Published in the April 4, 2018 edition
LYNNFIELD — The April 10 Town Election will feature a contested Planning Board race.
Planning Board member Scott Gromko is facing off against MarketStreet Advisory Committee (MSAC) member John Gioioso in a race for a two-year term. Gromko and Gioioso are both running to fill the remaining two years of former Planning Board co-Chairman John Faria’s five-year term.
The Villager asked the two candidates to answer five questions. Following are their responses.
What would be your approach to development if elected to the Planning Board?
Scott Gromko: Change is inevitable and when planned well can improve our quality of life in Lynnfield. Since being appointed to the Planning Board by the Board of Selectmen, I find it very important to take a team approach and work closely with the other Planning Board members, town engineer, town counsel along with other applicable town resources to understand the impact on the town.
In addition to working with this knowledgeable and passionate team, I provide an objective review against the Lynnfield Zoning Bylaws in order to protect the charm and small town character that makes Lynnfield a desirable town to call home.
John Gioioso: I will take a practical and accessible approach to development in Lynnfield. This is an approach that includes finding practical solutions to the common difficulties that arise when a new development is proposed. The process must be transparent, fair, equitable and respectful. My approach would afford every individual, no matter which side of the issue on which they stand, a right to participate and to voice an opinion.
I will work with fellow board members for ways to balance the uniqueness of our town with the on-going challenges of anticipated growth while honoring the integrity and values of Lynnfield. I am passionate about the town of Lynnfield. Every decision that I make as a member of the Planning Board will be made carefully and thoughtfully, after I have gathered all of the facts regarding the matter.
What skills do you have that make you the right candidate to serve on the Planning Board?
Gioioso: The Planning Board is an independent board which plays an important role in overseeing zoning bylaws and the rules and regulations for the subdivision of land. Therefore, all decisions will impact the shape of Lynnfield not only today but for future generations. I believe my 38 plus years of real estate and building management experience lends itself to understanding the issues that are brought before the board.
I have designations as a certified facility manager (CFM) and master of corporate real estate (MCR), and serve as an adjunct faculty member at Boston University teaching real estate studies. I received my degrees from Suffolk University, BSBA, in management and Cambridge College, M.Ed., in facilities management. Based on my education and experience, I believe I will be a valuable member of the Planning Board and advocate for the town.
Gromko: My formal education includes an undergraduate degree in environmental science and a master of business administration (MBA). I understand that development will have positive and negative impacts on our environment and on our economy. I seek a common sense approach to balance these impacts over the short and long-term, and seek to protect the charm and small-town character that Lynnfield offers.
Can you talk about your background in regards to development?
Gromko: Part of my career includes 10 years of experience managing hazardous waste cleanup projects for the Department of Defense. The future use of the remediated property included commercial and residential development. This rewarding experience provided me with the satisfaction of removing a potential threat to human health and the environment as well as first-hand experience of the benefits of planned development for a community.
Gioioso: In my professional career as senior director of corporate building operations and real estate, I work extensively with zoning boards, manage new development and design proposals, and oversee major construction projects across North America.
Are you in favor of the two proposed Main Street elderly housing developments that will be appearing on the April 30 Town Meeting warrant?
Gioioso: Based upon my review and research of the proposed Main Street housing developments, while I am in favor of careful and considered growth, I am mindful of the additional burden and impact that such development will have on the schools and town services, including police, fire and Department of Public Works. I will continue to review these matters, meet with town residents, attend the Town Meeting on April 30, and listen carefully to the positions presented, all of which will be helpful in my decision making related to this matter.
Gromko: As Baby Boomers continue to reach the golden years, it makes sense for the town of Lynnfield to consider residential options for this generation to remain within or close to the communities they helped build. These proposals offer our 55 plus residents living options close to their families and continued activity in their community. In the case of Sagamore Spring, that location is already zoned for and large enough to accommodate dozens of single-family homes.
The developer’s proposal to retain the golf course while adding 55 plus housing, instead of single-family homes, may be a way to allow the landowners to develop parts of the property with less of a negative impact and burden on the town educational facilities, parks, and offer a traffic pattern outside the people who are in a Monday through Friday employment position.
Do you believe the town is being over developed and if so, what would you do about it?
Gromko: Thanks to the personal sacrifices and efforts of past and current Lynnfield town officials, as well as board and committee members, the town of Lynnfield offers a charming, safe, well run town with the best public schools in the country. As a result, it is not hard to understand the draw it has as a place people want to call home. With this demand, our town will continue to see proposals for development. As a Planning Board member, my role is to remain objective in reviewing these proposals and honor the trust placed in me to protect the charm and small-town character that Lynnfield offers.
Gioioso: As a longtime resident of Lynnfield and a member of the Market Street Advisory Committee, I have the insight surrounding development issues in Lynnfield and the concerns of its residents. I am dedicated to protecting Lynnfield from becoming over developed. Your vote for my candidacy as a Planning Board member is greatly appreciated.
