This issue requires more public discussion, responsive action to residents’ concerns and additional widely publicized public hearings.

• Town Meeting Members voted to declare the 4 acre Beal School site surplus but most did not realize that it would be sold to a private developer for a project of this magnitude.

• The Beal Reuse Committee was established and stacked with insiders, who were either elected officials, appointed officials or town employees.

• A request for proposals (RFP) was issued for the sale and development of the Beal School Site.  Only one developer responded, because of lack of clarity regarding an acceptable number of residential units.

• The Board of Selectmen engaged in secret negotiations with the developer for months and rather than lowering the number of proposed apartments it agreed to add 15 more to the original proposal.  

• The Board of Selectmen went public with the development plan for the first time on December 7, 2021 and strongly advocated for the proposal. This approach does not allow residents to fully analyze and adequately respond with their concerns. 

• The Board has refused to hold another public hearing on this matter. This meeting and vote was expedited once the board realized opposition was materializing. 

• On January 25, 2022, after yet another executive session (secret) meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to proceed with negotiations to sell the 4 acre Beal site. 

• Also at the January 25th meeting, in response to a flurry of opposing views on social media, the Board guaranteed a transparent process. Shockingly, no public comments were allowed at the meeting.