Politics & Government

Hospital's Main Street Property Worries Neighbors

The Zoning Board of Appeals will make their decision regarding the hospital's property on 1021 Mina Street.

Dave Erricco is concerned about Winchester Hospital, but he's not alone. A number of residents that surround the property at 1021 Main Street are worried about what impact an influx of medical offices from the hospital could have on the neighborhood.

With a condo development located in the rear of the property and limited parking in the lot, there is a fear that an area already heavily trafficked area could become much worse.

"Parking everywhere in Winchester is a concern," said Selectman Brian O'Connor. "Every section in town there's a problem. Any development that went into that location there was going to be a problem. We need to look at the traffic problems as a whole and not individually."

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But what has raised the most concern is the fact that the town is trying to grandfather Winchester Hospital into the building. This would allow the hospital to avoid the town's bylaws. In his appeal to the town Erricco states that the building was abandoned for the last two years by the previous owners – Winchester Associates. Any building that has been abandoned for two years or more cannot be grandfathered in.

However, according to the town's Acting Building Commissioner, John Wile, that is not the case. Wile stated that he has driven by the property and believed Winchester Associates did not abandon the site. He stated that the building is in good working condition, while maintaining the sprinkler system as well as the electricity and heat at the property.

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Erricco along with the other appellants in the appeal, also stated that the previous owners signed an affidavit in January of 2007 stating that the property had been abandoned.

On Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. the Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the case and make a decision on the property.

"This isn't about the hospital, it's about having to do the proper review," said resident Peggy Schleicher. "Just because we like the hospital doesn't mean we give it everything it wants."

Whatever the decision, O'Connor believes all parties will come to a resolution.

"We haven't had a chance to sit down with the hospital yet," O'Connor said. "We've spoken to the neighbors on Friday and they are understandably concerned. They want to get to some conclusion and hear some answers. We'll have to wait until Wednesday for that.

"It'll work to everybody's satisfaction once we sit down and talk. I think it's just a matter of anxiety on both parts."

One solution O'Connor said that could alleviate some of the traffic would be to install a light at the intersection of Cross and Main Street, the intersection right down the street from the property. That intersection is also considered a Level F by the state, which is the worst rating an intersection can receive.

The hospital released the following statement regarding the property:

"The 1021 Main St. location will be used for administrative offices and office space for some longtime Winchester Hospital physicians already located in Winchester. There is ample parking available, including approximately 85 spaces at the site, as well as street parking. In addition, we anticipate minimal impact on peak morning and afternoon traffic times.

"The hospital is committed to working closely with town officials and abutters to ensure a smooth transition. In fact, the hospital has already committed to repairing an underground drainage pipe that affects 1021 Main St. and a number of abutters. The hospital will also issue PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) payments to the town on a yearly basis."   

The residents who are concerned about the property are more worried as to what would happen if the hospital is allowed to circumvent the town's bylaws. And on Tuesday night, the town will make their decision.

"I want to be clear, this has nothing to do with Winchester Hospital," Schleicher said. "We all love the hospital. This has to do with zoning and making this area safe for the people that live there."


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