New Myette Property Building Will Require Removing Trees Bordering Golf Course

Bob Ansel of PC Realty Trust, owner of the Myette property at 120 Boston Rd. (Route 119), appeared before Selectmen to request a license agreement with the town to cut down trees and thin vegetation along a stretch of Route 119 that is part of town-owned land that forms a buffer area between Groton Pool and Golf golf course and the road. A concept plan was approved by voters last spring to build a medical facility on the site which is across the street from the golf course.

Ansel noted that as he has been designing the facility, state transportation officials requested that the line of sight could be improved by thinning vegetation and cutting down trees in that buffer area between the golf course and Route 119. As a result, Ansel asked the Board for a license agreement that would allow his firm to conduct the thinning operation on town-owned land.

In the process of discussing the license request, an abutter to the Myette property, Dottie Mack, who owns a usiness at 118 Boston Road, criticized the plan to cut down trees and thin vegetation. She noted that stretch of road is very dangerous and a recent traffic fatality occurred there. She also noted that golf balls hit from the course sometimes land on the street and could present more of a danger if trees and vegetation are removed. In an agitated voice, Ms. Mack pressed the Board on how to formulae a plan that would take into consideration Groton residents.

Selectmen were not prepared to take public comments on the request and Chair Peter Cunningham stopped Ms. Mack from proceeding with her comments. Cunningham said the Board will gather comments from town officials including Conservation Commission and Police Department before making a decision on a license agreement. Cunningham noted the concerns raised about safety and said those concerns will be considered at the Board's July 29 meeting.

Ansel said the request for thinning vegetation came as a directive from the state Department of Transportation. Selectmen will obtain comments from other town departments and discuss the license agreement on July 29.