Well said.

Sure, and the compromise oughta be Westford Woods public park or such with the East Boston Camps sign affiliation retained for historical and geographical location reasons, at the actual camp buildings area. Or a new sign with arrow pointing EBCs this way in. Wyman's Beach is now something else but the body of water is still Long-Sought -For Pond. If the parcel is now public let's identify it as such, and not waste so much time and hassle over a sign!

Hi R. Gagnon,

Here's the link you mentioned -- http://westfordcat.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=e5e6e70da4b6f30a48191cc2ca2ff713

Thank-you Andrew for putting the link up.

Goerge made my point for me starting at about 0:45:47. He starts rambling on about how the new people from various parts of town don't know where EBC is. I would contend that the newcomers may know where it is but they don't know what it is. Jim Gozzo's comments immediately following George's is spot on. The town of Westford owns it now. I think the name should reflect that fact for all residents to see.

The resistance to changing the name is coming from the good-ole-boys of Westford who feel that, because they have generations of family buried in the local cemetaries, they have a right to be exclusive of newcomers and deny them access to this beautiful piece of perperty by any means possible. Nobody is suggesting they give up their history and nostalgia. What I hear being suggested is that we focus ahead of us on where we are going rather than looking back all of the time and clinging to the past at the expense of the people we should be welcoming in and thanking for investing in our town.

Hey newcomers, if George is driving the Welcome Wagon, stand way off the side of the road.

When we moved to Westford in about 8 years ago, my husband and I saw the "East Boston Camps" sign and assumed it was a private summer camp. Maybe it still was at that point. At some point, another resident told me that it was now owned by the town. I think most new people driving by would assume it's privately owned unless they're told otherwise.

Anne Shirley, Westford purchased East Boston Camps in 2005. The good-ole-boys I mentioned in a previous post fought hard to keep it private for the exclusive use of the former tenant, East Boston Social Center. The actual former owner was the Hyams Foundation. Residents had to tolerate EBSC subletting the property out to other tenants and restricting access to the new owners, the residents of Westford. Very much has happened since then. We still have a few of those good-ole-boys on the ConsCom clinging to the past and renting the place out for the summer to for profit summer camp vendors for their exclusive access. This year, there is a new tennant who will be running a day camp only and is working with the residents to allow less restrictive access than ever before. but there is still a long way to go. $50,000 of our tax money per year still gets allocated to EBC, the place that wasn't going to cost tax payers a dime. Other public resources such as the money from the planning board has been funneled in to a private "charity" intent on building a new bath house that we the public will not have access to.

I think that renaming East Boston Camps to something that reflects the ownership and free access to all of the residents of Westford, not only those approved by the afore mentioned good-ole-boys, would go a long way in raising awareness for newcomers and old timers alike that this property belongs to all of us. Not only those who know the history.

Good ole boys? Good ole boys keeps getting put out there....have some respect for those in the graves that built the great town it is today.

Get a grip Seth. I'm talking about those people who think they are owed something just because they have realtives buried in the local cemetaries. Somehow, their agendas are more important than any 20+ year blow-ins. I wholeheartedly dissagree with them. Everybody pays taxes so everbody has an equal say. 1st year residents or people whose family name is etched in stone over the front door of the library. People who feel they are important because of things that someone else has done rather than their own work and accomplishments and those who support them are the biggest problem with our local government. Respect is earned, not passed on from generation to generation.

Everybody pays taxes so everbody has an equal say....totally agree. But the attacks are counter productive. The people who once were campers and or staff that have commented have only expressed feelings, thoughts and constructive feedback. The return dialogue towards these individuals has been....just plain mean spirited. And this Mr Fletcher should not be on on the sign the family is well represented in the towns history however history suggest the name should not be changed. History has a place....you may fire back and say " someone else's history" that argument is old. I drive buy the sign three times per week...and I hold no grudge about.... a sign.

I've been making the argument that its somebody else's history since Westford bought the place. Just because an argument is old doesn't make it any less legitimate. There are a lot of people who do not want to put up a new sign at the entrance for historical reasons and some just to keep newcomers at bay. The history belongs to EBSC and the property belongs to the tax payers. Its time the sign at the entrance make both groups aware of what that property is today. Not what it used to be at the probable exclusion of the people who are paying for it today.

