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Politics & Government

Mitigation Committee Hears First Round of Funding Requests

Committee charged with doling out mitigation funds hears ideas.

With 37 proposals totaling just under $5 million, and only $1 million to give out, the Mitigation Funds Committee has to decide who gets their wish granted, and who has to wait until next year. Round one of proposals was presented last night at .

The mitigation stabilization fund is designed to offset any possible fiscal impact that the two newest large developments in Dedham – namely Legacy Place and New Bridge on the Charles – have on local services, businesses and organizations. Developers combined paid roughly $1.5 million to the town to create a mitigation fund.

The Mitigation Fund Committee makes recommendations on how the town should spend the money, based on proposals from various town departments. The funding requests do not necessarily have to have a direct correlation to Legacy Place or New Bridge, although committee members have said a connection to one of the two developments could boost an application.

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Topping this year's projects is the Dedham Square streetscape, a $6 million proposal ($2.5 million in 2012, $3.5 million in 2013) to improve Dedham Square.

Town Engineer David Field and Town Administrator Bill Keegan told the committee they knew they couldn't fully fund the streetscape project, but that a little town support would go a long way in securing federal funds for the project.

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Town officials have said they will seek federal earmarked money from Rep. Stephen Lynch.

"What we're hearing is that the federal government is more likely to fund a project like this if they see buy-in on the local and state level," said Field.

Dedham recently received a from the state for the project.

Dedham Square Circle executive director Amy Haelsen was also on hand to lobby the committee on behalf of Dedham Square merchants and residents

"There's a loss in sales, foot traffic is down," she said. "A strong downtown benefits everyone."

Also present at last night's meeting was Chief William Cullinane, who said activity is up 20 percent because of Legacy Place and New Bridge, and that can strain his department.

The fire department's proposal included $20,000 to replace masks, $27,500 for radios and $50,000 for a new truck. Trucks can run up to $125,000, but Cullinane resorted to a reconditioned fire truck after his initial proposal was rejected.

"These are public safety issues," he said.

Among the other items presented at last night's meeting:

  • Civic Pride asked for $24,525 to renovate Marine Corps Rotary at the intersection of Washington Street and Providence Highway.
  • Bill Keegan asked for a new $50,000 gazebo for , though he couldn't say where it would go or what it would look like.
  • The led the way with nine separate proposals, including $4,800 for "a nice shed," a $1,000 for a new printer, and $150,000 for an elevator.
  • Police requested $60,000 for a new K-9 unit.
  • Building commissioner Ken Cimeno asked for $8,100 so he could stop using the ladies' restroom for blueprint storage.

"It's a little awkward," said Cimeno.

Round two of proposals happens next week. After that, committee members say they will take time to "go over the proposals on our own," then meet again to make official recommendations.

Those recommendations go to the town administrator's desk, and then off to the Capital Expenditures Committee. All spending is ultimately decided at the annual Town Meeting in May.       

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