Planning Board 2024 Candidates
The Millbury Planning Board unquestionably stands as the nucleus of attention and influence in our local town governance, shaping the landscape of our community. Despite the absence of firsthand engagement, residents fervently vocalize their perspectives on board decisions and members, often devoid of factual grounding. Even with the vocal calls for change, there remains a lack of consensus on the required modifications or the emergence of new candidates with the requisite qualifications. Drawing from factual observations made by numerous participants in meetings and public hearings over recent years, this blog post unveils pivotal insights into the workings of the Millbury Planning Board. While its content may be confronting for some, it will surely strike a chord with others. As registered voters, it's imperative for us to confront reality as we navigate through numerous impending challenges, such as the recodification of zoning bylaws, the MBTA Communities Act, the pending Affordable Homes Act, and the surge of large-scale multi-family apartment developments. Facing these challenges head-on is essential if we aim for authentic, enduring, and intelligent change while safeguarding the charm of our small town. Despite any discomfort it may cause, we must be ready for candid and straightforward evaluations of the board members and candidates. It is up to us to elect the change we desire for our community. Dissatisfaction devoid of action serves no purpose.
The tenure of a board member does not necessarily reflect community satisfaction with their performance. Often, it is due to a lack of alternatives or individuals simply choosing a familiar name on the ballot. This blog post was crafted with contributions from numerous individuals who express frustration regarding our representation on the Planning Board. They firmly oppose the idea of the board being appointed by the town manager or Board of Selectmen as was attempted and defeated. The community seeks representatives who will champion our interests and refuse to simply rubber-stamp developers who have no intention of adhering to our development regulations.
Think about it—among the candidates for the planning board, who truly champions our neighborhoods and community amidst developers who prioritize profit over our well-being and the investments we've made in our homes and community? The answer is clear: Francis DeSimone and Terry Burke Dotson. Conversely, who fails to prioritize our interests? It's evident: Paul Piktelis consistently supports developers, readily advocating and voting for granting waivers and even asserting, "It's their property; they should be able to do what they want to." When questioned, many were unable to recall any instance where Paul Piktelis had voted against a developer’s project. It's time to vote for board members who prioritize the long-term well-being of our community and refuse to yield to developers unwilling to abide by our development regulations.
Reflect on the history of the initial proposal for the Rice Pond Village project: Richard Gosselin Jr., Matthew Ashmankas, and Terry Burke Dotson opposed it citing noncompliance with our regulations and legitimate concerns for public safety as their reasoning. Meanwhile, Paul Piktelis and Bruce DeVault abstained from voting and refrained from taking a stance. Following this, Paul Piktelis and Bruce DeVault issued apologies to the Millbury Board of Appeals for denying the original Rice Pond Village project. Even though holding only alternate member status at the time, Francis DeSimone fervently advocated for addressing residents’ concerns, ensuring public safety, and upholding our local regulations during the initial proposal of the Rice Pond Village project.
Who consistently advocates against citizens’ petitions that come before the Millbury Planning Board? Once more, Paul Piktelis and Bruce DeVault have opposed the rezoning proposal for the north side of Rice Road and the temporary multi-family moratorium during public hearings, spreading misinformation to attempt to incite fear or derail the town warrant articles. Moreover, Bruce DeVault has consistently opposed these citizens’ petitions during town meetings, seeking to sow confusion and disseminate misinformation. As a point of reference, the majority of registered voters at the town meeting approved both citizens' petitions overwhelmingly.
Numerous meeting attendees have observed Paul Piktelis frequently resorting to whispering to Bruce DeVault and Richard Gosselin Jr., who are seated beside him. He covers his mouth with his hand to prevent the microphone from picking up his communication, rather than actively participating in the discussion on the record. He rarely interacts with the board, applicants, or residents. If he's comfortable whispering throughout the meetings, why can't he speak up and actively participate so that others can hear what he has to contribute, on the record? Occasionally, when he does speak up, it's to talk over someone else who is speaking. However, when someone does the same to him, he scolds them. Some observers have pointed out that Paul Piktelis regularly meets with the town planner prior to each meeting. Additionally, it has been observed that he often presents pre-written motions for votes, and in instances where he lacks one, he communicates to the town planner, "I don't have a motion for this." Numerous speculations abound, suggesting that Paul Piktelis may be receiving directives from the town planner ahead of each meeting. This isn't a new occurrence. Similar actions were taken with the previous town planner.
