MDC propose new ice rink in Stoneham
Published on November 17th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - The Metropolitan District Commission wants to build a new ice hockey arena with a private sector partner on MDC property in Stoneham.
If the town, the state and an as-of-yet-undetermined (or unannounced) private investor play ball, the MDC will open a new two-rink arena across from the Stone Zoo sometime in the next five years.
The plan, confirmed by MDC Commissioner David Balfour, is in its infancy. Balfour did not identify any potential private partner. But rumors around town hint that the Boston Bruin organization may be involved.
A private owner would build the rink on property provided by the MDC. Then the rink owner would run the rink but allow for low cost ice time for community groups such as youth hockey and high school hockey.
State legislation would be necessary to allow such a partnership, but Balfour sounds confident. He has already spoken with State Senator Richard Tisei (R-3rd Middlesex) and State Representatives Mike Festa (D-35th Middlesex) and Paul Casey (D-34th Middlesex).
"Historically it has not been hard to pass this type of legislation," Casey said.
Town officials and state legislators would have to work out the details of the property's tax status.
"There is the question of whether we would get a payment in lieu of taxes," Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said.
Balfour said he has been in contact with Nutting, but nothing is definite yet.
"When we know what we are doing we will work with the community and the neighbors," Balfour said.
Stoneham is only one of several possible locations the MDC is scouting. Weymouth, Quincy and Arlington are also on the short list.
"I think Stoneham would be an ideal location," Balfour said.
If the MDC wants to build in Stoneham, Nutting said, certain issues must be addressed: traffic, the concerns of abutting neighbors on Campbell Road and the impact on the existing town rink on Montvale Avenue.
Casey said he would not support the new arena project unless it complemented the neighborhood.
"There will be public forums to hear community concerns," Casey said.
Nutting said the town might ask for a gesture of goodwill from the MDC.
"About one-third of Stoneham is MDC land," Nutting said. "If we go along with the rink, I plan to ask for some land from the MDC so the town can relocate the Stevens St. Recycling Yard to a less central location."
The 20 MDC rinks around the state are an average of 30 years old. According to Balfour, in the past five years the MDC has spent $30 million in rink maintenance. New private/public partnership rinks would be phased in as older rinks were shut down.
"The MDC is not looking to expand," Balfour said, "but to improve the quality of its rinks.
"Stoneham might be the place to try the pilot program of this project," Balfour added.
Ice time at MDC rinks costs $130 per hour. At the privately owned Hockey Town rink in Saugus the price is $175 an hour. In New York ice time prices have risen as high as $400 per hour.
If the MDC and Stoneham can work something out, a new ice hockey arena with locker rooms, concession stands and the $130 per hour rate could come to town.
The MDC has yet to present the town a formal proposal.
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