Published in the September 6, 2017 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The Board of Selectmen recently voted unanimously to appoint former Selectman Bob MacKendrick to the Historical Commission.

MacKendrick served as a selectmen from 2005-2013 and was the town’s assistant fire chief. He is a member of the Historical Society and hosts a program at the Senior Center called “Hobbies with Bob,” where he often discusses local history such as the town’s railroads and Route 1.

Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett said MacKendrick would be the perfect addition to the Historical Commission.

“We know you well and we know your service to the town of Lynnfield well,” said Barrett. “In the many conversations I have had with you, I don’t think there is anybody who knows the town’s history more than Mr. MacKendrick.”

Selectman Dick Dalton agreed.

“I think all of us know Bob’s superior knowledge of everything that has gone on in this town since the beginning of time,” said Dalton.

Selectman Phil Crawford echoed his fellow selectmen’s opinions.

“I have gotten to know Bob very well over the years,” said Crawford. “I don’t think there is a better person who could have come forward for this position.”

MacKendrick thanked the selectmen for their support.

“I look forward to something which has always been interesting to me, which is history, especially the town of Lynnfield’s history,” said MacKendrick. “I think there is a good board there, and I am looking forward to having a good time serving and making the town better.”

ZBA appointment

In addition to appointing MacKendrick to the Historical Commission, the selectmen voted 3-0 to make Zoning Board of Appeals alternate member Brian Shaffer a permanent member of the ZBA.

In the wake of Shaffer being elevated to being a permanent member, the selectmen voted to appoint Anthony Moccia as a ZBA alternate member.

Moccia said he has lived in town since 1995 and his children attended Lynnfield Public Schools. He said he was active with youth sports and is “an active member at St. Maria Goretti.”

“I have been a practicing attorney in the commonwealth for 36 years,” said Moccia. “I am a partner at the firm Eckert Seamans in Boston. My practice focuses on real estate, mostly real estate litigation. In conjunction with that practice, I have spent many hours over the past 36 years with disputes over land use and the rights of property owners either as owners, mortgagees, tenants and abutters. I am not an expert, but I have a fair degree of experience. More importantly than that, I would like to give back to the town. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the town.”

Dalton said he has known Moccia both personally and professionally for a number of years.

“He is a well-respected attorney,” said Dalton. “We are very fortunate to have him volunteer.”

Recreational Path Committee

The selectmen voted 2-0 to rescind Mark McDonough’s appointment to the Recreational Path Committee. McDonough served on the committee for a number of years. He has been a longtime advocate of the Lynnfield-Wakefield Rail Trail.

Dalton and Crawford voted to rescind McDonough’s appointment. Dalton made the motion, which was seconded by Crawford.

The vote came two months after Dalton made a motion to not reappoint Thomas Aylward to the ZBA.

Similar to previous discussions, Barrett recused himself from discussion because his sister’s home abuts the rail trail.