From today’s Sun Chronicle newspaper:
No vote on NA Fenway replica
NORTH ATTLEBORO – Calling the reasons for the request “unacceptable,” selectmen decided not to vote on whether to allow Mini Fenway developers more time to refine plans for the project.
Instead, the board has invited Kids Replica Ballpark, the non-profit organization proposing to build the Little League-size replica of Fenway Park on town-owned property on Plain Street, to discuss the issue next week.
“There will be no vote by this board this evening and we’ll invite Kids Replica Ballpark for a meeting on June 29 to explain to the board the future of this project,” Selectmen Chairman Michael Thompson said in a prepared statement.
Last week, Ron Iacobucci, chief executive officer of Kids Replica Ballpark, posted a statement on the Boston Red Sox website saying his organization is seeking a private land donation that would allow the construction of Mini Fenway more quickly than on town-owned land in North Attleboro.
He said that North Attleboro remains the only public land option for the organization, but its board of directors needs more time to discuss the possibility of a private land donation. Kids Replica Ballpark had already received one extension from the town, giving the organization until July 1 to receive approval for its plans from the town’s planning board.
Iacobucci said this week he would ask for a second 60-day extension. Selectmen met in executive session to discuss the matter before announcing that no vote would be taken.
“Several steps were to be taken by Kids Replica Ballpark to being the process of developing the site, from site plans including storm water system and traffic parking studies,” Thompson said. “As of this date, none of the work has been commenced and yet again Kids Replica has requested an extension with one added purpose, to seek an alternative site.
“The town takes its contractual obligations very seriously,” he said. “For Kids Replica to ask the town for this extension while under contract is unacceptable.”
