Blocksidge Field Improvements Proposal Fails to Get Two-Thirds

Voters stood but not in the numbers needed to approve the proposed $1,857,856 for Blocksidge Field Improvements at Town Meeting.

The town moderator announced the results shortly before 11 pm.

Impassioned pleas came from both sides of the issue.

We'll have a full story on the debate and vote and other meeting items tomorrow morning.

The meeting was adjourned after Article 12 and will continue Tuesday night at 7 pm. Below are some of the items to be discussed, debated and voted upon Tuesday:

• Article 18 proposes changing the town zoning bylaws to the Temple Israel Planned Development District property. Selectmen have accepted a bid on the property from Atlantic Crossing LLC. For the developer to proceed with permitting for residential development the town's zoning bylaws must be changed. Sponsored by selectmen.
• Article 19 proposes that selectmen acquire temporary construction easements on properties near  to accommodate a Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program for students who walk and bile to school. The project was selected for a $450,000 federal grant. The town, however, must appropriate $37,700 to offer payment to fund the easements. Sponsored by selectmen.
• Article 21 proposes that the town change its zoning bylaws to make the Planning Board the site plan special permit granting authority in all cases. That authority now flows to the ZBA if an applicant is also seeking any other special permit or a variance.