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Police arrest 3, confistate 9 guns, cocaine, heroin in drug trafficking investigation

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District Attorney Anthony Gulluni will release details about the investigation Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD - Three people were arrested and nine guns were confiscated in a major drug trafficking investigation in Hampden County.

During the investigation conducted under the leadership of Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, law enforcement also confiscated heroin, cocaine, the nine unlawful firearms and $38,000 in cash, said James Leydon, spokesman for Gulluni.

A multi-department drug task force raided several homes and businesses, including at least one in Chicopee on Friday as part of the investigation, sources said.

Gulluni will announce details of the investigation and the arrest Tuesday afternoon, Gulluni said.


Pittsfield All-Stars won state crown in unforgettable baseball summer

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(Fifth in a series on the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2019, to be inducted Jan. 31 at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley). They were Pittsfield's "boys of summer," a team that won a state championship and very nearly made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Along the way,...

(Fifth in a series on the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2019, to be inducted Jan. 31 at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley).

They were Pittsfield's "boys of summer," a team that won a state championship and very nearly made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Along the way, they captivated Berkshire County residents and added a new page to Pittsfield's long history as a great baseball town.

They were the Pittsfield American Division All-Stars, soon to be inducted into the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame. The committee chose these Little Leaguers in keeping with its policy of including representatives of youth baseball, which has an important and long-standing role throughout Western Massachusetts.

Previous inductions have honored Pete Brown, director of the John L. Sullivan Leagues; Stan Ziomek, who ran Amherst's Little League and Babe Ruth programs for 50 years; Dan Welch, a Babe Ruth League official in Westfield; and Brady Kahle, a 10-year-old whose "Cards 4 a Cause" campaign raised money in the fight against cancer.

"I think it's an unbelievable honor that our team is being recognized," said Joe Skutnik, manager of the Pittsfield Americans. "They're a group of kids who gave it their all during a summer we'll never forget."

The team consisted of Walker Abdallah, Evan Blake, Nick Brindle, Ben Cornish, Jake Duquette, Anthony Frieri, Ben Jacob, Tommy Mullin, Owen Salvatore, Antonio Scalise, Cam Sime, Roshan Warriar and Cam Zerbato. Skutnik managed the team, with Ty Perrault and Pat Bramer coaching.

"The whole team plans to be at the banquet," Skutnik said "We're so proud of the way they handled the spotlight. They just went about the business of playing good baseball."

The Class of 2019 also consists of Mark Belanger of Pittsfield and Mike Laga of Northampton, major league players; Candy Cummings of Ware. inventor of the curveball; Karl Oliveira of Palmer, Tri-County League veteran; Jim Jachym, one of Westfield's finest; Dana LeVangie, pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox; and Justine Siegal, a pioneer for women in baseball. She also will serve as keynote speaker at the induction banquet.

Pittsfield began tournament action by sweeping past district foes Adams/Cheshire and Dalton/Hinsdale, outscoring them 34-10 in three games.

In sectional play, Pittsfield beat Amherst and Schwartz of Worcester, then suffered its first loss, 3-1 to the Worcester team. That forced a third and deciding game between them. Pittsfield won it 8-1 to reach the state's final four.

The Berkshire boys went extra innings in their state opener against Westboro, winning 4-0 as Salvatore and Blake hit home runs. Pittsfield kept rolling, beating Danvers 5-3 and Medford 14-3. That brought it down to a final against Danvers. Trailing 3-2 with two outs in the final inning, the Berkshire team got a two-run double from Scalise to clinch the state title.

Over the first three games of the state tourney, Blake went 8 for 9 with two homers.

In the New England regional at Bristol, Connecticut, the championship came down to a final against Coventry, Rhode Island. There, Pittsfield lost a 3-2 herartbreaker, and the Rhody team went on to Wiliamsport.

"I thought we were the best team in the regional, and a lot of folks from other teams told us that. But we lost - and that's baseball," manager Skutnik said.

The regional tournament created so much interest back home, ESPN3 telecasts of Pittsfield's first three games were piped into the city's Beacon Cinema, and drew a crowd.

"We were busy playing in Bristol, so we didn't know about the stir we were creating back in Berkshire County. We found out when we got home. We even got a mention on one of Joe Castiglione's Red Sox radio broadcasts. It was really nice to hear that."

