote at the Town House, 5 Palmer Rd, Rte. 58.  Halifax will vote at the Halifax Elementary School all purpose room, 470 Plymouth St., Rte. 106.

Four ballots will be offered, Democrat, Green-Rainbow, Republican, and United Independent Party,

The Democratic Party ballot will list for consideration:

• Representative in Congress, Ninth District: William Richard Keating. (Vote for One)

• Councillor, Fourth District: Christopher A. Iannella, Jr. and Stephen F. Flynn. (Vote for One)

• Senator in General Court, Second Plymouth and Bristol District Court: Michael D. Brady. (Vote for One)

• Representative in General Court, Twelfth Plymouth District: Thomas J. Calter, III (Vote for One)

• Sheriff, PlymouthCounty: Scott M. Vecchi. (Vote for One)

• County Commissioner, Plymouth County: Greg Hanley and Lincoln D. Heineman. (Vote for not more than Two)

The Republican Party ballot will list for consideration:

• Representative in Congress, Ninth District: Mark C. Alliegro and Thomas Joseph O’Malley, Jr.  (Vote for One)

• Councillor, Fourth District: (none listed)

• Senator in General Court, Second Plymouth and Bristol District Court: (none listed)

• Representative in General Court, Twelfth Plymouth District: Peter J. Boncek, Michael E. Cowett, and Ian F. Murphy.  (Vote for One)

• Sheriff, Plymouth County: Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. (Vote for One)

• County Commissioner, Plymouth County: Daniel A. Pllotta and Anthony Thomas O’Brien, Sr. (Vote for not more than Two)

There are no candidates listed on the Green-Rainbow Party ballots and United Independent Party ballots.

Absentee ballot applications are available from the town clerks’ offices for those not able to vote in person on election day due to  1.) absence from your town during normal polling hours; 2.) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or 3.) religious belief.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

Silver Lake levels drop daily: Brockton issues water ban as area reels from drought

September 1, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

The City of Brockton Water Commissioners, finally listening to Halifax and Silver Lake’s towns, have issued an outside water ban within the city and also to the towns to which Brockton sells Silver Lake water.

The town of Whitman, a Brockton water customer, received notice that beginning immediately, the town will have to implement outside watering by hand held hose only on an odd/even basis.  No sprinklers will be permitted.  The City of Brockton has initiated the same ban.

Halifax Town Administrator Charlie Seelig said this is probably the worst drought he can recall and looking at records, the levels at Monponsett ponds are as low as they have ever been in the 20 years of data he has access to.

“Levels at Silver Lake are dropping daily,” he said.

The Town of Halifax, which shares Silver Lake with three other towns: Kingston, Plympton, and Pembroke, has had a total outside watering ban since spring because of the severe drought the area is experiencing.

Last year, while Halifax had a total outside watering ban, thirsty Brockton residents had no such ban, with the sluice gate at Stump Brook closed, keeping West Pond stagnant, and draining it to augment Silver Lake’s output.

This year, however, Brockton has not diverted any water from West Monponsett Pond not only because of the severe drought but also because the high cyanobacteria levels are as much as 15 times the threshold for healthy contact.

Rep. Thomas J. Calter, D-Kingston, has brought the Brockton water situation to the attention of Governor Charlie Baker and the legislature and may seek new legislation to encourage Brockton to find appropriate sources for its ever-growing water needs.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Fire Dept. honors young heroes, swears in six more Swears in

August 25, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

HALIFAX – Halifax selectmen met Tuesday evening in the Great Hall at the Halifax Town Hall as they welcomed  six new firefighters/paramedics to the Halifax Fire Dept.  Fire Chief Jason Vivieros was all smiles as the Great Hall filled with more than 50 friends and family to witness the event.

Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor administered the oaths to each of the half dozen, and each new badge was pinned by an important person in that firefighter’s life: father, son, daughter, friend.  Sworn in were Dillon Riley, John Eaton, Keri Kelleher, Alyssa Smith, Marc McGarry, and Bridget Ricciarelli.

Special Awards

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Vivieros had two special awards to present.  Chief told the audience of receiving the call that no emergency responder wants to hear, “unresponsive child at the bottom of a swimming pool” last month.  “These guys never moved so fast…” to get to the scene.  It was the keen observance of two children who noticed something wrong and got help.  A 911 call was placed and when Halifax ambulance and EMTs got there, the child had been pulled from the pool, CPR begun, and the little girl was responding.  Halifax took over and rushed her to South Shore Hospital where she recovered fully.