You are not a Westford resident qualifies you to stay out the discussion.
Residents of Westford have been denied use of the soon to be Westford Woods during the Summer mounts by a bunch of bleeding heart progressives that enjoy to impose their views upon the working man.

Hi Andrea,

If you need to use "$"s and "&"s for a word, you probably shouldn't use it. I think that word you meant to say is probably fine under the terms of use, but just a heads up

Well, that's a pretty inconsiderate statement from someone preaching to be more compassionate, given I have an autistic child. He doesn't need a cure, thankyouverymuch. He's perfect just the way he is. It's the ignorant people of the word seeking to "cure" rather than "understand" who are the problem.

As for the sign, I agree it should be changed to Westford Woods, with signage reflecting that at the entrance. Have a small plaque or sign commemorating the history of the camps, and call it good. Time to turn the page, it's a new chapter.

Amber I apologize .............that was very inconsiderate of me. I think I was heated when I wrote this so I was just typing away. My sister is a teacher and ONLY works with children who have autism she has been for 15 years. Again I am sorry. I should not have said "cure" !

Thank you for the apology.

No thank you.....for pointing out my ignorance. I preach put yourself in someone else's shoes and I did not do that.I should know better,having a special needs niece and a nephew born with no ear (Golden-Har syndrome ).They are perfect and if someone stated lets try to "cure" them my response would be let's try to cure your ignorance. Thank you again.........

Adult residents seeking to use the property for hikes or fishing or other recreational activities WERE denied use of the property.

Nobody is suggesting Westford remove the East Boston Camps sign. What is being proposed is to move the EBC sign into the woods where the camp actually is and install a sign at the road that reflects the new era of that property. A lot of people have history there and all the fond memories that goes along with it. But, that is your history. It is not the history of the people who are now burdened with paying for it and maintaining it. It is only fair that the name be changed to reflect the non-exclusive access that we the public now have. The days of being denied access by a group that never owned the property, only occupied it as tennants, are over. It is open to all and the sign at the main entrance at the road,should reflect the fact that the days of exclusion are over. Residents, visitors from out of town and camp alumni are all welcome now. That is the impression that people should have when they drive by without having to go home and "Google" it first.

4:21 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013

Sinead would you please stop by the Westford Tax Collector's office and leave a contribution of at least $100 anytime you visit Westford Woods previously known as EBC.
BTW Did your presence here in 1995/96 take away an employment opportunity from a good red blooded American teenager or is it the result of the racial discrimination actions of EBSC. OMG The race card being played.
Check with BoS office and ask hem for the 2006 roster of campers. You will see no Latinos, Asian or African-American on the roster and only one Westford resident.

Some of you are just anti programs.....Seeing that you have issues even with the new tenant supplying children entertainment. Jesse some of your comments are clueless accusations and personal attacks on character when some of those that comment are just trying to make a point. So glad you guys are not the majority of this town and only the few. Put some of that passion in some real topics your town would benefit....other then a sign that bothers you at night while you sleep.

Thomas, it isn't JUST about the sign - it's the principle. It's town-owned, publicly accessible property now. The name and signage should make the current status obvious to any member of the public, not just the been-here-long-enough-to-remember residents who know.

And I always find it amusing that the opposite side in ay debate resorts to minimizing the support of the opposition ("vocal minority", "only the few") and accusations about their character/posts ("clueless accusations", "personal attacks", "angry").

It's always preferable to be vocal about topics you are passionate about. But it's kind of funny to engage in making disparaging comments about them while downplaying their cause, instead of making your case about your cause. I wonder if it's because they feel threatened or just lack the ability to keep the debate on-point and factual.

Ya, all the warm fuzzy stories about other peoples' kids bla bla bla. Next we'll be hearing the story about poor kid who's life was turned around at EBC and ended up working as a big box store manager in Nashua. All made up fiction that has been run by the people of Westford over and over again in an effort to convince them they should subzidize a private summer camp facility "for the children".

Why Sam I am I do pay taxes on a home in Westford ,I just do not occupy it.......I rent it out .My commute to work was hell so I moved closer to the city. Just to clarifyI my above statement about not being a resident but I do pay taxes on my property.

