New legislator to back Spot Pond
Published on November 11th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - The Board of Selectmen was updated on the progress being made by the Spot Pond Committee and also greeted State Representative-elect Michael Festa who stopped by for a visit at the Tuesday night meeting.
Steve Sylvester, chairman of the Spot Pond Committee told the board that committee members are continuing to work diligently on the plans for pond accessibility. He explained that the MWRA has set a January 1999 date for the transfer of the land over to the MDC, the swiftness of which had surprised all committee members.
"To get that date within a year of our existence, especially when we always thought it was about five years off, I think is very encouraging," Sylvester told the board. "We're quite positive that this time table's going to work out very well for us."
He also explained that meetings have taken place with Melrose and Malden community members, Stone Zoo administrators, the Friends of the Fells and, of course, the MDC to better formalize what the area would incorporate once it is open to the public. Discussions with these groups as well as members of the Winchester and Medford communities will continue in the future as well, Sylvester assured, in order to meet the demands of all those involved.
Some of those plans could include a "rugged hiking trail" through Stone Zoo land and additional "supplementary efforts" between the committee and the Friends of the Fells.
"We're trying to touch on all aspects of who is going to do what in the Spot Pond area," he said. "Were trying to get more information from the various neighbors so that their needs as well as those of the Town of Stoneham are met."
Sylvester told the selectmen that the committee could use its support in finding contacts in the Medford and Winchester communities. He also said that the help of Mike Festa and the town's other state legislators would be needed in order to assure adequate funding of the project.
Festa, who had spoken at the beginning of the meeting, assured Sylvester that he would be there for support whenever called upon by the committee.
"I certainly hear loud and clear that that is an important resource for Stoneham and for Melrose as well," he said.
Festa, who won the 35th Middlesex District seat last Tuesday, formally introduced himself to the three selectmen in attendance, offered his services to the community and thanked community members for their support in the election.
"I'm here to help in any way I can," he said to the board while stressing his role as a public servant to the area in the past. "Hopefully with that experience and that simpatico, I can work with the state to make impacts in the Town of Stoneham.
"On behalf of myself, my family and the people who work with me, I want to say thank you."
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