Editor's Note: When the city bought part of Spence Farm, it turned the land into a Farmer's Market and recreation area for Woburn residents.

Now, an adjoining parcel is up for sale and could soon turn into a development. The group Save Spence Farm! has suggested the city meet the developer's price—$4.5 million—and operate a golf driving range on the site.

But Mayor Scott Galvin has reservations about the group's proposal, citing money as one of the major concerns.

Woburn Patch is publishing a Letter to the Editor from Save Spence Farm! this morning. Continue the conversation in our comments: Do you agree with the group? The mayor? Let us know!

Letter to the Editor:

To the Residents of Our City: 

You may have heard about our proposal to help prevent flooding that is endemic to the neighborhoods along Wyman St. We believe our plan for a golf driving range will address flooding issues, keep open space, prevent over development, provide opportunities for our kids and will be at no cost to the city.

Area residents who have lived in the neighborhood for 30, 40, 50 years and more are absolutely convinced that new development increases the seriousness and frequency of flooding. Despite engineering studies submitted to the contrary they have seen this happen over and over. Several houses in the Rose Farm development flooded shortly after they were built, what does that say about the engineering studies conducted there?

In a quote to the Boston Globe our city engineer said “….development of the 14-acre parcel also could exacerbate nearby flooding problems. If the city bought the parcel, it could build a storm-water retention area to the rear of the site to alleviate the flooding, potentially avoiding a planned $1.1 million drainage project…”

A driving range will keep the land from being overdeveloped and can include the needed retention pond. We have submitted a 45 page feasibility study that indicates revenues from a driving range will pay for the bond note, all operating costs, and even return money back to the city. Study after study shows the cost of increased services in a close suburban setting always exceeds additional tax revenue generated. With about 60 new houses going in along Wyman St.we should get ready to build another new, bigger school – among other city services. So which is really the most costly alternative? 

A professional golf management company would operate the facility but the city would own the land. In addition to financial requirements the management company would be obligated to conduct community events such as free golf camps for kids, “First Tee” (national youth education program), golf lessons for children of ALL abilities, etc.

Questions of noise and traffic have been raised. It seems noise from 34 lawn mowers and leaf blowers along with the other noises of daily living would exceed a quiet game like golf - they even whisper on TV. Regarding traffic - with 2 or more cars in every garage & daily trips to & from work/school, service, maintenance vehicles, FedEx, UPS, etc – that would be a toss up. So let’s let the neighbors decide which they would prefer.

It is our belief that this is a win – win plan and ask all residents to consider what is best for our community.

Sincerely,
Vincent Grillo