Major Controversy

Both the Sunday Globe and the Brookline TAB today had major articles about the recent purchase of the 12 Catlin Road property on Fisher Hill. Now, if you want the overview of the story, the links cover it. Why is this such an interesting story? This is not a social or political blog, so I'll let everyone make their own decisions on this.

Where this story gets interesting is with the application or more correctly the protection of the Dover Amendment. In certain cases communities have exempted businesses and organizations from "Dover" protection. Harvard is no longer protected in Cambridge, for example, because of their size and ability to purchase land necessary for their uses.

Would it be possible for Brookline to step in here? First, I find it very unlikely because we're dealing with a house of worship and not a business entity or educational monster. I believe the Mormon Church is smart enough and large enough that they can get plans to the town and the community that make them realize that this is not a huge disruption.

Now, I happen to have a tiny bit of inside insight here. I did a listing presentation at this property a while ago. My indication is this is a very proud neighborhood filled with people very protective of their privacy and their exclusivity. One thing they are forgetting is there's a college in the middle of their neighborhood too. Now, the college is not on Catlin road, but it's in the middle of Fisher Hill, and the traffic implications of that institution are a lot greater than this property which is as far on the outskirts of the neighborhood as possible.

Again, my guess is plans will be submitted, the neighborhood activists will speak their piece, and the project will be settled amicably between the neighbors and the Church. Let's face it, we live in Brookline, one of the most unique communities around. It would be very unlike us to start excluding a religious organization.

In closing, Happy New Year to all of those celebrating today, and as always please keep the Breast Cancer Research Fund in mind.