Who are the most frequent proponents of motions to adjourn Planning Board meetings? Bruce DeVault and Paul Piktelis consistently take the lead in this regard when in some cases the agenda has not even been completed. To some observers, this behavior appears to indicate that they may not be fully committed to serving the community and prefer to expedite the conclusion of the meeting. It should be noted that Planning Board members are paid volunteers.
Paul Piktelis failed to attend candidate's night on Thursday, April 11, 2024. In contrast, Terry Burke Dotson and Francis DeSimone were present and ready to articulate their positions on various topics and address questions from the moderator and constituents they aim to represent.
Who are advocating for the interests of the townspeople? Francis DeSimone and Terry Burke Dotson indisputably champion adherence to rules and regulations, prioritize public safety, and diligently listen to residents' concerns. They are accessible to residents and attend to their concerns. Additionally, they dedicate considerable time to researching relevant information so they are prepared at meetings to address the matters before them.
When considering your vote this year, ask yourself: Do you prefer outspoken advocates or an individual who rubber-stamps whatever developers want to do to our town regardless of whether it complies with our local regulations or not? This is the crucial question to ponder as we approach this year's election for the Millbury Planning Board and the future development of our town.
Elections indeed have consequences, demonstrated by last year's outcome of Tony Ngo over Terry Burke Dotson, a long serving Planning Board member. Tony Ngo's involvement has had minimal impact on discussions; he seldom speaks and consistently adheres to the town planner's recommendations, openly acknowledging this alignment when casting his votes. The prevailing sentiment is that the outcome represents a missed opportunity. Like Paul Piktelis, Tony Ngo frequently consults with the town planner before the majority of meetings, and on occasions when observed, they exhibit behavior akin to two children caught in mischief and immediately stop talking, until the person walks away. The town requires individuals who aren't mere rubber stamps for the town planner and developers. We need independent thinkers who actively participate in discussions, do independent due diligence, vote on compliance with our local regulations, and evaluate each project on its merits. With two years left in his term, the fate rests with Tony Ngo regarding his decision to actively fulfill the responsibilities he was elected for, amidst many residents' disappointment with his performance thus far.
Despite Terry Burke Dotson's unsuccessful re-election bid last year, her dedication remains unwavering, as evidenced by her consistent attendance at Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Appeals meetings. Motivated by a deep concern for the town's well-being, her intentions are sincere. While opinions about her may vary, it's essential to recognize her genuine commitment, a quality the town could use more of. Voters should objectively consider her candidacy, focusing on her tangible contributions rather than dwelling on perceived imperfections.
Every project should be evaluated based on its merits and adherence to local zoning bylaws and related regulations. Developers should not have unchecked authority to disregard the well-being of our neighbors and community. These bylaws and regulations exist for a purpose – they were enacted by the majority of registered voters. Who are these board members to believe they can simply ignore them for their convenience, especially when the consequences don't directly affect them?
In evaluating candidates for the Planning Board (or any town board), it's crucial to prioritize their accomplishments over personal traits or flaws. After all, imperfection is inherent to humanity; we all possess our quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Thorough individual research and analysis are crucial not just for the Millbury Planning Board, but also for all other boards, committees, and roles. Who will effectively represent both the community's interests, advocate for compliance with our local regulations, and listen to and act upon residents’ concerns?
You can verify these facts by watching the meeting videos or by speaking with those who attended the meetings in person and made all of these observations through active participation. Those who attend meetings and public hearings in person glean insights beyond what the camera captures on video.
The 2024 elections in Millbury are scheduled to take place at the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School, situated at 12 Martin Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. The voting will occur on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, commencing at 7:00 AM and concluding at 8:00 PM. If you don't vote, don't complain about the outcome. Elections do have consequences.