Big Plans for Brooks Estate

Not familiar with the Brooks Estate? Get a lesson from the Medford Historical Society.

A proposed $2.3 million bond would turn the Brooks Estate into a place where events like weddings could be held and community meetings could take place, according to members of its land-trust association.

But the bond has drawn scrutiny from some, who want the city to address infrastructure needs before undertaking a historic restoration project.

The money from the bond would be used to restore the interior of the estate's manor and carriage house and provide more on-site parking. The restored facility would suitable for functions and community meetings, project supporters said Tuesday. A master plan for the estate can be found at its website.

The proposed bond was discussed during Tuesday's City Council meeting, where a crowd of people turned out to support the project. The council decided not to bring the proposal out of committee for a vote because it wanted some questions answered on the project first.

Only five councilors participated in the discussion of the bond. Council President Robert Maiocco recused himself because he lives within 300 feet of the Brooks Estate. Paul Camuso also recused himself because his mother's property abutts an abutter of the estate.

Councilor Robert Penta is a member of the Brooks Estate Land Trust Assocaiton, but said after contacting the state's ethics commission he believes he is eligible to vote on the bond. Although he is a custodian of the trust, he has no personal potential financial gain, he said.

"There is nothing by way of anything that I receive in benefit other than being one of the seven caretakers," Penta said Tuesday.

Supporters: Estate is a Priceless Treasure

The association has outlined a plan for the property that aims to make it self-sustaining, Brooks Estate Land-Trust Association President Tom Lincoln said Tuesday, with revenue from renting the manor and carriage house used to fund maintenance and staff.

The property is a priceless treasure, Lincoln said.

"Visitors will want to come to a place that historic, beautiful and different," he said.

Doug Carr, an architect and member of the land trust association, said the carriage house would feature an open floor plan and high ceilings.

“It’s a flexibile space you can use for virtually anything,” he said.

The project will be an "economic winner," Carr said.

Detractors: Address City Needs First

Most who attended Tuesday City Council meeting were there to support the project, but some objected to it.

Cummings Street resident Jean Martin said she wanted to see the city invest in improving the public works yard and adding more police officers. It shouldn't start thinking about restoration projects until those needs are addressed, she said.

"I’m not asking you not to do your project," she said.

Medford Police union representative Harold MacGilvray said he wanted the council be consistent with its votes for bond projects.

“The clock isn’t ticking any longer on the DPW yard or the police department," he said, "it’s midnight.”

Construction of a new public works complex is part of . McGlynn told the city council before its meeting Tuesday that a request for proposal to review the police station was in motion.

Medford resident Carolyn Rosen said she didn't believe the business plan for the estate was strong enough.

"I don’t see the fiduciary information here that you need to make a decision," Rosen told the council.

The council did not vote on the project Tuesday and is expected to resume discussions in a committee of the whole meeting in coming weeks.