Awesome. Your point is?

My point is you asked a question and I answered it. Did you not want an answer? Usually when a person questions something they are looking for an answer.

You can always get a group of your friends and buy it back after the state legislature and a variety of busy bodies will have approve the transfer of land.
The taxpayers of Westford are looking at an increase of 10 to 15% on their real state taxes for FY15 just to maintain current services. This parcel is costing the town ~$1,000,000/year for the next 8 years.
BTW This parcel is not ADA accessible and I have severe damage to my legs due to a 5 year vacation in French Indochina so I have only been in Westford Woods 5 times and to the lake twice.

Was going to not further respond to these ridiculous comments until I read this. I would like to see a copy of the police report from when you were assaulted by one of those ferocious camp councilors. Hey...besides your eye witness account throw in some evidence to prove George's fuel spill! I hope you put just as much passion into meaningful causes...the world would be a better place if you did.....and once again thank you for all your hard work clearing the trails!

This is an exerpt from the official report regarding Goerge's oil spill. The formatting is screwed up and the entire PDF document is too large to fit in a post. Give me your address and I'll gladly mail it to you.

The police reports for most of the various assaults are a matter of public record available at the police station in case you have any doubts. Hohn Kelly's vieled threats are also a matter of record recorded in the BoS meeting minutes. Many eye/ear witnesses to that as well.

"Late yesterday afternoon (December 6 at approx. 3:30 PM), George Fletcher, the Caretaker for
the East Boston Camps property owned by the Westford Conservation Commission, was
working in the camps removing trees damaged in the October snow storm and using the tractor
to move the downed material around.
As he was leaving the woods, just above the paved section, he ran over a stump. It is believed
that a section of the stump got caught up in the underside of the tractor and punctured the fuel
tank or line. This caused a leak of diesel fuel, extending for an estimated 1,750 linear feet as the
tractor exited the property. This length is approximated based on markings on the primarily dirt
road which were caused as the tractor dragged the section of stump that was caught up in the
tractor.
Mr. Fletcher became aware of the leak when he exited the tractor to lock the gate to the camp,"

Here's the next few lines of the report:
"then drove the tractor to his residence at 3 Plain Road, a distance of approximately 1,500 feet.
Mr. Fletcher reports that the 18 gallon tank was approximately ¼ full when he started work, so it
is estimated that up to 4 gallons of diesel fuel were released along the travel path from the
paved section of road in EBC out to 3 Plain Road.
I was notified of this event this morning by the Westford Fire Department, and I informed the
Board of Health of the incident.
At the first report of the incident, the Highway Department accessed the site and spread some
Speedy Dry absorbent material on the spill area on the pavement. I met Joe Ingalls on site, and
his crew is in the process of scraping the top ½ inch of soil to remove as much of the fuel on the
gravel section of roadway as possible. The material will be removed to the Highway Facility site
and stored under cover in the salt shed with containment features around it."

What is the most telling aspect of this incident and really reflects George's level of care and concern for his beloved camps is the fact that he became aware of it when he exited the tractor to lock the gate and he just left it. I saw it the next morning and I reported it. Not George. George said it was a maximum of 4 gallons that were spilled. But according to the report, the spill went on for some 1,750 feet. I saw the fuel floating on top of the rainwater spilling off the road into the woods and toward the bog. For the entire 1750 feet, the smell was so strong you could almost taste it. Given the fact that George knew about it and didn't report it at the time that it happened and the extent of the spill, my estimate would be much more than the 4 gallons that he said. But I'm sure you would rather trust him on this one. I don't.

Karen kudos to you for understanding and looking at the whole picture. I do agree with you I have been visiting the Town of Westford and vacationing there for over 35 years and today it is not the small amazing town I remember instead it is very much overdeveloped. I also agree as I stated above even if the name changes I have my memories and that to me is fine. I am at point after seeing some of the above comments (not your comment) that maybe the name should be changed. The camp was an AMAZING place that many enjoyed as staff and campers, some people who have commented in a very nasty way are ruining the memories we hold they are making us out to be horrible people .I can honestly say as I read over and over the comments baffled, it is bullying at it's best. A bunch of adults bashing each other no wonder why we have the problems we do with bullying today these people are raising our future! Again thank you for respecting the memory of the camp......if they all commented so sensibly like you have I would be gung-ho about the name change.

