Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020 Voting often and early Talking about top town goals T Selectmen eye bank building for Cliftondale parking By Mark E. Vogler Tuesday’s State/Presidential Election had already drawn 43 percent of the town’s registered voters as of Wednesday (Oct. 28). That includes the Absentee Ballot, mail-in voting and In Person Early Voting – which concludes today (Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon) at the Saugus Public Library. Will President Donald Trump take Saugus again – like he did four years ago when he was elected to his first term? See Page 3 for a balanced take on that and other questions answered by Saugus Democratic Town Committee Chair Joseph Malone and Saugus Republican Town Committee Chair Jim Harrington in this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) own officials have been lamenting the closure of multiple businesses in Cliftondale Square since the outbreak of COVID-19 back in March. But with the announced closure of the North Shore Bank branch on Lincoln Avenue coming later in the year, Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini and other town officials see an opportunity that could address a scarcity of parking that would help to revitalize commerce in that part of town. “This is something that we shouldn’t let pass by and go to the highest bidder,” Cicolini told his colleagues during a work session on goals and objectives prior to Tuesday night’s (Oct. 27) regular business meeting of the Board of Selectmen. He suggested that town officials meet soon with bank representatives and express an interest in buying the building at 481 Lincoln Ave.; once the town acquires the property, it should have the building torn down and clear the way for a parking lot. “I think it’s a prime place where we could do a lot of work,” Cicolini said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree urged Cicolini to curb his enthusiasm about his suggestion so it won’t spoil any plans the town might have of acquiring the property. “I would just say that we’re not that interested in it,” Crabtree quipped. “I don’t want to see the price go up,” he added. The town manager said he had a relationship with representatives of the bank and told the board he would “reach out” to them. In an interview later in the week, Crabtree called it “a great suggestion by the selectman (Cicolini). Crabtree said the town’s Planning and Economic Development Department is already looking at ways in which the overlooked business area of town could be revitalized At Tuesday’s meeting Cicolini and other selectmen agreed that it is time to put the revitalization of Cliftondale Square on the list of the board’s top priorities. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley said she is encouraged about the future of Cliftondale Square while noting that the property that encompasses the North Shore Bank loan center next to the bank could be a key part of any town plans. “First, I’m thrilled that the Board recognizes Cliftondale as a priority. For Cliftondale to reach its potential, the long-running parking issue will definitely need to be addressed, and purchasing and razing the specific property at 481 Lincoln Ave. for a municipal parking lot is a creative idea to help solve the parking issue,” Riley said in an interview later. “That property alone could add 20-25 additional parking spots in Cliftondale. And the idea to meter the parking to help offset the upfront investment – the Town Manager is going to reach out to the owner, and I am excited to hear the owner’s response. I’ve lived in Cliftondale my entire GOALS | SEE PAGE 16
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