The Pittsfield American All-Stars stayed together and played together from July 7 to Aug. 12 in a summer they will never forget. On Jan. 31, they'll be together again - this time as Hall of Famers.

Garry Brown can be reached at geebrown1918@gmail.com

Members sought for panel on 'sex offender density' in Ware

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"Residents who would like to apply for membership on this committee should send a letter of interest to Stuart Beckley, Town Manager, 126 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082 no later than January 24, 2019. The Board of Selectmen will consider all applications on January 29, 2019"

WARE -- Selectmen here are asking citizens to join an ad-hoc Committee to Recommend Legislative Action Regarding Sex Offender Density.

According to Town Manager Stuart Beckley, the committee would consist of four residents. In a statement posted on the municipal website, he said the "Committee will consist of representatives from the Police Department, Schools, Selectmen."

"Residents who would like to apply for membership on this committee should send a letter of interest to Stuart Beckley, Town Manager, 126 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082 no later than January 24, 2019. The Board of Selectmen will consider all applications on January 29, 2019," the posting said.

As of Tuesday, there were 20 registered Level 3 sex offenders living in Ware, according to the state Sex Offender Registry online database. Ware's population is 9,853, according to 2017 census data.

Selectmen took action to form the ad-hoc committee at a meeting on Dec. 18 attended by the three legislators who represent Ware at the Statehouse: Rep. Donald Berthiaume, R-Spencer, Rep. Todd Smola, R-Warren, and Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer.

During that meeting, residents and selectmen complained about what they said was an inordinate concentration of Level 3 sex offenders residing in the community who have served time in jail, having been convicted of sexual assault crimes. Level 3 offenders are those deemed by the Sex Offender Registry Board to be at highest risk to reoffend.

Selectman Alan Whitney said at that meeting the town had become "the go-to spot" for sex offenders.

"We have a great number on one small street, Pulaski Street," Selectman Tracy Opalinski said.

Registry data indicates two Level 3 sex offenders live on Pulaski Street, one works there, and a fourth lists a secondary address there.

Selectman Keith Kruckas said, "It feels like us bearing the whole burden."

The legislators told selectmen at the meeting that documenting the community's thoughts and feelings could carry more weight on Beacon Hill related to any potential action to address the issue. Ware selectmen are hoping the ad-hoc committee will do that.

Monson Town Meeting votes to restricts solar farms

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The change prohibits solar farms from Monson's industrial zone, but continues to allow them in commercially zoned parcels, which make up 5 percent of the town's land, according to the planning board.

MONSON -- After nearly an hour of discussion, a special Town Meeting here last week approved by a 102-38 vote new zoning bylaws that restrict where solar farms can operate to 5 percent of the land within the municipality.

The change prohibits solar farms from Monson's industrial zone, but continues to allow them in commercially zoned parcels, according to the planning board.

An existing bylaw already prohibits solar farms in the Rural Residential District, the Residential Village District, the Multiple Dwelling District, and the Reserved Land District.

Craig Sweitzer, a member of the Monson Planning Board, said the panel convened a public hearing last month, as required by state law. "We reluctantly decided" to make no recommendation to Town Meeting, he said.

Sweitzer recounted that "a lot of pluses, a lot of minuses" were voiced on solar facilities during the Dec. 18 public hearing, adding: "A large number of people supported this bylaw change."

He said residents told the board that current bylaws permit "large tracts of wooded land" to be clear cut, and that seemed at odds with the premise of green energy.

Sweitzer said, "one condition of being a green community" is that Monson must allow solar farms, and said that approximately 5 percent of the town's land is commercially zoned, making "very little land" available for solar projects.

The planning board member said the panel in the future likely will be reviewing calls for a temporary moratorium on solar farms, while the board considers future amendments to the zoning bylaws to regulate solar in town.

"The vote results: Total votes cast 140; yeses 102, noes 38. A two-thirds majority is 93, therefore the motion passes," the town moderator said following a secret ballot.

One resident that opposed the change said those who own homes in industrial areas should have "done their homework" prior to purchasing property in a zoning district that had allowed solar farms.

Jessica Allen, who organized the citizens petition that triggered the Town Meeting, told the audience "completely forested parcels with wetlands" exist in industrial areas. She said those aren't really industrial parcels.

