Mayor Madden Press Release

Friday 9/8/00

Mayor Madden of Weymouth held a Press Conference in his office. Here is the text of his announcement:

"Planning for the reuse of the Naval Air Station has been ongoing for over ten years and intensified during the reuse planning process, which occurred in 1995-1998. That locally driven, regionally inclusive process produced a reuse plan, zoning, and enabling legislation for an entity to implement the plan. All three of those components were strongly endorsed by Weymouth, Rockland, and Abington town meetings in the spring of 1998. Since the appointment of the South Shore Tri-Town Board of Directors in September of 1998, the Directors have moved to implement the reuse plan by gathering additional information, working with the Navy on cleanup of this site, and proceeding with the multi-layered permit process. I have followed closely the action of the Directors and listened to concerns of citizens of Weymouth and the surrounding communities. With the signing of the agreement between Mills Corporation and the Board, my staff and I have reviewed the proposed mall component and the entire reuse plan and analyzed its compatibility with the community. Following this review, I remain firmly committed to the plan, and continue to believe it can be implemented to the benefit of the three host communities and the region. I do not, however, believe that Mills Corporation is the right developer to purchase the retail zoned property. I have no doubts that the proposed mall component would be economically successful, but I also believe that the character of Weymouth and the South Shore, as well as its sense of community, could not survive that success. Therefore, I have spoken with members of the Tri-Town Board of Directors and representatives of Mills Corporation and have informed them of my position. I believe the best outcome is for both parties to opt out of the purchase and sales agreement. As it now enters the environmental review and permitting process, the reuse plan is at a critical junction, and it is my hope that the plan receives a fair and appropriate review. I have been concerned that with Mills remaining a part of the project, that entire reuse plan will become a target for many opposing groups, and could potentially jeopardize or taint the entire reuse plan. I strongly support the transportation improvements that are a part of the plan, in particular the widening of Route 18 and the construction of the connector road from Route 3. I support a quick conveyance of the property from the Navy to the Corporation, which will help to localize the decision making process. I want to see the base cleaned up for reuse as soon as possible. From the start, the redevelopment of this property has been citizen-driven. I am determined to see that that continues. The reuse of the base is an example of smart growth and how to create development opportunities that are compatible to the community. At its conclusion, I hope to see a development which is not only economically beneficial, but one which improves the quality of life for the region."

*************

This is a step in the right direction.

We ask that you contact the Mayor's office and thank him for his rejection of the Mills Corporation mall. Here is the contact information:

Mayor David M. Madden 
75 Middle Street 
Weymouth, MA 02189 

781-335-2000 phone 
781-335-3283 fax

It is our hope that Mayor Madden will come to see that without the Mills, such a huge and expensive road project would not be needed. You could mention this in your correspondence if you wish, along with whatever else you want to say. It is important for us to let him know that we support his decision to denounce the Mills Corporation's project. Thank you for your support!

COMPARE (Citizens Opposing the Megamall and Proposed Access Road Extension)
Box 890024 Weymouth, MA 02189
[email protected]

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws