Glick Responds to Negative Misinformation from Challenger in Planning Board Race

I'm proud to have the support of fellow Planning Board members, members of the Natural Resources and Historical Commissions, political progressives, conservatives, parents of school children, senior citizens, students and more.

Neal Glick’s campaign has focused on Neal's accomplishments on the Planning Board over the last 5 years, and his vision for the once-in-a-generation planning opportunities that lie ahead.  Neal focuses on facts, figures, and legal standards. He does not deal in innuendo, speculation, or hypotheticals. He keeps politics and personal beliefs at bay, and he always keeps the best interests of the town and its residents in the forefront. 

Neal's challenger has decided to "go negative" and throw around some pretty wild accusations — including some inflammatory suppositions regarding Neal’s support for various public projects.  We think Wellesley voters should hear what Neal thinks from Neal himself before they vote THIS COMING TUESDAY, MARCH 3.  Please forward, post, and tweet this message as widely as possible to your networks.

Neal’s Position on the Issues

The Senior Center

I support a senior center.  My vote against the proposal that came before the Planning Board had nothing to do with the proposed use of the building as a senior center.  The Planning Board was not charged with dealing with what goes on inside the building.  My decision had everything to do with the design and siting of that project and its failure to meet legal and common sense standards dealing with traffic, drainage, and pedestrian safety, among other relevant factors.  Every single member of the Planning Board recognized those substantial problems. I have repeatedly stated that a senior center can be built — and can be built on the site proposed by the Selectmen — if it were to be designed in a manner that addressed concerns expressed at the Planning Board hearings.   

Planning Board Litigation

In my time on the Board, the Planning Board has seen a reduction in appeals. Michael Zehner, Planning Director recently examined the number of appeals. The Board has had two during my term. In the 5-year term before I served on the Board (2005-2010), there were three. Unfortunately, Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Appeal — and even School Committees — get sued from time to time because well-meaning people do not always agree on the interpretation of the bylaws. The alternative — simply approving everything that comes before us — is equally bad or worse. The Zoning Board of Appeals has been taken to court two times in 2010-2015, three times in 2005-2015. The Wetlands Protection Committee has been taken to court once.  The recent Planning Board case involved a decision that the Board decided by a clear majority. Concerning the second case, brought by the Selectmen, I would point to a pleading filed by the attorney for the Selectmen in which he requested a delay beyond March 3 specifically because the Town election might render the case moot. I am sorry to say that this suggests that the case is politically driven rather than based on a confident alternate interpretation of the bylaw in question.

900 Worcester Street and a Town Pool

I have been an active supporter of the purchase of 900 Worcester and its use for recreational activities for years.  I was out in front on this issue years ago and was one of two Planning Board members who attended the initial presentation by the swim community dealing with the possibility of a Town pool on the site.  I proudly count among my supporters Jim Conlin, a long-time member of the Wellesley Recreation Commission, who was recently honored by the League of Women Voters for his service and as being "Mr. Pool."  

Future Recreational Facilities in Our Town

I support the development of recreational fields and facilities.  My kids have played youth sports in Wellesley from Little League and lacrosse, to basketball and soccer.  My son was a ref for youth basketball.  I have never voted against any recreational facility on the Planning Board.  When I spearheaded the enactment of Natural Resource Protection Zoning, I included in its "Purpose" the "preservation of . . . recreational uses.”  The NRPZ required that 50% of land be set aside for open space in NRPZ, including "active . . . recreation."  My supporters include folks who have been very active in youth sports in Town, and who support the preservation of open space.  

Upholding Regulations and Supporting Smart Growth

The standards that I (and the Planning Board) use for storm water drainage are those required by our By-law, and by state and federal laws and regulations.  I have taken issue with proposed drainage work presented to the Board when it did not meet basic standards.  Trained as an architect and having represented developers and property owners (as well as community groups and municipalities) for over 35 years as an attorney, I support growth, as long as it is thoughtful, sustainable, smart growth. My office is lined with closing binders for major building projects I have worked on, and I have voted in favor of many projects that have come before the Planning Board, including the project going up on the site of the former Wellesley Inn.  

Support for Public Projects

I have voted in favor of many popular public projects, including the new Municipal Light Plant and the designation of Brookside Road as a scenic way. And, as I said above, I support the concept of the Senior Center. However, I would point out that the proposal for the Senior Center that came before the Planning Board was never subjected to a Town-wide vote, and it is inaccurate to characterize it (as my opponent has) as a project that has already received overwhelming support of the town.  The referendum held last spring, and the vote by Town Meeting, concerned the purchase of the additional land (the Crevo property), not the proposal that came before the Planning Board for the Senior Center.

As you can see, Neal is not a “one issue” candidate. He sees the big picture, asks the tough questions, and makes recommendations and decisions based on quantifiable information. That’s why we are firmly in Neal’s camp and strongly urge you to join us and vote for Neal Glick on Tuesday, March 3.

For a complete picture of Neal’s qualifications, experience and accomplishments as a Planning Board member – as well as numerous endorsements from your neighbors – please visit here and Facebook.

RE-ELECT NEAL GLICK TO 
WELLESLEY PLANNING BOARD

I'm proud to have the support of fellow Planning Board members, members of the Natural Resources and Historical Commissions, political progressives, conservatives, parents of school children, senior citizens, students and more.










Please donate to Neal's campaign.

Listen to Neal on YouTube followed by his challenger 

Neal answers questions from Sustainable Wellesley

Neal on Facebook 
  
It has been an honor and privilege to serve the voters of Wellesley on their Planning Board. I ask for your support in my bid for a second 5-year term. Our town faces crucial challenges from increasing development. We need steady and experienced leadership to plan ahead so that Wellesley residents can enjoy an even more beautiful, functional and vibrant community.
 
My qualifications as a trained and experienced urban planner, an attorney practicing land use, real estate, and environmental law for over 35 years, a speaker on many professional architectural and environmental programs, a Trustee of the Boston Architectural College, the former Chair of Cohasset’s Growth and Development Task Force, and a Wellesley Planning Board Member give me the ability to provide that leadership at this important time.

My primary focus on the Planning Board is always to ensure that we protect our neighbors and the neighborhoods. Special interests and political agendas must take a back seat.  When considering any project I apply the law, the facts and common sense, regardless of who the applicant may be. On the planning side, I am proud to have led the Planning Board’s efforts to enact Natural Resources Protection Zoning, helped bring sustainable and low impact development techniques to Wellesley’s planning process, brought traffic management, drainage and storm water recharge issues to the forefront and supported important initiatives such as the Tree Bylaw. As a result, we now take a more cutting edge approach to both planning and project work. I have played a significant role in achieving that progress.

There is more work to be done. I have children growing up in Wellesley, ranging from a recent graduate of Wellesley High School to a PAWS preschooler, and like you I want them to enjoy the best community that we can plan and build together. Experienced Planning Board Members are now more important than ever. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, March 3. Please feel free to contact me at Glickneal@yahoo.com

QUALIFICATIONS

• Wellesley Planning Board Member for last 5 years.
• Led passage of Natural Resources Protection Zoning. Advocate for linkage of Town benefits to commercial projects. 
• Supported Tree Bylaw.
• Introduced sustainable and low impact design to project review. 
• Supported concerns of neighbors.
• Emphasized storm water retention and groundwater recharge. 

• 35 years as a practicing land use and environmental attorney, representing municipalities, developers and community groups

• Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Boston Architectural College

• Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University

• Author of published articles on environmental law and panelist for seminars and continuing education courses on zoning and environmental law for attorneys, engineers and architects

• Appointed to federal, state and local governmental advisory bodies

• Father of 4, ranging from a 2013 Wellesley High graduate to a PAWS preschooler 

Neal led the Town's enactment of the important Natural Resource Protection Development (NRP) bylaw. One purpose of the NRP is to “minimize the destruction of, and to encourage the permanent preservation of open space, wildlife habitat, recreational uses and other resources including aquifers, water bodies and wetlands, groundwater, historical, cultural and scenic areas.”

INTERVIEW:
Wellesley Townsman, Wellesley Planning Board Race: Neal Glick

ARTICLES:

Downtown View The Everywhere Trend: Walkable Neighborhoods 
“You’re forgetting one important factor,” he said. “Schools are an important vehicle for reducing your carbon footprint.”

Planning Board Grills Large House Review 'Posterchild' 
Glick and other members also criticized what they see as a lack of sustainable considerations in the plan. 

Super-sized house gets Wellelsey board's OK 
"If we allow this house to be built, we abdicate to a large extent our ability to judge future houses in terms of mass and scale," Glick said before the vote.  

ENDORSEMENTS BY:  
Catherine Johnson, Wellesley Planning Board; Sara Preston, Chair, Wellesley Planning Board; Matthew Hornung, President, Wellesley High School Green Team; Dick Carls; Laura Fragasso; Elizabeth and David Powell; William D. Mone; Robert H. Murphy; David Wright, Historical Commission, Fuller Brook Park Committee; Ilyce and Rob Chizmadia; Amy Novick and Bill Hulsey; Paul and Mary Beth Sandman. 

Vote for Neal Glick 

I am writing in support of Neal Glick’s re-election to the Planning Board.

For almost two years, I have had the opportunity to work with him on the Board and, prior to that, I was the liaison from Advisory to Planning. During that time, I saw Neal’s contributions from the public side of the table as an interested observer. While I don’t always agree with his conclusions (nor does he necessarily agree with mine), I appreciate the depth of Neal’s knowledge about land use and other planning issues. He asks the difficult questions with piercing precision because what he cares about is that everything that crosses the Planning Board’s table is analyzed carefully so that the determination the Board makes is as good as it can be, given the legal constraints of our Bylaws. To Neal, the final project – whether it is developed privately or is Town-sponsored – must benefit the entire Town and all of its residents. Look carefully at the redevelopment of Lower Falls and the very important Natural Resources Protection Zoning Bylaw, which will guide any development on the North 40. Neal’s fingerprints are on both and they are there collaboratively.

His dedication to making every project, large or small, “right” is something you should want from every elected official. I do. So, join me in voting on March 3 for Neal.
--Catherine Johnson, Planning Board, Town Meeting Member, Precinct E 

Support for Neal Glick

I am writing to endorse Neal Glick for re-election to the Wellesley Planning Board. As a member of the Planning Board for the past five years, Neal has been an outspoken defender of neighborhoods and protector of Wellesley’s natural resources. He endorsed the purchase of 900 Worcester Street and the North 40 and coordinated across boards on issues of design, development, and infrastructure planning. Neal spearheaded the 2013 Natural Resources Protection Zoning by-law, now Wellesley’s best protection for preserving open space within the North 40 and all other large parcels vulnerable to development.

The Planning Board works applicant-by-applicant to address concerns regarding growth, development, drainage, storm-water management, shading, and noise. Neal makes every decision carefully, in the best interest of property owners, neighborhoods, and the entire town. To do otherwise, would invite costly litigation with the risk of a poor result. Neal brings expertise in real estate, planning, and the law and the level of expertise required to address the complex legal, real estate, environmental, structural, and regulatory requirements that come before the board during every meeting.

Anyone watching a Planning Board meeting will agree that the level of open debate, regard for public input, and attention to detail for every applicant is remarkable. Disgruntled applicants will appeal or write letters, but that shows we are making tough decisions. Even though applicants will not be satisfied with every decision made by the board, Neal Glick will always do what is right and required by law or town by-laws; not what is popular. He understands that planning in the best interests of our town cannot be based upon the easy and popular decision if we want to preserve the beauty and special nature of Wellesley.

The town’s recent land purchases present amazing opportunities for smart planning. This should be the mission of the Planning Board. Your vote to re-elect Neal Glick on March 3 sends a strong message. Do you want the Planning Board to bend to single project interests or will you support Neal as he works to protect the best interests of Wellesley and all its residents.
--Sara Preston, Chair, Wellesley Planning Board, Wellesley Avenue

Re-elect Neal Glick 

On behalf of the Wellesley High School Green Team and its affiliated organizations, I am writing to endorse Neal Glick for re-election to the Planning Board on March 3. With indisputable background and qualifications in environmental law and sustainable design, as well as a proven track record in our community, Neal stands out as the best possible candidate for a seat on the Planning Board, a group that plays an ever-important role in ensuring the growth of environmentally-conscience building design in Wellesley.
The past five years have witnessed impressive levels of progression in the area of sustainability on the part of the Planning Board, much of which was spearheaded or supported by Neal. Among other accomplishments, Neal helped write and presented the Natural Resource Protection Zoning bylaw in 2013, debatably the strongest measure that the Town has to maintain protection of open space from development. Neal was also a strong supporter of the tree bylaw and an early proponent of on-site drainage retention, green roofs, rain gardens, storm water management, and other cutting edge sustainable technologies.

To date, our community has a proven record of support for the conscientious planning and building that Neal strives to see executed. A recent example of this devotion shines in the new high school, which features a green roof planted with low maintenance sedum and 100,000 gallon rainwater harvesting system, among other state-of-the-art technologies. With patches of open space ubiquitous throughout town, the value of maintaining a healthy balance between the local ecology and needed municipal and private development is clearly of high importance to residents.

It only makes sense, then, that we should all support a candidate that will continue to lay the foundation for Wellesley’s place as a national leader in sustainability. In this contest, he is unmatched in proven commitment to keeping our homes, schools, and public facilities “green”. Having already accomplished so much in only one term, it seems the smartest choice to elect Neal to a second term and allow him to put his immense qualifications and experience to work for the long-term benefit of our community.
--Matthew Hornung, President, Wellesley High School Green Team

Re-elect Neal Glick

I'm voting to re-elect Neal Glick for Planning Board on Tuesday, March 3. I've seen Neal at work as a member of the Planning Board, and he has impressed me as industrious, competent, and well prepared. Where he wins my vote is because he has proven to be exemplary in maintaining professional objectivity and remains focused on the important issues even when the circumstances are difficult and contentious. 

Neal Glick also is one of the most qualified members of the Planning Board in many years. Neal's training and experience as an attorney practicing land use and real estate law, his concern for and successful effort on behalf of Wellesley's open space, and his sensitivity and concern for our neighborhoods, housing and economic development are all reasons to re-elect Neal. 

Wellesley is facing a critical period as we consider a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the future use of 900 Worcester St. and the North 40. We need Neal's experience and objectivity as we develop new planning guidelines that will guide development over the next 10 years. Too often we do not appreciate the impact planning has on our quality of life. But Neal Glick does and will make the right decisions in the best interests of all Wellesley residents. 

I have spent my professional life in real estate development and worked with Planning Boards as projects progress. I have experience where projects represent change within the community and neighborhood. Neal is the kind of knowledgeable, well prepared and objective official I always appreciated. 

Now more than ever, we need Neal. Please join me in voting to return Neal Glick to the Planning Board on March 3. 
--Dick Carls, Washington Street 

Re-elect Neal Glick

I support the re-election of Neal Glick to the Planning Board. As a resident who actively followed the Planning Board’s enactment of Wellesley’s Tree Protection Bylaw, Scenic Brookside Road, and Natural Resource Protection Development, I witnessed Glick’s invaluable contribution to these Board accomplishments. With the help of his knowledge, skills, experience and support we have new laws that protect the neighborhood character and natural beauty of our town.

His insight and advice emphasize the value of neighborhoods, preservation of open space, reduction of carbon footprint, and planning for Wellesley with a sustainability perspective.

Please come out to vote on March 3rd and re-elect Neal Glick. --Laura Fragasso, Oakland St., Precinct E

Discrediting the Planning Board

The three letters published in the Wellesley Townsman on Jan. 22 are the most recent examples of a year-long coordinated campaign to discredit the Planning Board for no other reason than that one applicant’s project was not approved as they wanted. While we fully support the right of all letter writers and residents to advocate on behalf of their preferred candidates, we reject negative characterizations of current Planning Board members and, by implication, the Planning Department staff. 

One of the letter writers characterized board members as “adversarial.” That is a characterization, we suspect, that would be shared by every applicant who is not granted carte blanche by the Planning Board for his or her project. There is diversity of thought and of approach among Planning Board members on many decisions --- this is strength. No Wellesley board or committee should have consensus as its principal goal. If board members always agree, then they are probably not bringing the critical thinking to their positions and decisions that their role requires. It’s easy to approve every request. Everyone likes to say “yes.” The Planning Board cannot and should not be a rubber stamp for developers and other applicants. 

The selectmen announced through their attorney and former town counsel, Al Robinson, that they are looking to the Planning Board race on March 3 to fix the selectman’s lawsuit against the Planning Board. In their Jan. 25 court filing, the selectmen supported their request for an extension of time for the Planning Board to file a written response to the lawsuit stating that a 90-day extension “will also encompass the next town election in which the issues which are the subject matter of the Complaint may be resolved.” This statement makes public the selectman’s use of the legal process to influence town politics, all at taxpayer expense. 

Appeals, complaints, and angry letters confirm that the Planning Board members are standing up for our town and our neighborhoods. They deserve our support. On March 3, we are voting to keep Neal Glick on the Planning Board for a second term. -- Elizabeth and David Powell, Edmunds Road 

Support for Neal Glick for Planning Board
  
I am writing in support of Neal Glick for re-election to the Wellesley Planning Board. 

I am a lawyer with a concentration in property law and have appeared before the Wellesley Planning Board many times over the years of my practice. Neal stands out as a very competent Planning Board member who pays close attention to detail and to the legal framework in which the Planning Board operates. I have noticed that he always asks the important questions, and then backs up his decision on a particular matter with clear rationale. 

He is a graduate of Princeton University and Boston University Law School and holds a degree in architecture and urban planning. He has had extensive experience in land use law and litigation. We are fortunate in having Neal on the Planning Board as he is very well versed in the Massachusetts Zoning and Subdivision statutes as well as related case law. His experience in the courtroom gives us valuable insight into what is possible and what is legal. He is a firm believer in the rule of law. 

Please vote for Neal Glick for re-election to the Wellesley Planning Board. --William D. Mone, Abbott Road

Neal Glick for Planning Board 
 
Neal Glick has more than earned a second term on the Planning Board.

As the former chairman of a Town commission, I often had occasion to bring matters before the Planning Board. At such times, I always felt glad for Neal’s open-mindedness and tested by his healthy skepticism. In his work on the Planning Board, he exemplifies the principle of serving “without fear or favor.”

It was only during the present campaign that I learned just how distinguished Neal’s credentials and experience are in the field of land-use law. I was impressed, but I wasn’t surprised. He will have my vote on March 3. --David Wright, Historical Commission, Fuller Brook Park Committee, TMM Precinct H , Atwood Street

Why I am Voting for Neal Glick—Robert H. Murphy 

I am voting to retain Neal Glick at the Town Election on March 3rd. Neal has brought an outstanding relevant set of qualifications, experience and dedication to his first term of service on the Planning Board. He will make enormous contributions to the work of the Planning Board in a second term. This work will include the usual developer proposals and zoning changes to further protect the town and its residents as well as addressing potential large scale parcels like 900 Worcester Street and the North 40. I ask for your vote to re-elect Neal to a second five year term of March 3rd.

Neal Glick’s background includes a graduate degree in urban planning and service as an attorney in the areas of land use, real estate and environmental law. He has served as a Trustee of the Boston Architectural College and Chairman of a Growth and Development Task Force in another town, as well as a full five year term as a member of the Wellesley Planning Board. He also worked with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) to ensure that its clients, particularly holders of Section 8 housing assistance certificates, had redress when treated unfairly. In my five full terms on the Wellesley Planning Board these were skills that were long sought and highly desired.

Neal has demonstrated a high level of commitment to careful analysis and a willingness to make unpopular decisions, if he feels that is in the best interests of the residents of Wellesley. This is a situation that occurred many times during my twenty five years on the Planning Board. I found myself on the long end of a (5-0) vote, the short end of a (1-4); and everywhere in between, as did other members of the Board. Most of the time I was in the majority, other times not. In every instance the minority was treated with courtesy and respect. Sometimes the minority position proved to be correct in the long run, sometimes not. But it was always carefully considered. Dissent is not disloyalty. “…uniformity of opinion is neither desirable nor attainable…difference of opinion is advantageous…”—Thomas Jefferson.

