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The September/October Ringside Observer
RANT CONTROL: With
all the efforts put forth by the folks over at Town & Country Mobile
Home Park over the successful initiative to establish rent control, there
is a fear that all could be for naught. There is a growing movement up on
Beacon Hill to put an end to any type of rent control. We’ll have to
watch this one.
LEGAL EAGLE: Well, young Eagle Scout candidate
Matt Wheble of Jones River Drive is sure getting a lesson in municipal
affairs. He has been before the Conservation Commission on several
occasions to try and gain approval for his Eagle Project. The project
would serve to more clearly mark the access to Bay Farm off Bay Farm Road.
The current markings are vague and confusing. Because the right-of-way to
the River is between two private homes it would appear that Wheble needs
to negotiate with the two homeowners and get permission, in writing, from
each. One of the abutters, Tom Belastock is also a member of the ConCom,
but, to his credit he recused himself from the discussion. He has, by all
reports, agreed to work with young Matt on the type and layout of the
plantings. There is still one more abutter to bring on line and the scout
can work double time on the project. Because the Town doesn’t appear to
own the right of way, and because you have issues of ownership to deal
with, nothing came easy.
CHIEF CONCERNS: We have four Captains on our
Fire Department and we hear that none of them are interested in the Deputy
Chief vacancy. Think about that. There is no way that an individual could
make up the lost money by being a Deputy Chief. The position eliminates
the opportunity for overtime and the guys  can’t afford such a pay cut. Sad when you consider the
fact that the next Chief would most likely be drawn from the rank of
deputy.
KRISHNA MOMENTS: If you did a double take
back on September 4, you may have been surprised to see a happy little
band of folks heading through town. We shot a picture in the Center and
grabbed their literature. They call themselves members of the Nipponzan
Myohoji Peace Pagoda and were on a 17 day walk throughout the state to
"…prevent the invasion of Iraq.” Hey, whatever floats your boat;
they weren’t bothering anybody and didn’t ask for money. Peace!
SEPTAGE FLOWING: Last month we informed you
that the septic haulers were itching to be able to use the sewer plant to
unload their trucks. Well, we are pleased to report that it’s a done
deal. Trucks are now using the plant, paying a 7¢ tipping fee and saving
the out-of-town mileage costs. The only problem we hear the truckers
grousing about is the fact that the valve is too small and it takes too
long to unload. Garry Monahan tells us that this issue will be resolved
when a newly ordered 6" valve arrives.
 DOGGIE BAGS: This
Rocky Nook resident became so frustrated with ignorant dog walkers, she
provided them with their own clean-up kit. Nothing like "dropping”
your own message.
KI ANYONE? Now that KI is available at CVS, do you
have a pill?? Is there a plan for the schools? Is anyone talking about it?
By the way, Plymouth’s Roger Silva withdrew his name from consideration
from a Kingston position he almost had, head of evacuation procedures and
other nuclear issues stuff. Why pull out? Localite Dave Gavigan put in for
and got the nod. Dave is a truly standup guy. If anyone can sort out fact
from fiction, he can.
NASAL DISTURBANCE: We got a call from Bob
Murphy down on Summer Street near Landing Road. It seems that at least
four families in the vicinity keep catching an intermittent bad smell from
their yards. All of the folks concerned have all been hooked up to the
sewer line, so it’s hard to figure out the reason. And, get this…the
problem occurred after they were all hooked up. Apparently it smells like
decay. The folks have not had much luck getting somebody from the town to
check it out We called an engineer who thought it might be caused for a
number of reasons ranging from an undetected old pit to a leak in the pipe
from the ejector pump that serves that area. In any case, the Board of
Health Agent along with the sewer plant Supervisor checked out the
situation and both came up short. Bob said he’d keep us informed.
BRIDGE WORK: Don’t you think it’s taking a
little long to fix the 3-A Bridge adjacent to Bickford’s? Nobody ever
seems to be working on it. Nobody during the day and no night crew. Just
lots of police details and traffic jams. The project is under the auspices
of Mass Highway. We got a call from a reader who said they called the
State who said they would like to finish the bridge by April. April?
Hello! Who’s milking this one? There was a sign down there that said the
work would end on August 23. That’s past and we’re not even close.
Notice the August 23 sign has disappeared? Call Mass Highway at
781-422-0153. Ask for Mark or Kevin, and rattle their chain on this
fiasco.
FINAL FAREWELLS: The tragic loss of
Kingston Police Officer Loren Frost rocked the community followed by the
untimely death of former Elementary School Committee member Jack
Pfaffinger. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
PILATES POWER: It’s amazing how popular its
become. Add to that a mix of Yoga and a Bad Back Program and you have the
Back and Body Pilates Studio in Kingsbury Square. Watch for more about
this unique business in our October issue. Can’t wait? Drop by and meet
them now!
SPENDING PRACTICES: A message was sent to
the Recreation Commission that they must cease the practice of using
public funds for an annual private party. This year, as in the past, the
Commission held an end-of-year fling at a private residence with a DJ,
Papa Gino’s Pizza, snacks and soft drinks. The party is for the
counselors and staff which is deserved…however, the $325.00+ dollars
spent cannot come from public funds. Our solution? Combine the last day of
the Summer Program with a Counselor Appreciation program, hold it at the
Reed as part of the closing ceremonies and all the expenses would be
legit. In practice, even a  plaque honoring the retirement or services of an officeholder,
must be done with private funds.
WETLANDS FACE-OFF: Nook builder Jack Keefe
(L) and ConCom Chair Gary Langenbach have issues over a Shore Drive house
project which left the structure literally "up in the air”. Keefe told
the Commission "I blew this one. I really screwed up” indicating that
Building Inspector Paul Armstrong told him ConCom approval was never
required. Armstrong denies such an opinion was ever given. Meanwhile the
home will be lowered on it’s unauthorized foundation and sit while the
issue gets debated further.
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