Chief Vivieros presented special commendations to the two children who averted this potential tragedy: Jonathan Greeley and Olivia Shea, and noted that it was Olivia’s little sister who was saved.

The audience applauded these two young heroes.

Selectmen heard recommendations from the Solar Field committee who encouraged the board to seek proposals from “as many as 50…” solar companies to see what is out there and make some comparisons.

Alan Winkler, with the Solar Field Committee, advised selectmen to thoroughly investigate owning their own solar array, instead of “leasing” the equipment and getting 25 cents off your electricity rate for the next 20 years.  If the town owns its own equipment, it will reap all the benefits and tax credits, in addition to the power at an inexpensive rate.  He further advised putting out an “RFP” or Request for Proposals as soon as possible to get the information in so the town can be ready to act by the first of the year.

Selectmen agreed that they did not want to rush into a solar project until they have all the facts, and asked the Solar Field Committee to assist them in understanding all the information.

Asked what background he had to make these recommendations, Winkler told the board he had worked as an accountant/auditor for many years for the firm of Arthur Anderson and then worked for an energy company with diverse energy projects.  He has recently been working as a consultant helping people get the best deal possible in the energy field.

Halifax Town Administer Charlie Seelig told the board, “We have a group of residents who want to remove the blighted properties in tax title.”  They suggest to pass some sort of by-law regarding the upkeep of properties, and also to see how owners can be helped to keep their properties up.  The group will be meeting with selectmen on Aug. 27. The Tax Collector will also be at that meeting.

The perennial dog hearing for Tarawood Kennels has been continued to Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 7:45 p.m.  Seelig agreed with selectmen that two hearings for the same Kennel have been scheduled and because the testimony and evidence is much the same for both hearings, they will run concurrently.

Seelig said that the original hearing for barking dogs will be heard as well as the 25 petitioners hearing which claims that no notification was given for any of the Appeals Board hearings which approved the special licenses for Tarawood Kennels.  Seelig cited case law of Kramer vs. Somerville which called into question the validity of a permit when proper notification was not given.  He also advised the board that legal remedy may be sought against the town because of the lack of notification to abutters by the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Seelig furthered that the abutters might take the kennel to court as the numbers of dogs allowed has increased several times without due notice.  Next Tuesday, Aug. 30, the matters will be heard in the Great Hall of the Town Hall at 7:45 p.m.

In other business selectmen

• appointed Cesar Calouro to the Halifax Fireworks Committee.

• heard from Rick Springer and Mike McGonnigle from Coneco Engineers and Scientists in Bridgewater who would like to submit a net metering proposal for a solar project on Franklin Street.

• reminded people of the upcoming State Primary Election on Thursday, Sept. 8.  Election will be held at the all-purpose room of the Halifax Elementary School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• heard from Douglas Hall, owner of a 3-year-old pointer/hound mix dog who ran into the street and bit a neighbor’s husky dog.  The animal control officer testified that she felt Hall was taking the situation seriously, and is in the process of training this dog that he has owned for only 3 months.  The owner of the husky was not in attendance.  No further action was recommended.

• re-appointed Selectman Troy Garron to the MBTA committee.

• issued a permit for live entertainment to Salon Serenity for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1-4 p.m.

• received a request from Larry Henrich for a solar assisted flashing stop sign to call attention to the stop sign at the intersection of Pine and Plymouth streets.  Henrich would help defray the cost.

• voted to maintain the $50 fee for recycling for another year.  The thought is to build up a surplus in the account so that new trash receptacles which would work with the new trash collection truck could be purchased.

Selectmen adjourned to the downstairs selectmen’s meeting room at 9:15 p.m. to go into executive session, for a grievance hearing to appeal a 3-day suspension for Al Hingst, and to discuss a dispatcher contract.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Benefit on Sunday to help Amy Breault

July 14, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

PLYMPTON -The Amy Breault benefit event at the Upland Sportsman Club, Upland Road, Plympton, will be held Sunday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Amy, a resident of Plympton, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis, which progressed to secondary-progressive MS.  She has been invited to Russia to take part in an experimental treatment to use her own body’s stem cells to treat her MS.  Because this highly effective treatment is not available in the United States, Amy will go to Russia to receive her stem cell treatment.

