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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Storm warnings loom for homeowners


Once again, elements of a "Perfect Storm" loom ahead for huge tax increases caused by unsubstantiated assessments in commercial property values as had happened in 2012.  A public information meeting will be held on Saturday, April 11th at Heritage House, Peloguin Room, 747 Water Street, beginning at 2 pm.

The Framingham Taxpayers Association is responding to neighborhood requests to hold another town-wide conference on assessing inequalities and what positive steps to correct them. This action was specified in the reports to the Board of Selectmen regarding the recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Committee and the consultant.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

350 Irving Street maps in 1915, 1930 and 1979



Boston and Albany map in 1915 showing former Framingham Gas Works location of equipment at 350 Irving Street with overlay of current aerial photograph.

1979 Assessor's Map showing placement of Northeast Utilities
gas tanks and equipment at 350 Irving Street.
Combined maps of former Gas Companies at 350 Irving Street.
Yellow markers indicate location of gas equipment in 1915.
Red markers indicate location of gas equipment in 1979.
1930 Diagram map showing part of Southside. Area at bottom shows Eversource
property which was then called Associated Gas and Electric Company.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

More contamination in Southside

Lawsuit claims Framingham salvage yard released pollutants
By Scott O'Connell/Daily News Staff
March 17, 2015

An environmental group is suing a local metal recycling facility it accuses of polluting local waterways, court records show.

Clean Water Action filed the civil suit against Framingham Salvage Co. in U.S. District Court on Monday. The Boston-based advocacy organization is seeking a court order that stops the company from releasing pollutants into nearby water sources; forces it to restore the allegedly damaged water bodies; and requires it to pay civil penalties for violations.

Rear of Framingham Salvage Company
Not a pretty view for residents living on Morton Street


On Tuesday, however, both sides said they were already working together to reach a resolution on those issues.

According to a copy of the suit, Clean Water Action claims the 120 Waverly St. scrap metal recycling yard has been discharging stormwater runoff into the town’s municipal storm drain system and into Beaver Dam Brook, “the largest tributary of Lake Cochituate.” The organization specifically claims

Youth skateboarders ask the town for a park

by Danielle Ameden, Daily News Staff
March 19, 2015

A group of young skateboarders asked the Board of Selectmen Tuesday for help building a skate park so they don’t have to ride in the street.

The kids joined Precinct 15 Town Meeting member Judy Grove in asking selectmen to sponsor an article at annual Town Meeting this spring. Grove said the group is seeking $175,000 from the town — half the project cost — and the youngsters will go after grants and raise money to pay for the other half.

Young skateboarders from in and around Framingham, along with 
Town Meeting member Judy Grove, in the front row on the left,
went to the Framingham Board of Selectmen Tuesday to present their
request for a skate park. Daily News photo/Danielle Ameden

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Crispus Attucks: Framingham Revolutionist

Today, March 5, marks the 245th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Crispus Attucks was an African-American man killed during the Boston Massacre.

Early years 

Crispus Attucks is believed to have been born around 1723, in Framingham, Massachusetts. Born into slavery, Crispus Attucks was the son of Prince Yonger, a slave shipped to America from Africa, and Nancy Attucks, a Natick Indian. Little is known about Attucks' life, or his family, who resided in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Asbestos and other toxins prevelant at former gas plant in Worcester

 By Gerard F. Russell TELEGRAM and GAZETTE STAFF
March 1, 2015

WORCESTER — Asbestos had many common uses, such as insulation, high-temperature processes, large heating systems, fire-retardant products, roofing materials, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and clothing, according to the state DEP.

It was widely used and was not specific to manufactured gas plants such as the one that was on Quinsigamond Avenue where the WRTA is to build a garage for its fleet.


Worcester: Dirty site, costly cleanup

 Taxpayers left with bill to clean toxins, asbestos at future WRTA home

By Gerard F. Russell TELEGRAM and GAZETTE STAFF
March 1, 2015
Picture

WORCESTER — In December 2012, Worcester Regional Transit Authority Administrator Stephen F. O'Neil told his board he didn't know how much it would cost to rid toxic waste from land being eyed as a new home for the region's bus fleet.

"We know it will be bad, but how bad is the issue," he said.

His prescient observation was posited two years before the authority decided to buy land on Quinsigamond Avenue on which to build a garage and maintenance building. Executive