"When you clear cut that forest, think about the impacts," Allen said. "In the town of Monson tonight ... we are saying there is a way to do this right. It is a moratorium" on siting solar projects in an industrial zone.

She said the ban on solar inside industrial zones now gives the planning board breathing space to come up with new zoning amendments that protect homeowners.

$400K tax credit to aid Ludlow Mills Clock Tower development

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The credits, authorized by Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin via his chairmanship of the state Historical Commission, can be accessed once the project is completed.

LUDLOW -- State Rep. Thomas Petrolati, D-Ludlow, has announced $400,000 in tax credits to aid a mixed-use development at the former Ludlow Mills Clock Tower site.

The credits, authorized by Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin via his chairmanship of the state Historical Commission, can be accessed once the project is completed. Galvin made the award in a Dec. 21 letter to Westmass Area Development Corp.

Galvin's letter to Westmass President and CEO Eric Nelson says the "project has been selected to receive an additional $400,000 of state rehabilitation tax credit funds. You remain eligible to apply for additional funds in future rounds, not exceeding a total of 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation costs for the project. This allocation is contingent upon successful completion of the project."

According to Nelson, two previous tax credit awards received last year, totaling $700,000, bring the total to $1.1 million so far.

He said the projected construction cost is $50 million, of which $37 million is eligible for tax credits, with 20 percent of that totaling $7.9 million.

Plans for the three-story structure at 8 State St. call for commercial space and 89 apartments. Nelson said the 214,208-square-foot facility would bring 100 construction jobs and about that many permanent jobs as well.

Without the tax credits, the project would not be financially feasible, he said. The credits would be used to offset various state business taxes such as corporate excise, employee withholding, sales and use taxes.

Once all the financing is in place, construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2021.

According to a Westmass financial estimate, "potential local tax revenue" of "$600,000 to $900,000 per year" is estimated once the housing and commercial units are filled.

Petrolati has long been an advocate for the Ludlow Mills Preservation and Redevelopment project.

In a statement, Westmass said it "believes the project is a sound investment in the community, the region and Ludlow Mills."

"The Clock Tower Mill 8 project will build on the successes of the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital (now named Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital) and WinnDevelopement's Mill 10 residential project," Westmass said, "as well as leverage the extensive Brownfield Cleanup accomplished at the Ludlow Mills and the significant public infrastructure recently installed in the neighborhood as well as the new infrastructure which is and now planned for Riverside Drive at Ludlow Mills."

After wood taken from Ledges, South Hadley imposes new rules for cutting trees

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After allegations that an unknown person made off with firewood from the Ledges Golf Course, Town Administrator Michael J. Sullivan has imposed new protocols for the cutting and removal of trees.

SOUTH HADLEY -- After allegations that an unknown person made off with wood from the Ledges Golf Course, Town Administrator Michael J. Sullivan has imposed new protocols for the cutting and removal of trees.

Sullivan said he investigated after receiving an anonymous phone message about a person who took cuttings from the golf course.

"There was some tree limbs and branches taken by an unknown person, reported by the Ledges IGM Superintendent when asked during the inquiry. He did not know the person or get his license plate," Sullivan stated in an email.

IGM, a Florida-based company, manages the golf course.

"I met with IGM, the contractor who now manages Ledges, and we developed a new protocol where anytime trees are being considered to be cut on the property, they will be inspected by the Town Tree Warden prior," he said.

In the future, Sullivan said the Department of Public Works would immediately remove the materials to the town's compost center near the Waste Transfer Station. Workers will then grind up the wood into mulch, which the town or public could use on sidewalks in winter.

"This protocol is consistent with procurement law where all residents have the same opportunity to access the material," Sullivan wrote.

"So, whoever took it should not have," Sullivan said of the wood taken from the Ledges. "It would be unwise to spend more time at this point to seek return or restitution for this material."

"The cost of this policy will probably be more, but it will be fair. We avoid the risk of someone using a chain saw on the property to cut it into logs," he said.

Sullivan said he will consider putting tree or forest management services out to bid, which likely needs the approval of the Conservation Commission, Selectboard, Tree Committee and state agencies.

"For now, we are not planning on cutting any trees or is IGM at the Ledges," Sullivan said.

Belchertown selectmen hear new complaints about Granby Bow and Gun Club

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Allegations voiced by residents included loud shooting and concerns about stray bullets that could create danger for surrounding property owners.

