Letter to the Editor: Mr. O'Neil's Apology About Dedham Square Project

"The last letter I wrote was written in anger and what I should have done was a rebuttal on my position of this project. Included is the letter is an apology to Mr. Keegan and my position on the project and why I feel this way". Dan O'Neil

Dear Editor, This is going to be my last letter on the subject of the square development project. First off I want to apologize to Mr. Keegan. When I responded to his letter it was in anger. That’s not the way I should have responded to it. Do I have an issue with the charter being changed? Yes. Do I have an issue with his abilities to do the job? No. I do feel the Board of Selectman have given him a little too much power, but do I question his skill set? No. My response should have been a rebuttal about the project so here we go.  I want to start by stating I have nothing against the square getting a facelift. Could we use new lights? Why not do this.  Can we use some more trees and greenery in the square? Sure. Installing of new benches…

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Letter to the Editor: O'Neil Responds to Mr. Keegan's Letter

Mr. O'Neil wrote a letter a couple of weeks ago about the construction in Dedham Square. He was unsatisfied with the plans. Soon after, Dedham's Town Administrator, William G. Keegan Jr. responded defending the plans. Mr. O'Neil now responds...

Dear Editor,     I would like the opportunity to respond to Mr. Keegan’s letter from last week. As was quoted in my comments, the comments section at the end of my letter, and the end of his, I was misinformed about the angled parking near Centre Deli. That parking is actually going to be, and already is, in front of the police station which will contribute to the driving issues in that section left turn light or not. My opposition remains to be that driving pitfalls from the enlarged sidewalks and those angled spaces as my issue with the project, not any of the other improvements.     I have to say I’m very flattered that he went to the trouble to respond to my letter, but at the same time while we’re on the subject this gentleman is also…

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Avon Barksdale

9:09 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012

Go ahead and run away Dan, if you can't understand why the field was delayed by a hurricane that hit just before a track was supposed to be poured and the power was supposed to be turned on I can't imagine what you possibly can understand. You might want to learn how to own up to your mistakes and simply say "oh, I was wrong about that" instead of cursing at people and calling them names when …   more ›

Dedham Square Construction Update for August 27

Check in each week for the latest information on the project!

According to the contractors, construction will continue on the easterly side of High Street, from the Cafe Bagel to Eastern Avenue.  The sidewalk will be closed for one week, and four on-street parking spots will be unavailable. The reconstruction of Washington Street will continue this week and will last up to seven days.  This will be from the entrance of the CVS to High Street, and 13 on-street parking spots will be unavailable during this time. On the northerly side of High Street, from Eastern Avenue, to the project's limit of work, near "Cut Stop" will be closed due to construction.  It's expected to last for up to two weeks and 10 on-street parking spots will be unavailable. During this time there will be temporary access ways …

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Scott Brown Tours Dedham Square to Speak with Local Business Owners

Senator Scott Brown came to Dedham to take a downtown business tour with Democratic State Representative Paul McMurtry.   The event was very informal and did not include a press conference.  Senator Brown stopped to take pictures with supporters, and spoke with local business owners. There were Elizabeth Warren supporters present, but everyone was able to keep things civil.

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Letter to the Editor: Thanks to the Town for Supporting Dedham's Bunnies

Over the last year, the Dedham Public Art Project installed 15 painted rabbits around Dedham. The organizers would like to thank those who helped to make it possible.

Dear Editor, The Dedham Public Art Project would like to take a moment to acknowledge the end of phase one of the project--installation of 15 originally painted rabbits around the town--and thank all those who made it possible. We would first like to acknowledge the generous support of the following sponsors for their funding for the project: Dedham Savings, Needham Bank, Norfolk and Dedham Group, Dedham Community House, Whole Foods, Dedham Junior Woman’s Club, Dedham Parent Time, Dedham Cultural Council, Oakdale Square Alliance, Mother Brook Community Group, Delapa Properties, 4C’s for Kids, John Thomas and Special Friends Fund, Peter H. Reynolds, Giorgio Petruzziello, Waves Car Wash, Boch Automotive, our superstar anonymous donors (you …

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Dawn Scaltreto

2:01 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

As one of the artists, I was thrilled to participate in this project, and Monika and Jen deserve a tremendous amount of gratitude for their hard work and a whole lot of "behind the scenes" problem solving that only two really great, resourceful and dedicated moms could pull off! I am glad that the Pete Hamilton Race Car Rabbit is a hit, and I am looking forward with anticipation to the auction in…   more ›

Dedham Renovation Update for This Weekend!

Here's the schedule of what's happening this weekend.

This weekend the focus will be on the reconstruction of the sidewalk on the southerly side of High Street from Court Street to Church Street. The work will consist of the removal of existing curbing and concrete sidewalks, along with the installation of underground utilities. The remainder of the work including; installation of new granite curbing and the forming and pouring of concrete sidewalks will take place later in the week. The sidewalk will be temporarily closed for up to 3 weeks and 18 on-street parking spaces will not be available while work in this area takes place. However, temporary access ways will be provided through the construction area for all businesses and residential buildings.

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Letter to the Editor: Dedham Square Project

"I don’t see this project as an improvement to get people to come to the square. I see it as a deterrent."

Dear Editor,     I have been watching this Dedham Square project unfold and as I see some of the changes, I have to beg the question... Did any intelligent, rational thought even go into this plan? I want to see the shops get more business. We’re all for small business, but does anyone really think bigger sidewalks in a square that already has traffic pitfalls and back ups is the way to go? Let me start with that extended sidewalk in front of the police station. Before, rush hour traffic would be backed up with commuters coming from High Street, or the Needham Area, with 3 lanes in front of the police station. Now you have one lane, and many people catch Washington Street there. So without the option of being able to go around the folks …

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Dedham Square Project Update for August 13-15

Every week we keep you up to date on what's happening with the Dedham Square Project.

This week the focus will be on pouring the new concrete sidewalks on High Street, Washington Street, and Eastern Ave.  The sidewalks will be temporarily closed for one week, however, temporary access ways will be provided for all businesses and residential property. The sidewalks on the easterly side of Washington Street (from the CVS) to High Street will be closed for up to two weeks.  And pedestrians can expect ten parking spots to be closed while work is being done in that area. On Thursday, August 16, the contractor plans to work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.  During that time they will install underground electrical conduits for the street and traffic lights for two intersections.  They will work on High Street and Washington, and High …

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