One of the areas of Neal’s particular interest is storm water runoff and drainage. These issues have been of great concern to the Planning Board since at least the late 1980’s, when increased density and replacement of mid-sized houses with much larger ones got underway in earnest. As we all know, this is continuing and even increasing as a concern. Controlling this thrust is a continuing challenge. Neal has and continues to identify and challenge proposals that come before the Planning Board that may not adequately protect adjacent property and the general public.

In addition to protecting the present, Neal looks to address potential future problems. He led the Planning Board’s Proposal to amend the town’s Zoning By-Law to include a “Natural Resources Protection” provision. He made the presentation in support of the proposal before Town Meeting, which voted overwhelming approval. This locked in place a requirement that approximately 50 percent of large development parcels, including 900 Worcester Street and the North 40 remain as open space. Absent this requirement the sale of these large parcels could result in much more intense development with far less open space. Neal is dedicated to push for similar such actions as future concerns surface to ensure that the best interests of the town and its residents are protected. 

These considerations led me to strongly support Neal Glick for retention on the Planning Board, by electing him to a second five term at the Annual Town election on March 3rd. I sincerely hope you will agree to vote for him. --Robert H. Murphy, Former Planning Board Chairman and Member

Editor’s note: Mr. Murphy is Chairman of the Committee to Re-Elect Neal Glick to the Planning Board. His 25 years of service on the Planning Board is the longest continuous term of service in Planning Board history. He has served as a Town Meeting Member from Precinct B continuously since 1974. 

Re-elect Neal Glick 

We're writing to show our support for Neal Glick’s re-election to the Wellesley Planning Board. Neal helped encourage the residents of the Lower Falls neighborhood to engage in the planning process and have a voice in the redevelopment of 27 Washington St. (formerly Grossman’s). His experience as an urban planner and attorney was invaluable in educating his neighbors on the extensive planning process and advising how they can express their preferences for the project. Neal provided guidance to an interested group of neighbors from Lower Falls, Poets Corner, and Barton Road, as well as Walnut St. business employees and Schofield parents who petitioned the Board of Selectmen for improvements to River St. that would greatly enhance pedestrian safety on the street where cars and walkers are dangerously close.

As neighbors, we’ve appreciated Neal’s leadership and his commitment to working for improvements to our neighborhood and our town. He is passionate, knowledgeable, and thorough – Neal is committed to ensuring that the proposals before the Planning Board are comprehensively reviewed and analyzed, and ultimately represent the interests of all the town’s residents.

-- Ilyce and Rob Chizmadia, River Street

Vote for Neal Glick 

We urge all Wellesley voters to vote for Neal Glick for Planning Board on March 3. Neal has served as an exemplary member of the Planning Board for the past five years. We recently had the opportunity to experience first-hand his professionalism, common sense, and detailed knowledge of the many town bylaws and regulations that the Planning Board must implement. He consistently shows his commitment to principled decision-making in the best interests of the town.

We are fortunate that Wellesley has so many people who are willing to bring their professional expertise to bear in service to the town and Neal stands among the best of them. 

-- Amy Novick and Bill Hulsey, Marigold Avenue

We Support Glick for Planning Board 

We are writing in support of the candidacy of Neal Glick for reelection to the Planning Board. We believe that, in his first term on the board, Neal has demonstrated professional expertise and personal characteristics that make him an invaluable member.

As residents of Wellesley for nearly 40 years, we have seem the Planning Board wield enormous influence over the course of development in the town, and the board will continue to play a powerful role as we face a number of critical decisions about Wellesley’s future. The responsibilities of the Planning Board involve many complex legal, environmental and design issues. Neal’s many years of experience in real estate, land use, and environmental law, as well as his training in urban planning, have enabled him to make a uniquely knowledgeable contribution to the important work of the board.

Neal has been much more than an expert voice on the Planning Board, however. He has proven himself to be a fair and sensible decision –maker. He carefully and impartially evaluates the matters that come before the board. His positions are thoughtful and well reasoned. Neal’s priorities are the people of Wellesley and the quality of life we share. The town has been fortunate to have the benefit of his service on the Planning Board, and we urge our fellow voters to reelect Neal Glick. -- Paul and Mary Beth Sandman, Abbott Road