In retrospect, IMHO Westford taxpayers would have been financially better off if 60 or 70 Mac Mansions would have been built at >$1,500,000 (waterfront property etc) for the generation of taxes. Most of the residents of the land would have sent their children to private schools and demanded little in town services. The $100 million of assessed real state would generate more than $14 million/year that plus not having the PIT on Westford Woods would generate an $15 million/year in revenue for the town. Our employees could be competitively paid,long deferred capital equipment purchased and maybe a reduction on the tax rate.

Really!! And the road to the Land of the Wise and Powerful Wizard of OZ begins at EBSC offices in East Boston?
15 great summers as a beneficiary of the Hyams Foundation who in 2006 decided that they had enough of supporting an organization that did not reflect the ethnic and racial composition of East Boston in the new millennium and sold the camps.

Ummmm Karen I hope you take all of your ideas to the decision makers.Your ideas are AMAZING.I agree some of the buildings are in disarray and should go,the girls camp(Waki) is terrible.Please consider writing a proposal..........you deserve to be heard!

Nice ideas Karen...while some choose to attack some choose to think, thank you! Great ideas!

I respect that

You have provided a very good description of a free loader. Add the 47% to the FL group and you have over 80% of the legal US population. Add the illegals and you now approach 90% of the population.
I do not respect the values and attitudes of any of the 90% which is my right under my freedom of association rights.

Thank you Andrea. Thoughts create feelings and feelings create response. Thank you for trying to change the thinking on this site and putting it on a path to rationalism and consideration of all feelings from each party. I do want what's best for the property and just want to be part a constructive and well thought out discussion.

Mark we can go through this thread remove the names from the comments and I have complete confidence we could figure out who went to EBC and who did not......based on responses. We as former campers,counselors are just asking for valid points and when the ones like Karen are stating valid points we respect that BUT when the supporters of EBC comment and state our thoughts we get bashed.........hmmmmmm maybe some of those bashers would have benefited from a little EBC in there lives. They may have not turned out so angry!

Then you end your comment by name-calling, after suggesting people work to cure autistic individuals...something only an intolerant bully would suggest. That's kind of hypocritical. I find both very nasty - so how is it you lecture other about being nasty whilst making your own nasty comments?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

3:13 pm on Saturday, March 16, 2013

It is laughable that outsiders are charging Westford taxpayers with being bullies.
These individuals should stop by the Westford police station and request a list of the associates , former campers and counselors of EBSC who have threatened and assaulted Westford residents. One woman has been threatened several times and stalked by these pillars the EBSC community.

Pillars...wow. According to my research...crime has risen in Westford since the camp closed. it is unfortunate that these, rare, things occurred through the years. More good, came from the east Boston Social Center....I assure you.

MB: Correlation does not equal causation. Are you really trying to make the argument that crime has risen because EBSC is no longer there? Because, remember, we HAVE had camp programs in there since then and will most likely continue to.

Well said Billy

"When all give, all gain"
What exactly did East Boston Social Center give to Westford? It seems that a lot of camp alumni and non residents are looking for Westford to give, give, give. But the only thing I ever see EBC people do is take, take take. Besides the obvious warm and fuzzy feelings, where is the promised "gain" to the tax payers of Westford for continuing to subsidize summer camps?
Westford residents and taxpayers are already "giving" some $6M so that all can "gain" by having free and open access to all. Isn't that enough for you people?

Shared and enjoyed by the taxpayers of Westford, I can accept that.
It is time that the individuals who are not real estate taxpayers of Westford accept that time moves on. And guess what? You will not be allowed to vote or speak on the changing of the name to Westford Woods.
Furthermore, all town boards have voted to support the name change including the Conservation Commission.

I understand my voice has no value when it comes to a vote sir. However, activism in a cause is much more effective. I have already contacted 5 of the 10 families I know in Westford and I know how they are voting...after all I only live in the next town. I was actually thinking about moving to Westford, I hope we have an opportunity to work together one day as residents! One thing I do appreciate from all of you is your passion for community....it will only make your town stronger.