BELCHERTOWN -- Selectmen at Monday's meeting heard new complaints about the Granby Bow and Gun Club and promised those attending they would continue to be vigilant in addressing any concerns.

Allegations voiced by residents included loud shooting and concerns about stray bullets that could create danger for surrounding property owners.

Belchertown Selectmen Chairman Nicholas O'Connor read numerous communications the board had received that he said were alarming.

"People are feeling threatened, frightened," O'Connor said.

Worcester attorney Justin Raphaelson, who is representing the Granby Bow and Gun Club, said in an interview Tuesday that the organization has operated legally.

"Regarding everything that is going on, the club is in the process of applying for a special permit" from the town of Granby, he said.

The Granby Board of Appeals convened Jan. 8 for a public hearing on the club's special permit application "regarding an existing constructed shooter shed." The public hearing is expected to reconvene in March.

"In all other aspects, the club is and has been complying with the law," Raphaelson said.

Last January, the club filed a lawsuit against the town of Granby appealing a 2017 Zoning Board of Appeals' determination that upheld the selectmen's September 2017 decision to shut down the club's half-mile long rifle range.

That case is still pending in state land court.

Granby resident Joe Chaloux attended the Belchertown selectmen's meeting and was critical about how the club has been operating.

Chaloux, who said he is a member of the National Rifle Association, said concerns about the safety of abutters should not be dismissed and must be addressed.

"I am not anti-gun. I am an NRA member," he said, saying that in his view, the gun club has not "acknowledged" there are problems.

 

Ware Planning Board schedules public hearing Wednesday on proposed Main Street marijuana store

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The Jan. 16 planning board hearing at Ware Town Hall, 126 Main St., begins at 7:45 p.m.

WARE -- The Planning Board will convene a public hearing Wednesday on the B'Leaf Wellness Centre retail marijuana sales shop proposed at 60 Main St.

The business owners, Lori and Megan Sinclair, are seeking a special permit and site plan approval.

Documents submitted to the town show the facility would measure 700 square feet of retail space.

The Sinclairs would rent the property from clothier Charles Lask, who owns the Nat Falk store next door.

The site plan and special permit application application says B'Leaf plans to use methods such as pre-ordering and contacting customers via text when lines develop outside the store.

"As Ware is not a heavily trafficked destination, B'Leaf anticipates drawing additional adult foot traffic to the downtown area but not causing any overflow or prolonged wait times. Loitering is prohibited outside the establishment," the application states.

The company says it doesn't expect to attract vehicle traffic that's any different from businesses now on Main Street.

"Vehicle operators can park their car in front of the building or utilize the parking lot behind the building adjacent to Pulaski Street as well as in the two municipal lots available in the town of Ware," the application states.

The Jan. 16 Planning Board hearing at Ware Town Hall, 126 Main St., begins at 7:45 p.m.


Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 15, 2019

Belchertown school superintendent Karol Coffin to retire 1 year before contract ends

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Belchertown School Committee Chairman Michael Knapp, in a telephone interview Tuesday night said the board will meet next week to begin discussing the search process for a new administrative leade

BELCHERTOWN -- School Superintendent Karol G. Coffin announced Tuesday she will retire on June 30, a year before her contract expires.

She was hired in 2014 to lead the district.

School Committee Chairman Michael Knapp, in a telephone interview Tuesday night, said the board will meet next week to begin discussing the search process for a new administrative leader.

The chairman said he expects a new superintendent to be in place when the 2019-20 school year begins in late August.

"The odds are" that the board will do a "full search" for an outside candidate, he said.

Knapp confirmed that Coffin's current employment contract is in effect until 2020, meaning she will depart a year before that contract expires.

He said Coffin notified staff earlier on Tuesday of her decision.

Photo contest focuses on Gilbertville historic district

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Contest entries can be submitted until March 27. The contest was prompted by a $15,000 matching grant that the non-profit Friends group received over the summer for repairs to the Stone Church.

HARDWICK - Capturing the beauty and history of the village of Gilbertville is the goal behind a photography contest presented by Friends of the Stone Church and the Hardwick Historical Society.

"New Views of Gilbertville" is a juried photography contest and exhibit with cash prizes to raise funds to preserve the Gothic Revival-style Stone Church, built in the late 1800s.

