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Selectmen Name Summer Resident to Lost Lake Sewer Committee

Michael Rosa, a member of the Board of Selectmen in Billerica for 16 years and a summer resident at Lost Lake was the sole applicant to appear before the Board of Selectmen Monday night for appointment to the Lost Lake Sewer Committee.

A second potential candidate, Lost Lake resident Eric Garger, was expected also to seek the appointment, but did not appear at the meeting

Rosa told the Board that his grandfather bought the lake property many, many years ago and he was somewhat familiar with the sewer issues. He said he would have to get up to speed on all the background and work that has been done. The long-term health of the lake was a concern and this is the reason he is applying for the appointment.

"I like to find innovative ways to solve problems," he said, adding that he had experience with extending the municipal sewer in Billerica, and used the same consultants as the town of Groton is using.

Selectman Chairman Peter Cunningham asked him how he handled the financial impact of the sewer and the impact on people's finances. Rosa cited SRS low interest loans and the increased value of properties with sewers. "We have a lot of cottages here but we need to protect the natural resources, protect the well and protect properties."

"How do you strike a balance to property owners and the community at large, the taxpayer?" Selectman Josh Degen asked. Rosa replied, "There is more revenue coming in when there is a 50-50 split and owners have 20 years to pay."

Selectman Stuart Schulman cited the income study done at the lake area that "showed that incomes were lower at the lake compared to the rest of Groton. People don't have money for big betterment fees." Rosa suggested that this would depend on how the project was marketed to the town.

Dr. Susan Horowitz, member of the Board of Health as well as the Lost Lake Sewer Committee, said that she wanted "everyone to be aware of a possible conflict," as Rosa's father is before the Board of Health for a septic permit."

Groton Herald

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