Amy, with her companion Brendan Bibaud, invites the community to join them at the Upland Sportsman Club in Plympton on Sunday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a DJ, raffles, and much more for a family afternoon for all ages.  There is no charge to come and meet Amy under the Upland Club Pavilion and lend support to her mission.

Optional tickets for the chicken bake dinner are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Upland Club or by calling Kim at (781) 585-5741.  All proceeds will go to Amy for her stem cell treatment in Russia.

For those who wish to help but cannot attend, donations may be made directly at http://www.youcaring.com/amy-breault-360701.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

HOW HALIFAX REGARDS PRISON PLAN

July 7, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

“They want to take our good old town of Halifax for a State prison and wipe us off the map, do they? Well, we be long-standing Plymouth Rock Yankees round these parts. There’s people that have tried to drive the Yankees before, but they didn’t drive. So they can’t drive us out of here, by gum!” said Oliver Holmes, one of the oldest inhabitants of Halifax, as he raised his voice in protest against what he terms the “terrible aggression” of a syndicate of Boston real estate dealers who have offered their holdings as a site for a new State prison instead of the island of Nashawena.

In a letter which they have sent to the members of the General Court and the State Board of Prison Commissioners, this syndicate has pointed out how feasible it is to remove the residents of Halifax, who now number about 500, from their homes and how easily the beautiful Cape town may be converted into a vast state farm of over 9000 acres of rich land, situated on the shores of the two Monponsett lakes.

The news that the town had been proposed for a prison site has stirred up the inhabitants. Few approved the idea. Many opposed it. “If those convicts land here,” said George Estes, keeper of the general store, “I would get a Gatling gun, plant it on the Methodist steeple and shot down every mother’s son of them.” A large gathering of village gossips who were in the store at the time nodded approval.

Only one man, Selectman Henry Haywood, approved of selling the town. Mr. Haywood said: “If they want to clean us off the map, let them clean away, provided they use water enough by way of compensation. By ‘water’ I mean good old greenbacks.”

From the collections of

Susan Basile

Halifax Historian

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Upland Club event will help Amy Breault: Go to Russia for stem cell treatment

June 29, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Amy Breault, who grew up on West Street, Plympton, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was just 16 years olf.  That was in the year 2000.  Since then, she has become legally blind and needs assistance walking.  She hasn’t let that slow her down, though, or dulled the smile she always wears.

Today, Amy is a loving 32-year old mother fo a beautiful 3-year old daughter, Arianna.

Since her initial diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, she has continued to jump life’s hurdles as she now battles secondary-progressive MS.  There are few effective treatments for this type of the disease. Local practicioners have been unable to find an effective FDA-approved medication to slow the MS progression.

Amy has the opportunity to use her own body’s stem cells to repair what was once considered permanent damage.  Because this highly-effective treatment is not available in the United States, she will travel to Russia to receiver her autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, where she has been invited for treatment.

Amy, with her sidekick Brendan Bibaud, invite the community to join them at the Upland Club, Upland Road, Plympton, Saturday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a chicken bake.  There will be a DJ, raffles, and much more for a family afternoon for all ages.  There is no charge to come and meet Amy under the Upland Club Pavilion and lend your support to her mission.  Optional tickets for the chicken bake dinner are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Upland Club r by calling Kim at (781) 585-5741.  All proceeds will go to Amy for her stem cell treatment in Russia.

For those who wish to help but cannot attend, donations may be made directly at http://www.youcaring.com/amy-breault-360701.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

2016 Gatorade Softball Player of The Year!

June 23, 2016 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Silver Lake Regional High School super softball star Maddy Barone from Halifax has added yet another title to her impressive collection – she’s been named the Massachusetts 2016 Gatorade Softball Player of The Year!

This has been a year full of recognition for Barone, who closed out her senior year with the Lakers June 12, when her team’s perfect season record fell to King Phillip Regional in the Division 1 South Championship.

Barone is a four time Patriot League All Star and was named to the Boston Herald All Scholastic.

She signed a letter of intent earlier this spring to play for the University Southern New Hampshire.  .

Barone hoped to lead her team to the Division 1 South Championship, but were unable to bring it home after King Phillip Regional’s win June 12 5 -2.

At 25-1, their season was still one for the books.

In addition to play on the ball field, basketball court, and in the gymnasium, Barone is an excellent student, maintaining a weighted 4.26 GPA, and also donates her time as a youth softball instructor and umpire.

An active member of her community, she volunteers in the Holidays in Halifax Committee among others.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

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