The contest is underway, and entries can be submitted until March 27. It was prompted by a $15,000 matching grant that the non-profit Friends group received over the summer for masonry repairs to the church's tower base from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The group, which works to preserve the church for community use, decided to focus the photography contest around the whole village, not just the church.

"Our goal is not only to save the building, but energize the local community," Mary C. Warbasse, secretary-clerk of Friends of the Stone Church, said recently.

Sometimes, she said, people may not view their community as a "beautiful place," and may take their surroundings for granted. Years ago, she was involved in a similar arts project in Worcester, which helped people recognize their city as something unique, and Warbasse hopes the photo contest will inspire the same feelings in Gilbertville.

"If you've never looked at it, look now," Warbasse said.

The contest's purpose is to encourage folks to take a deeper look at the village, which was formed around George H. Gilbert's wool factories, hence the name "Gilbertville." In 1860, Gilbert began acquiring 365 acres to expand his Ware factories, according to the town's website, and the mills, tenements and other buildings that were constructed became the village of Gilbertville. Gilbert wool products became nationally known and supplied the Union Army with uniforms.

Warbasse said the Stone Church - then known as the Congregational Church and Chapel - was built by the mill owners and, in recent years, has featured weddings, graduation parties, the farmer's market and community meetings.

The village's historic district spans 75 acres, and includes approximately 120 historic Gilbertville buildings and structures built between 1860 and 1930 that are subjects for the photo contest: landmarks such as St. Aloysius Church, the Municipal Office Building (the former high school), Gilbertville Library, the Stone Church, Whistle Stop restaurant (former Ware River Railroad Station Depot), first tenement block 4 at 25 and 27 East St. and the original Gilbert Mill No. 1 on Main Street. The covered bridge at the end of Bridge Street and St. Aloysius bell also are included, along with the Windsor Hotel, the only one of two former hotels remaining.

A walking tour of the sites featured in the contest will be held March 2 at 10 a.m. starting at the Whistle Stop. Warbasse said registration is required and to call  413-477-6028. Snow date is March 9.

She said it's rare to have an intact mill village that has not been subject to urban renewal.

Said Warbasse, "You can still see what the village is like."

Prizes will range from $25 to $250 in youth and adult categories, with submitted works featured at the Town House in Hardwick and Stone Church in Gilbertville from April 13 to June 3. Warbasse said they hope to exhibit at least one work from all those who enter the contest.

Entries must be the photographer's own work taken within the last five years. Submissions can be black and white, or color, and can include a photo collage or mixed media incorporating photos. Each submission must feature a building or resource in the Gilbertville National Register Historic District, either an interior or exterior view. The building or resource does not need to be the photo's main subject.

Cost to enter is $5, with no charge for youth entries. Photographers can submit up to two works.

Warbasse said they are encouraging anyone with a camera "who likes to look around" to enter the contest.

"By no means is this supposed to be a show about architecture; it's a show about a community," Warbasse said.

Eligible structures and forms to enter the contest can be found at sites.google.com/site/EastQuabbinArtistsAlliance/home, or by phone 413-477-6058 and email, EastQuabbinArtistAlliance@gmail.com.

Monson Savings Bank is sponsoring the contest, which is supported by grants from the Oakham and Barre cultural councils.

Holyoke City Council approves zone change to pave way for proposed 100-unit apartment complex

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The Holyoke City Council approved a zone change for 15 Holy Family Road, which allows a proposed 100-unit apartment project to move forward.

HOLYOKE -- The City Council on Tuesday approved a zoning change for a property near Whiting Farms Road, the proposed site of a 100-unit apartment complex.

Developer Tom Adamczyk asked the city to change the zone for the parcel at 15 Holy Family Road from residential to multifamily, which allows the project to move forward. Adamczyk estimated the project would cost $10 million.

The developer plans to build 76 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom market-rate apartments. The development includes several green spaces and a playground.

The Ordinance Committee recommended the zone change. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield currently owns the land, which is located near the Maurice A. Donahue School and Mount St. Vincent Care Center.

During a Dec. 11 public hearing, Ron Levesque, of R. Levesque Associates, said the developer would provide data from traffic studies to concerned parties, including the Sisters of Providence, the owner and operator of Mount St. Vincent.

Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon, the Ordinance Committee chairwoman, said the zone change application was "straightforward." The Planning Board held a separate hearing, and also recommended the change.

The proposal must undergo an extensive site plan review.

Ward 3 Councilor David K. Bartley, who supports the plan, said the abutters had reasonable concerns. He said the parcel is overgrown with weeds and secondary growth.

"That parcel is yet another eyesore brought to us by the Diocese of Springfield," he said, continuing his longstanding feud with the diocese, particularly over the demolition of Mater Dolorosa Church. 

Councilor-at-large Rebecca Lisi said the new zone configuration fits in with nearby neighborhoods. Councilor-at-large Joseph McGiverin said the apartment complex fits with the city's drive for economic growth, especially housing.

McGiverin had concerns about the increased traffic on Holy Family and Lower Westfield roads. "It's a win for the City of Holyoke," he said.

Councilor-at-large Peter Tallman concurred with McGiverin. "We certainly need the tax dollars," Tallman said.

The council approved the zone change 12-0. Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin was not present for the meeting.

Newly appointed Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy, filling the seat left vacant by Nelson Roman's resignation in December to take a job in Chicago, took his seat for Tuesday's meeting.

Holyoke City Council OK's permit for Westfield Bank drive-up ATM

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Westfield Bank must build an acoustic fence to reduce noise generated by the ATM at the Northampton Street branch.

HOLYOKE -- The City Council on Tuesday approved a special permit for Westfield Bank to build a drive-up ATM at its Northampton Street branch.

The permit requires the bank to build an 8-foot acoustic fence, as the ATM will sit next to a residential structure.

The council's Ordinance Committee held several hearings on the permit, with noise being the top concern for homeowners. The acoustic barrier would replace an existing fence.

The permit also calls for an annual review of noise issues. Ward 3 Councilor David K. Bartley said the Building Commissioner should review noise complaints and make recommendations to the Ordinance Committee.

Councilor-at-large Daniel Bresnahan said the Board of Health should review noise complaints, as the body has wider latitude under Massachusetts General Law. He favored granting Westfield Bank the permit.

The council agreed with Bresnahan's Board of Health review recommendation.

Newly appointed Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy, who attended the Jan. 8 hearing, said the drive-up ATM would burden nearby homeowners.

The bank will uninstall the indoor ATM, providing a more open configuration and better lines of sight for employees.

Councilor-at-large Rebecca Lisi said the committee considered limiting hours for the drive-up ATM, but such a limitation runs counter to the concept of 24-hour banking.

Bartley said the PeoplesBank now under construction at the former Yankee Pedlar site received a permit for a drive-up window and ATM.

Ward 6 Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos recused himself from the discussions and the vote. Anderson-Burgos works for Citizens Bank.

In other matters before the council, the body renewed the following positions: Ryan Allen as administrative assistant to the City Council (1-year term) and Deb Brunelle as Assistant Assessor (3-year term).

The council appointed former Council President Kevin Jourdain to the Water Commission for a three-year term.

Liam Bevan vied for the appointment. The council voted 7-5 in favor of Jourdain.

Friday snow: Six maps that show how much will fall in Massachusetts

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The National Weather Service is forecasting moderate snowfall across the state on Friday morning.

Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 16, 2019


Commission weighs leadership of Westfield Fire Department at special meeting called for Friday

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The Jan. 18 meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the Little River Fire Station, Station 2, located in Westfield at 366 Little River Road

WESTFIELD -- The Westfield Fire Commission has called a special meeting for Friday afternoon to address the naming of a new fire chief and complaints against the only candidate for the job.

Commissioners postponed discussion on those topics at their last regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 7. Typically the commission meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

The agenda for Friday says the commission will discuss the "character, reputation and/or complaints or charges brought against Deputy Fire Chief Patrick Egloff."

It also will "take action in acceptance of Temporary Fire Chief Andrew Hart's acknowledged intention of stepping down," according to the agenda.

The city has not publicly disclosed details of complaints against Egloff. But a lawsuit filed in August in Hampden Superior Court by three Westfield firefighters points to Egloff as the alleged perpetrator of indecent assaults against two women.

Egloff has not been charged with any crime and remains on active duty.

Documents filed in connection with the lawsuit indicate a private attorney hired by the city alleged in a report that the three firefighters conspired to accuse Egloff of sexual assault, and that they deserved to be fired.