Well said Sam..........After much thought I can agree the name change should happen. The sign at the entrance should be changed with the East Boston Camps sign being relocated somewhere on the property. Just for the sake of history and being able to tell the story of how 2 wonderful sisters tried giving back.In the 1930's, tuberculosis was a great scourge, especially in East Boston. Isabel and Sarah Hyams thought they could help the inner-city children by providing a "Fresh Air Camp" in the country.

Fletcher's name should definitely NOT be part of the new name. When Westford bought the place it was in deplorable condition and had gotten that way under the care of Fletcher. His so-called care has been a legacy of neglect. And it continues that way while he collects his $25K per year from Westford tax payers. There is evidence to support this earlier in this thread and a link to the oil spill story that Andrew supplied.

Profit from the soon to be renamed EBC? You must be kidding.
Like Forest Gump , who never saw the million dollars from his "million dollar wound" since the Army must have kept it, I have yet to see a $1 of profit from that property.
Westford Woods will be enjoyed by all taxpayers of Westford.

Exactly right Sam. I have always felt we should raze those rodent infested buildings and use the land for passive recreation without the necesity of rebuilding and maintaining a town sponsored summer camp facility.

Mark there are many Fletcher family lines in Westford. One Kenard Fletcher whose family owned Fletcher quarries. Another Flecther who owns Nashoba Ski Hill and the Fletcher family that owned the farm at the intersection of Cold Springs and Depot Rd.
If the tens of thousands (?) of campers, that for the most part excluded Westford residents, want to create a memorial to commemorate George Fletcher family then they should raise $242,000 to reimburse the town of Westford the money shorted by the proponents of the EBC purchase and $500,000 to build a memorial for the George Fletcher family. Based on your number of tens of thousands of campers that would require a contribution of less than $75 from all the very successful ex-East Boston residents who where the beneficiaries of the Hyams foundation.

OK buckley. I was there watching the results of the fuel oil spill he left behind in Dec. 2011. The one he just drove away from. I saw the fuel oil floating on top of the rain water washing into the woods towards the bog. I've been there clearing trail blockages that were left for months because he does not perform the duties spelled out in his job description as caretaker. If our $25K per year caretaker had any real work ethic, the place would have been in much better condition and Westford wouldn't be spending thousands in water bills for leaky toilets and gas bills to heat cabins that aren't being used during the winter because he didn't feel like winterizing the plumbing. The caretaker job he supposedly does is nothing more than a scam he has been pulling over on the Westford tax payers since we bought the place. I don't need you telling me about his work ethic. I've seen the resultsd of his work ethic myself and continue to pay for it, thank-you.

Qualified!!! According to the 2006 roster of campers that EBSC provided the Westford Board of Selectmen, you had to be a member or descendant of the EBSC cadre.
Campers from New Hampshire and well to do inner suburbs of 128 made up over 80% of the attendees.
In your mind Many = 3 or maybe 4
Camper safety?? Unlike East Boston and the areas in which EBSC members reside, Westford has a crime rate which is 1% that of the national averages.

Bitter sarcasm!! How can you say that with a straight face. Having our hospitality abused and our female residents assaulted by big hairy macho men associated with EBSC leads me to want the beasts to be banished.
One can only have constructive debate with informed individuals. Based on your posts and others, it seems that you and yur associates are uniformed of the issues.
No need to debate. EBC will be renamed Westford Woods.

Check with the police. I'm pretty sure certain of those threatening alums have been permanently banned from EBC. Sounds like a security threat to me.

If you are indeed a LEO as you claim, it won't be hard for you to look up and see which EBSC alums have been banned. Also, reading comprehension plays a part here, THOSE individuals which have been banned CLEARLY are a security threat. Unless you were the one banned, I'm not quite certain how you managed to twist that comment around to being about you.

Too bad the town had a new metered electric service installed. It takes away from the EBC's history of jumping the power through the old unmetered socket and stealing power from the power company for years. Ahhh history. Which part will you share with the kids? The nice flowery stuff or the stuff that only came to light after EBSC was out of there?

