Planning takes money, and affordability in the completion of necessary building construction and upgrades around town requires an astute, diligent, and energetic approach toward the pursuit of financial assistance. With that in mind, Town Planner Gil Hilario bid adieu to the Planning Board during its August 2 Zoom meeting.
“Since I’ve been hired, it’s very evident that my job is to procure grants,” said Hilario, estimating approximately $500,000 in procured grant funding for Town of Marion projects while also assisting other departments’ likeminded pursuits.
Hilario will become town planner in North Attleboro, close by his Rhode Island home. His last day working for Marion is Friday, August 6.
“It’s been a pleasure and a joy working with everyone. I think we’ve had a lot of initiatives,” he said. “Every town is different, and in Marion I think the pumping station is very important, Route 6 is very important, Complete Streets and all of those things, energy projects… Our focus is centered on a lot of those top priorities for the town and trying to make progress and achievement towards those focuses for the town. It’s been an absolute joy and I’ve learned so much from Norm and Eileen and Will and everyone from the Planning Board. I just want to thank everyone in Marion.”
As part of his Town Planner Update, Hilario summarized the town’s Green Communities 2020 projects that are in the second round, which is a competitive round.
Last week’s final site visit with Green Communities representative Lisa Sullivan closed out a set of projects and begins a new season of grant applications from August through October. Discussing close work with Facilities Manager Shawn Cormier, Marion completed several projects including 23 window inserts at the Taber Library, new gas furnaces at two water pumping stations, installation of an electric heat pump and insulation at the Cushing Community Center, and insulation in the basement and attic of the Music Hall.
Commending the Energy Management Committee for its hard work, Hilario said the goal is to convert the entire community center to heat pumps and make Cushing an all-electric building, perhaps with solar panels on the roof.
In two years as a Green Community, Marion has established an annual savings of $27,502; the investment will pay itself back in 25.7 years from the 2018 inception date.
Amidst multiple voices expressing appreciation for his work, Planning Board member Norm Hills pointed out all the work Hilario has done ushering Marion into a Zoom meeting era that has a second wind with the unfortunate uptick in COVID cases.
“You’ve been terrific, Gil, you’ve really moved the town along and you were very helpful in helping the town reduce the energy costs in the town as well,” said member Eileen Marum. “We appreciate how you’ve done your job.”
Citizen attendee Barry Gaffey said Hilario did a good job and wished him luck.
SRPEDD’s Route 6 corridor study will now be reinvented by the Massachusetts DOT. After the state’s feasibility study is completed, Marion can then move forward with some potential treatment options. In signing off, Hilario also gave a status report on Marion’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
After hearing from applicant Dena Xifaras and peer-review consultant Beals & Thomas, Inc. and then closing a continued public hearing, the Planning Board voted 5-1 to award a special permit to Papa’s Real Estate, LLC’s propane storage business on Luce Avenue. Alanna Nelson’s was the lone dissenting vote.
At the applicant’s request, the continued public hearing for a special permit applied for by Sherman Briggs and Hamblin Homes, Inc. for the construction of 28 town houses at Spring and Mill Streets was once again continued to Monday, August 16, at 7:05 pm via Zoom.
Under old business, Marum called the building across Route 6 from Cumberland Farms “an eyesore.” Member Jon Henry said discussion has been had about potentially purchasing the old piece of Route 6 and tying that into taking control of the situation.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 16, at 7:00 pm.
Marion Planning Board
By Mick Colageo