The Fire Commission discussed the matter Aug. 6, and the following day Deputy Chief Seth Ellis informed the three firefighters in writing that the "Westfield Fire Department is left with no alternative but to terminate" them.

The plaintiffs -- Capt. Rebecca Boutin and firefighters David Kennedy and Kyle Miltimore -- sought and obtained a temporary retraining order from the court blocking their termination.

Defendants in the lawsuit are Westfield Fire Commission Chairman Albert J. Masciadrelli, Secretary Patrick Olearcek and member Carlo Bonavita. Bonavita resigned Jan. 7 for personal reasons.

In granting the restraining order, Judge Constance Sweeney also determined the commission violated the state's Open Meeting Law. Her decision says the commissioners could be fined if the violation was intentional.

The agenda for Friday's meeting says the commission will deliberate on "filling the vacant Fire Chief's position; including potential consideration and vote to temporarily promote" an individual to fill that job, which has been vacant since former Chief Mary Regan retired on July 1.

A previous version of the agenda, filed Monday at 4:50 p.m., names Egloff as the individual under "potential consideration ... to promote ... to the acting chief." A newer version of the agenda, filed Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., does not name Egloff.

According to the state Civil Service Commission, Egloff is the only candidate on the promotion list established Oct. 25.

Westfield Fire Commission meeting meeting minutes say four of the five deputy chiefs, including Egloff, applied for promotion. Hart, whose permanent position is deputy chief, did not apply.

The minutes indicate interviews for the four candidates were scheduled in October, and that one person was interviewed.

Friday's commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Station 2, 366 Little River Road.

Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 17, 2019

Ware Planning Board approves special permit for Main St. marijuana retailer

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The Planning Board on Wednesday unanimously approved granting a special permit and site plan approval to a business that hopes to open a marijuana sales shop downtown at 60 Main St

WARE -- The Planning Board on Wednesday unanimously approved a special permit and site plan for a business that hopes to open a marijuana sales shop downtown at 60 Main St.

B'Leaf Wellness Centre is owned by Lori and Megan Sinclair.

To open, B'Leaf must also obtain approval from the state's Cannabis Control Commission.

In October, Ware Town Manager Stuart Beckley, Selectmen Vice Chairman Alan Whitney and Lori Sinclair signed a host community agreement by which the business agrees to pay the municipality 3 percent of its yearly gross sales.

The agreement requires B'Leaf to "Punctiliously take measures to prevent the diversion of marijuana to minors, including but not limited to the awarding of bonuses to employees who catch minors attempting to purchase marijuana using false IDs."

The contract, in effect for five years, says the company shall "support an elder-oriented marijuana education program to be held at the Senior Center to address applicable health benefits and concerns of the largest growing demographic benefiting from cannabis, namely, adults 40-70."

Longmeadow voters approve recall election mechanism at Special Town Meeting

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Article 3 was a home rule petition and will now have to be approved by the Massachusetts Legislature before it can be enacted in the town and added to the town charter.

LONGMEADOW -- Voters at a Special Town Meeting Thursday night approved an article that would allow for the recall of any elected town official except the Select Board.

The vote was 635 in favor, or 73 percent, to 235 opposed, or 27 percent. A two-thirds majority was required for passage.

The article - Article 3 on the Special Town Meeting warrant - is a home rule petition and will now have to be approved by the Massachusetts Legislature before it can be enacted in the town and added to the town charter.

Nearly 900 people (896 to be exact, according to Town Manager Stephen Crane) attended the meeting at Longmeadow High School.

The article excludes the Select Board because changing the term, composition or appointment of the Select Board would require the election of a charter commission, according to town counsel Mike Schneider.

Article 1 would have allowed for recall elections for officials specified in section 3-3 of the town charter: members of the School Committee. Petitioner Patrick O'Shea moved to take no action because he said Article 3, which he also submitted, was a better mechanism.

Article 2 was deemed unlawful and petitioner Marc Haber moved to take no action. It would have transferred the control of $2 million (or another amount agreed on by Town Meeting voters) from the school department's fiscal 2019 operations budget to the Select Board under a reserve or school expenditures fund. The School Committee would then have to request by majority vote to transfer the money from the Select Board, and the transfer would also have to be approved by majority Select Board vote.

But Schneider said Article 2 is unlawful and doesn't meet the state requirements under Chapter 71, Section 37 of Massachusetts General Law.

