34 South Main St., Attleboro, MA - (508) 222-7000
News
City, ARA battle to resume
 Lt. Governor Tim Murray presents a check from the state to Mayor Kevin Dumas and ARA Executive Director Michael Milanoski on the MBTA's southbound platform for the city's planned intermodal transportation center in November. State Sen. James Timilty, State Reps. John Lepper and Betty Poirier, and ARA Chairman Pret Stevenson look on. (File photo by Tom Maguire)
Top Headlines Redevelopment officials plan to show up in force to argue for continued financial support for the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority in what has become a bitter, finger-pointing imbroglio over the best use of the annual Community Development Block Grant. ARA Chairman Pret Stevenson said he along with board members Max Volterra and Don Smyth aim to attend the hearing and plead with councilors to do what they can to restore the funding. Nobody contacted by The Sun Chronicle Monday was sure what action the council can take. It has the power to vote in favor or against the budget, but it hasn't been determined if it can cut money from one area and reallocate it. "We're going to plead our cause," Stevenson said. "There's still a chance they may change their minds." Mayor Kevin Dumas will be at the hearing. He met with Stevenson and Volterra Friday, but nothing was resolved, he said. He said he plans to continue to work with the ARA. The brouhaha began two weeks ago when the director of Community Development, Sal Pina, announced that funding for the ARA will be eliminated for the coming fiscal year which starts in July. The grant is worth $463,000. After mandated amounts are allocated for salaries in the community development office and for disbursements to social service programs, there's $301,000 remaining for economic development. The ARA, which is working on three major economic development projects asked for $175,000 to cover half its salary line item. While the agency has been successful at garnering grants and loans to the tune of $42 million, most of the money is for a transit related downtown revitalization project leaving the ARA without cash to pay for oversight of a project to reuse the Swank Co. building and the construction of the industrial business park. Members of the ARA, Friends of Attleboro Interested in Revitalization and the Chamber of Commerce have banded together against the move to cut ARA funds arguing it signals a dangerous shift from city priorities. Meanwhile Dumas argues that the ARA should be self-supporting and that city needs to embark on smaller short-term projects to boost downtown immediately. In a meeting last week ARA board members lashed out at Dumas' administration for the cut in funding while allegedly trying to claim credit for its projects. Meanwhile the administration slammed ARA executive director Michael Milanoski saying his hard driving efforts have irritated local and state officials forcing administration officials to smooth "ruffled feathers" on several occasions.
Post Your Comments Harry Hindsight wrote on Apr 15, 2008 12:17 PM: " I agree with realist, the private investors such as the ones building the condos should be the financial safety net for the project. They have the most to gain in the short term of this thing. The only deal that should be struck is the one that the mayor hold the ARA's feet to the fire and doesn't give them one dollar until they actually complete the parts of this project that they have already been paid for. " attlebrockton wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:24 AM: " They don't beg ,they demand. " attlebrockton wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:10 AM: " THey don't beg ,the throw a fit & strong arm its much more dignified " Realist wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:04 AM: " I can't help but repeat myself, but if this were such a great idea, private investors would be lined up around the block to put money into it. Instead the ARA seems to have to go begging to every government organization to get more TAXPAYER money. " attlebrockton wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:39 AM: " I wish i had faith Harry but tomorrows headline will read something like ARA & Mayor Strike Deal. Picture of Mayor and Pret or Milanoski shaking hands. The Inustrial Park & the Renewal should have been put on the ballot.Nobody knows the truth cost of any of these projects , and who has control. " Harry Hindsight wrote on Apr 15, 2008 7:25 AM: " Now is a great time for the mayor to show the leadership qualities that got him re-elected and stand firm against the ARA. By standing his ground, he can show that the ARA is accountable for their own actions and will not be bailed out by the city for the practice of spending money before it is in hand or the their own downfall of not budgeting this project properly. " attlebrockton wrote on Apr 15, 2008 6:05 AM: " What happens if they don't their SALARY money? Do they take their ball and go home ? Of the 175K who gets what at the ARA ,aren't people in Attleboro entitled to know? The only hope is the Mayor will show some backbone & follow Mr. Pina's direction on this issue. If he caves with the council it is a sign as it has been said all along the ARA are the true power brokers in town . " or
|
