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.