This is a developing story that will be updated

Cummington zoning board rejects Rt. 9 Dollar General store

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The chain represents "the antithesis of everything that is Cummington," said one woman.

CUMMINGTON -- The prospect of a Dollar General store at the Rt. 9 gateway to this classic New England village prompted 200-plus hilltown residents and property owners to attend a continued public hearing Thursday night.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3-2 to deny a special permit to Lisciotti Development, which proposes to demolish a vacant brick 1930s apple warehouse to build a 9,100 square-foot dollar store at 337 Berkshire Trail.

The vote followed lengthy public comment, where speakers said the chain store would lower property values, erode the town's rural character, and undermine the local arts, craft, and agriculture economy -- even imperiling the existence of the Old Creamery Coop, a nearby natural foods grocery and cafe that serves as a community gathering spot.

Dollar General represents "the antithesis of everything that is Cummington," said one woman, summarizing the dominant sentiment in the room.

Representatives from the local cultural council and historical commission registered their opposition. A 19-year-old woman, who said she is an eighth-generation resident, decried the store's potential impact upon the village. Several expressed concern about the food co-op, which offers local products.

Zoning Board member Michael Holden said arguments about the economic viability of the Old Creamery Coop were not relevant to the narrow matter at hand -- but that he would vote "no" on the basis of harm to property values and rural character.

"It's not just what a building looks like," said Holden. "We're small business all the way. That's the character of our town." Holden said Cummington has "never had an applicant of this size and scope," and suggested that allowing the permit would set a precedent. "Property values would absolutely go down," Holden said.

Joining Holden in voting "no" were board chair Carla Ness and member Mark Beven. Voting "yes" were Kenneth Howes and Ernie Strong.

Ness, before opening the hearing, requested adherence to "high school" rules of debate, and asked people to refrain from criticizing individuals. Before closing comment, she asked if there were anyone who wanted to speak in favor of the store, and no one stepped forward. Earlier in the evening, one resident spoke in favor of the permit, saying he believes the zoning requirements would be met.

During deliberation, Strong said he is "not a fan of Dollar General" but that he objects to when "these co-op people tell no other business they can come in." He said the current building, which has long been vacant, is a "falling down money pit," and that developing the site would bring value to the town.

A Dollar General would be "good for the public and the area," opined Howes, who said "the working people need someplace to shop." He said people generally buy supplies in Northampton, Greenfield, or Pittsfield -- each at least 20 minutes away -- because things are cheaper there.

Beven said he appreciates the "working people" argument, but noted that not one person during the public comment mentioned that as a concern.

Appearing for Dollar General were Chad D. Brubaker of Lisciotti Development Corp. and Matthew Bombaci of Bohler Engineering. Bombaci said the dollar store would look like a barn and be a "good-looking building" that would not detract from the town's rural character.

Bombaci referenced separate proceedings before the town's Conservation Commission, which must determine if the project, located within a floodplain near the Westfield River, is compliant with Massachusetts wetlands law.

Dollar General DevelopersMatthew Bombaci of Bohler Engineering and Chad Brubaker of Lisciotti Development  

Northampton lawyer Thomas Lesser, representing a group of residents, said the burden of proof is on Lisciotti Development to show that their project is compliant with all aspects of the zoning code -- including a provision that it not be detrimental to the public good or character of the town. 

Following the meeting, Brubaker and Bombaci declined to say if the denial would be appealed in court.

"No comment," the two said.

The building would be owned by Lisciotti Development, and Dollar General would be the "preferred tenant," Brubaker said.

Because of the anticipated crowd, Thursday's hearing, which was continued from Dec. 6, was held at the Village Congregational Church instead of at the nearby Community Center.

A 4-1 affirmative vote would have been needed to grant the special permit. The zoning board scheduled a Feb. 13 work session to write their formal decision.

Brubaker said the Dollar General would offer 2 to 3 full-time and a handful of part-time jobs. Peg Cowan, a member of the Old Creamery Coop board of directors, said the store employs around 40 people and supports the local economy.

Cowan said the Dollar General "represents a direct threat" to the food co-op, with its 132 vendors representing "local farms and small hometown businesses."

The news comes one month after the town of Deerfield, in Franklin County, nixed a similar Dollar General proposal.

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