New Councilor DiMambro Plans To Evaluate Development Carefully

WOBURN, MA — In the sole open race in Woburn's 2021 municipal election, Ward 6 City Council, both candidates focused their pitches on concerns about development.

Lou DiMambro, the winning candidate, talked in his Patch candidate profile about the "very fine balancing act" needed to ensure projects coming to the ward benefit the city.

"With me as Alderman in Ward 6 on the city council reviewing these many plans and proposed projects with foresight and common sense, many of these plans and projects can bring healthy prosperity to Woburn and its residents," DiMambro said. "The ones that could be a burden with no benefits to the residents, but, more of what they already have, I will not approve. If you are going live and do business in Woburn you should contribute and benefit Woburn."

DiMambro's opponent in the race, Kerstin J. D. Lochrie, also talked about development in the district.

"The single most pressing issue facing this Ward is the constant building," Lochrie said. "I may not be able to stop the building at The Ledges Site but I can work to make sure that those affected by the damage are adequately compensated AND I will work to create more open space with walking trails, a splash pad and places to play."

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The other newcomer to City Council, Ward 7 Councilor-Elect Charles Viola, also ran on concerns about overdevelopment in the city.

"As a resident, I stood up for Ward 7 residents for decades. My leadership also has made real improvements to Ward 7 as well. My message resonated with voters," Viola told Patch on election night. "My priorities as Alderman are to fight against overdevelopment, address traffic issues, preserve open space, address the street and sidewalk conditions and keep Woburn affordable for all residents."

DiMambro shared with Patch more on what he will be looking for in projects before the council.

"I am looking forward to being a part of reviewing and voting on new proposals, plans and projects already online to be or that are currently being built," DiMambro said.

The councilor-elect was quick to emphasize that there are projects he's enthusiastic for.

"The New Boston Street Bridge is one that I am excited to be a part of," he said. "That bridge has been out of commission for over 45 years since it was burned to the ground."

The council approved in Sept. land takings needed to move that project forward.

But other New Boston Street projects, particularly large housing projects, will get a more skeptical eye from DiMambro, he said.

"My colleagues and I will be keeping close eyes on the 425 unit Fairfield Residential Apartments to be built on New Boston Street," DiMambro said. "The other project that is on the City Council's agenda to review is the 250 unit Cabot & Forbes Apartment project at 0 New Boston Street."

DiMambro also said he would keep an eye on two already-approved projects: 1071 Main Street and the Route 38 Ledges project.

The councilor spoke about other infrastructure projects he sees a need for.

"One road design plan I would like to see is a road built connecting Zero New Boston Street to Presidential Way beside the Raytheon building. A one-way road, I strongly believe, is as essential and would be as important as the soon-to-be-built New Boston Street Bridge to help alleviate the ever-growing traffic in Wards 6," DiMambro said. "The bridge, in conjunction with that connecting road, would work hand-in-hand allowing traffic to flow onto the Commerce Way 93 North and South on-ramps.

"A shorter than a quarter-mile road is the quickest easiest way to connect 0 New Boston Street attaching to the one-way exit that already exits and is barely used at the T Station parking lot onto Presidential Way," he continued. "This would also help prevent a lot of traffic from going down Mishawum Rd, Commerce Way from traffic that uses Rt 93 North and South and the 95 North on-ramp on Washington Street. Lastly, it will also help our neighbors on Woburn Street and Rt 129 in Wilmington. The City of Woburn, the T and the developers should all come together and make that happen. Money shouldn’t even be an issue."

Finally, DiMambro said looks forward to working with school and town officials "to build an elementary school that will be able to combine both the Linscott and Altavesta Elementary Schools allowing plenty of room for the many more children that will come from the at least 1,600 apartments being built."

"No doubt about it Woburn is growing as it has since 1642," DiMambro said. "But, the Mayor, Planning Board, City Council, and all the departments that run and maintain our great city all need to have foresight when reviewing and approving the many projects that will continue to be presented to us. Pour planning based on hastily-approved revenues can have regretful consequences tomorrow and well into the future for our residents of a great city. We all must be smart about our growth!"

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.