Contact: Philip Pennellatore
617.646.3311
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Contact: Philip Pennellatore 617.646.3311
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING DELIVERS OVERWHELMING APPROVAL OF BURLINGTON LAND SWAP PROJECT
Innovative Land Swap is Embraced by Packed Town Meeting
Burlington, Massachusetts (May 16, 2001) – At a Special Town Meeting held on Wednesday evening, Burlington Town Meeting Members gave their overwhelming approval to the proposed Burlington Land Swap Project www.burlingtonlandswap.com voting 74 - 22 to allow the Town land exchange and development project to move forward. The much anticipated decision, which required at least a two-thirds vote, passed easily in Burlington High School’s Fogelberg Auditorium as Town Meeting Members reacted favorably to the integrated multi-parcel development/preservation project.
Project plans call for the Town of Burlington and two local developers, The Gutierrez Company (http://www.gutierrezco.com) and Ruping Builders (http://www.rupingbi.com), to exchange various parcels of land that will ultimately provide up to 84 units of much-needed affordable senior housing, create 16 acres of additional open space, conserve a wildlife habitat, avoid a more intensive development plan, and preserve the Town’s most precious historical landmark, Grandview Farm.
“Many individuals have worked extremely hard to create a plan that meets the present and future needs of the Town while integrating development and preservation,” stated Town Selectman Gary Gianino. “We are excited to see that the dedication and hard work exhibited by Town officials, employees and residents over the last two years has paid off."
“This landslide approval of the land exchange is a win-win for the Town and offers benefits to current and future generations of Burlington residents. As a Town employee, it was gratifying to see residents working in partnership with private developers to create a plan that we all can be proud of,” said Town Administrator Robert Mercier. “The past two years, culminating in Wednesday’s approval, is a model for what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors come together with one goal in mind – to develop a plan that delivers the greatest good for the greatest number of people.”
“As a Burlington-based company, we feel a responsibility to develop projects that will enhance the Town of Burlington, generate positive, productive and vibrant uses for Town land and improve the quality of life for its residents. We are committed to developing superior quality projects that, at the same time, show sensitivity to the needs of the surrounding community,” said Joseph Harrington, Senior Vice President of The Gutierrez Company.
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