Honestly the good,the bad the ugly I tell it all. I make certain when I tell a story to my kids I tell it like it is.....there is no sugar coating. If I sugar coated everything my kids would grow up to be pushovers. My 14 year old has read every post on here followed by a discussion.We have talked about how you and I are paying taxes on a property that has caused so many problems to the residents. I can only say I have tried my hardest to see both sides and I do agree with most of the points being made by all parties.....BUT what the hell? Help me understand WHY no matter how much we (PRO EBC) try to understand and agree and rationalize, you the residents of Westford ( I rent my home out so I do not consider myself a resident) bash and insult us ? I am sorry, I truly am! If I was being a freaking jerk I can understand if you bashed me BUT I AM NOT AND NEITHER IS MARK along with others BUT you just keep bashing WTH.....Why is my opinion not worthy of a calm and reasonable response? FOR GODS SAKE I am a single Mom who WORKS her ASS OFF 40 hours a week. I am not on welfare I pay taxes and yes in Westford why can you not just be freaking nice..................I am not a young punk who is out to prove herself, I am not an old grump who is set in her ways, I am just a past camper,present tax payer who wants to give her opinion an opinion that can be respected and appreciated. Give me a break...........a person will respect your opinion if you respect there opinion!

That's good that you see it from both sides. From the time that Westfoird bought the EBC property in order to protect it from developement, we have been lied to, accused of being selfish, had our desire to access all of that which we now own ignored, been called wealthy silver spooned snobs, been threatened and assaulted and the list goes on. Sorry if I am a bit gun shy when EBC supporters come around and inject their opinions into a conversation that many of them have no stake in. If things had been a little more civil from the start (remember John Kelly's threatening posturing?) perhaps those who actually do have a stake in EBC would be a bit more receptive. But it was EBC supporters who drew first blood and set the tone. We were just trying to enjoy what we have and look to the future. EBC supporters wanted nothing of it and insisted on clinging to the past and were quite willing to put Westford in a precarious and expensive legal position and have demonstrated that they were ready for a no holds barred fight to do so. So, now, thanks to the MA procurement laws that municipalities must abide by, they are gone. I would like to say good riddance and simply nod hello when I see them walking the trails not knowing who they are, but they keep coming back trying to sway opinions with their "do it for the children" stories. I simply counter them with the real story behind how we got to where we are and make people aware that EBC supporters don't care about the taxpayers' access.

You also might want to lay off the CAPS. Why is it so important to you that you identify yourself as "a single Mom who WORKS her ASS OFF 40 hours a week. "?
Some of us would love it if we could back off to 40 hrs a week. It has no bearing on this. And your friend mark seems to feel the need to identify himself as a LEO. Who cares? Nobody is yelling at you guys like you yell at us. We are just countering your warm fuzzies about your summer caqmp experiences and desire to keep things as they were with the fact that things are not the same as they used to be and its time to move on. You still have access to the place like we all do. Nobody is telling you can't go there with your family and friends and reminisce about the good old days. What I and many others are saying is we are tired of paying money to support other peoples' fond memories.

Andrea: Travel back up the thread and check some of the comments made by you and Mark Buckley. They are not all civil of tone, nor are they stick-to-the-facts debate-worthy material. Some have been very harsh in word and tone. It's not something that bothers me personally, but I find the hypocrisy of the statements entertaining. You're pointing out the splinter in your neighbor's eye while ignoring the plank in yours, if I recall the biblical parable correctly.

Great guys don't scam the tax payers. I was tossing you a lifeline out of this dead end conversation. Nobody cares that you are a LEO. That fact, and your opinion on the matter have no bearing on this conversation. You just came here with a few other EBC people to act as shills for the status quo encouraged by some bleeding heart Westford people who are too afraid to show themselves. Good luck to you too buckley.

