Johnson Won’t Seek Reelection, Plus More Takeaways From the Dec. 18 Select Board Meeting

Residents oppose retail cannabis at 1625 Andover St., Trahan RFP approved

The Select Board met last night, with member Mark Kratman joining virtually. At the end of the meeting, Chair Todd Johnson announced that he would not seek reelection in 2024, ending 20 years of service to Tewksbury. 

“I know part of me will miss being engaged at this level,” said Johnson. “But I also know that it’s time for the next generation of leaders to step up.”

More on Johnson’s statement later. Back to our regularly scheduled meeting.

After exiting executive session, where the board discussed collective bargaining, attorney John Mooradian and J.S. Krishna Corp. president Sanjay Patel appeared to request a name change for Hobart’s Country Store, to Hobart’s Liquors, and a change of address. The company has spent close to $500,000 to build a new, 2,760 square foot brick building at 2512 Main St., adjacent to its current site. The current store will be demolished to add parking.

“It looks like a very nice, well-done building, so congratulations,” said Johnson.

Patel said he expects to complete the project in two to three weeks. 

The board unanimously approved common victualler licenses for Aroma Joes, Brothers Sports Bar and Grill, Pera Grill and The Pull-up LLC. The latter is also expected to open in a few weeks.

“Just want to confirm you guys are going to have fried platanos, right?” asked Vice-Chair James Mackey. Owner Robin Brown responded in the affirmative.

The board also unanimously approved a slate of liquor, common victualler, amusement, entertainment and class license renewals.

In the resident comments section, Michele Stella of Paulies Place rose on behalf of the board of the Andover Estates townhouse and condominium development to oppose the proposed retail cannabis outlet at 1625 Andover St. Stello echoed comments made at Monday’s Planning Board meeting concerning traffic projections and referenced possible crime and the clientele.

“We are greatly distressed at the thought of that much traffic and the percentage of undesirables that will visit that business daily,” said Stella. The Andover Estates units are on the opposite side of Andover St. from the proposed location.

The assistant director of the Learning Experience preschool also rose in opposition, citing safety and the possible effects on children.

“How will we look as the city of Tewksbury with a preschool being the neighbor of a cannabis shop, or a child standing next to a dispensary waiting for a school bus?” said Kristina Burke.

The Carnation will list the dates of any future Planning or Select Board hearings for this project.

Trahan Possibilities

In new business, the board discussed the draft Trahan Elementary School lease request for proposals (RFP), which was authorized at October Town Meeting and presented by Town Manager Richard Montuori. 

Key points in the RFP: 

• The developer is expected to provide improvements as necessary to service the site. 
• Demolition of a portion of the school or the entire building is possible but needs to be specified in the proposal. The Town would still lease the property as part of a ground lease.
• For proposals seeking to redevelop the building for affordable housing, the town may consider using affordable housing trust and/or Community Preservation Act funds to assist, depending on the number of units and affordability levels. 
• The developer will be allowed to use only  a portion of the 6.5 acres of land for parking and/or other needs for the redevelopment. The land outlined below will be set aside for open space and recreation. In addition, the project must maintain the existing trees and buffer surrounding the property. 

“This is a very broad-based request that offers the opportunity for a creative party to say, ‘This is what we envision, and would it match up with what the town is thinking?’” said Johnson.

Member Jayne Wellman asked Montuori to add information on work that the town has already done via the North St. and Trahan Reuse Committee, including the survey and recommendations, and asked if he had any groups he planned to send the RFP to. Montuori said only a residential hockey school, the Boston Hockey Academy, expressed specific interest.

“I’ll get it advertised and try to get some good proposals by the end of January,” said Montuori. 

The board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Manager to issue the RFP.

Marijuana Cultivation HCA Granted

Attorney Phil Silverman was back in Town Hall for a second night representing 686 Cultivation LLC, after the company successfully received Planning Board approval for a cannabis cultivation facility at 686 Clark Rd. 

Town counsel reviewed the host community agreement, and the HCA was approved unanimously; the board also agreed to allow the company to do a virtual community outreach meeting via Zoom. Watch the Carnation for more information on that meeting.

Montuori advised the board that Sundaze has requested to come back before the board to revive its application for a retail cannabis shop at the former Sal’s Pizza location at 2504 Main St. That hearing is penciled in for Jan. 23, so watch for community meeting notifications in early January.

VFW Makes Generous Donation

Veterans Agent Lisa Downey notified the board of a donation of 32 $100 Market Basket gift cards and 31 $50 Market Basket gift cards by the Tewksbury VFW to support veterans in town. Acceptance of the donation was unanimous.

In board reports, member Patrick Holland thanked Rabbi Asher Bronstein and the Tewksbury Fire Department for coming out for the lighting of the town’s menorah last week. He wished the community a merry and safe Christmas and New Year’s.

Mackey also wished residents a happy safe holiday and gave a shout out to the veterans agent for her work.

“Downey and her staff and others have been working for the past few weeks gathering donations, like what we just accepted from the VFW, and they’re putting together stockings and other gifts and support for our low-income or homeless veterans,” said Mackey. “Those will be getting delivered this week.”

Wellman said that the TDEIAC is working on its 2024 calendar and brought to the public’s attention that TPD Family Services Officer Kimberly O’Keefe is doing a blanket and sweatshirt drive to benefit a domestic violence organization and the homeless population in our community.

“There is no shelter space at all, and we do have individuals that are living in their vehicles and outdoors this winter,” said Wellman. 

While TPD has worked with local agencies in the past to find shelter for folks during the coldest months, that is not possible this year. Residents who wish to help can drop off new blankets and sweatshirts at the police department.

Finally, Johnson made his announcement and encouraged “reasonable and committed residents” to consider running for office.

“You learn, or need to learn, to work in a collaborative manner among equal peers and then earn the support of your community at each town meeting and election,” he said. “It is challenging, but it’s well worth it.”

You can read his full statement here, and those interested in running can pick up nomination papers beginning January 2.