During a recent Taunton City Council meeting, resident Maureen Mosier passionately addressed the council regarding the proposed sale of 745 John Hancock Drive, urging officials to halt the auction of the property. Mosier, a long-time resident, presented a petition signed by local residents opposing the sale, emphasizing the parcel's critical role as a buffer between the industrial park and nearby homes.
In her remarks, Mosier highlighted the potential negative impacts of commercial development on the site, including increased noise, unpleasant odors, and harm to local wildlife. She argued that preserving the land as open space is essential for the community's well-being, stating, \"We believe that preserving this land as open space would be most suitable for our city and its residents.\"
Mosier's comments resonated with the community, as she noted that many residents were unaware of the impending auction until recently. She described a grassroots effort to gather signatures for the petition, reflecting a strong collective concern about the future of the area. \"The neighborhood has fought hard in the past as developers and the industrial park take every bit of open space around us, and they're prepared to fight again,\" she asserted.
The meeting also included the reappointment of Tracy Heager to the board of directors for Citizens for Citizens Incorporated, which was approved without opposition. However, the primary focus remained on the contentious issue of the John Hancock property, with Mosier's plea underscoring the community's desire for greater involvement in local governance and land use decisions.