Freudo- You are on the wrong topic. In Massachusetts, school committees are the only departments that are only subject to bottom line budget control. In other words any line item that is displayed on a school committee budget is only for entertainment purposes. School committees can hide money set aside for employee pay raises in other line items. In the past this was usually done in the utilities budgets, teacher salaries accounts and supplies. The FY14 town budget has $100,000 in the HR line item as reserves for contracts. This line item can be used to fund salary increases for town employees and nothing else.
I stated that I had not been able to identify line items within the school committee proposed budget that would have in the neighborhood of a million $ or so to cover the cost of steps, COLAs, etc.
The unusual SPED number for FY14 that has been announced as $450K+ plus for one student that is moving into Westford in Sept. 2014 to $275K plus other out of the district placement to bring the tally to $450K.
The Supt. announced the retirement of 12? teachers (These individuals are at top step, etc). The retirement of 12 teachers for FY14 would free up $240,000 plus in the teacher payroll item.
Freudo, I hope that this is sufficient substantiation.
I suggest that you talk to a legal scholar about public officials being libeled or slandered. The "libel" and "slander" , etc aimed at POTUS Bush II could not be prosecuted under US laws.
LONG LIVE The 1st Amendment

What I'd like to know is how/why they are budgeting any monies "in anticipation of" a student moving to Westford. FIRST the student has to establish residency. THEN the appropriate school team meets to assess the former IEP from the sending district (if any), THEN they do their own assessments, THEN they write their own IEP for the student.

It sounds kind of fishy to me...and just another way to blame the SPED program for budget issues.

Please note that my guesses are based on previous legal maneuvering by the school committee.

A public official??? Have you watched WestCAT in the past 6 months?
Is like a real time video of inmates in an insane asylum discussing methods of revenue enhancement.
i.e. "The voters in Westford are very intelligent. We can easily educated them."
Yes like in 1996 and 2006. There is always the trash fee card or multiple illegal speed traps or Medical Marijuana shops.

Being a community activist does not relegate one to rubber stamping whatever TPTB do or say just because one lives in "a great community". In some ways Westford IS a great community. In others, not so much. Always room for improvement, and community activists who keep the establishment honest go a long way to making those improvements.

Buy a house in Westford. You sound like the 47% and the 80% all rolled into one.

I prefer signage reading "public access" and "for use by" rather than "the benefit of".

This prince-like name is sure to make all happy: The Forest formerly known as East Boston Camps

Dick, the town didn't buy the property for the camp. It bought it because it was one of the largest undeveloped parcels in the town and would likely have been snapped up by developers for housing.

Yes, we paid millions for the parcel, but it was smart money well spent. If the land had been turned into a sea of 40B townhomes and condos, the impact on town resources would be huge...for decades.

That said, now that we own it, we have the right to call it whatever we want, regardless of what the former campers and other "friends" want. As I said at the top of this nutty thread, none of the people complaining so stridently about the proposed name change on one sign and documents have any issue with the name of the entire town (!) being different from its original name. Mr. Fletcher's family has likely been here since the town was known as West Chelmsford.

Westford Woods it is, for the entire property. The creepy ramshackle cabins and dilapidated ground immediately around them are the Former Site of East Boston Camps.

Agreed. If anyone is asking the town to pay for any renovations, then it should be for the benefit of the town's ongoing summer recreation programs.

Why do you appreciate the fact that Andrea is not showing you any class? Appreciating? Really! That just proves its personal to you. The people from this old camp ground have only showed appreciation for the land. The camp people worked for the camp...and the parent company seems to be this EBSC. Your issue is with the EBSC and not with those who want the best for this land. I was just in boxed...and it was explained to me that most people from the camps back in the day wanted the EBSC to give them more funding for infrastructure. They did not get the funding through the years and resorted to fund raisers...all of it on their own. At the end of the day these " rodent infested cabins" (gagnon) would not be if the center gave the people who worked at the camp the funding. The individuals who respect this fine land would make better allies then foes. Many years ago I was walking my dog through the trails and I was not sure of the right path. A counselor showed me the way...without assaulting me! These are people...and real feelings. Make them part of the conversation....it will be a better place. In peace.

Everybody who has posted anything on this (excepting maybe jamal) only wants whats best for the preservation of the property. Some, want to preserve it for human exploitation on the Westford taxpayers' dime. Others just want to protect the natural beauty, natural resources and wildlife habitats and let nature take over the camp area.
You're correct that it was EBSC that threw their beloved summer camps under the bus by not funding them. They wanted the camps. They should have been ready to pony up with the money to fund them. Instead, they tried getting the new owners to pay for them. I was delighted to see how it worked out for them and glad to see them go.