During the Selectmen's meeting, the Board approved the re-precincting plan, despite some negative comments. They also concluded their discussion of the noise bylaw exemption from last week, promoted two police officers, and previewed Flag Day. 

Re-Precincting

[Correction 9:24 a.m. Thursday]

The Board of Selectmen approved an amended version of the reprecincting plan which moved the Heath School back into Precinct 14. In the previous version, the school had been in Precinct 13. The map originally posted is the previous version, which does not include that change.

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Selectman Richard Benka began the discussion by quoting an e-mail from a former selectman. Michael Merrill said, in an e-mail "The proposed redistricting plan does some serious injustice to Precinct 14. It seems as if Precinct 14 has been used to solve all of the abutting Precincts' problems, and now we stretch from Beacon Street to Hellenic College." 

He also noted that he understands the challenges of the re-precincting process, as he was Chairman of the Board during the 1990 process. 

The Board certified their approval of an updated Reprecincting plan, which included the decision to shift The Heath School back into Precinct 14. The plan will be presented to the State for final approval. 

"I really do want to thank you for your work. It is an arduous task, and you did a great job," Benka added, to the members of the Re-Precincting Committee. 

Noise Bylaw Exemption

At last week's meeting, Paul Stein, owner of Chestnut Motors on Route 9, requested a noise bylaw exemption for deliveries to his property after the 11 p.m. cut-off set by the town's bylaw. This week, he began by apologizing that it turned out to be "a waste of time."

Chair of the Selectmen, Betsy DeWitt commented that it was not a waste of time, because "we have now learned where the deliveries come from."

She also noted that the Police had spoken with owners of a gas station across the street, and have reminded them that they are in Brookline and subject to their bylaws. 

The sticking point seemed to be the lack of guarantees from the supplier of both stations, Cumberland Farms, and the random forces of supply and demand. Stein explained that he is not certain when he will need a delivery, and the suppliers give a large window of time during which they may show up. 

"It's like Comcast," he noted. 

The Board ultimately denied the request. They were concerned about precedent, although the neighboring gas station said they had no interest in applying for an exemption. Another concern they expressed was with the lack of guarantees about delivery times. 

"You are making an effort to address the traffic issues, and I thank you for that," Selectman Benka added, before the vote. "I thank you as a responsible businessman in town trying to fix an issue."

Flag Day

In preparation for the Brookline Flag Day celebration, Richard Allen and Michael Merrill, co-chairs of the Flag Day Committee presented the wide number of different activities the event will feature. Face painting, and a dunk tank--featuring Allen in what he called a "Canadian bathing suit"--as well as a parade, a kids race, and a 5k fun run. These events all begin on June 19, at about noon.

"The sun will shine on Brookline, Sunday, June 19. Father’s day. We want everyone to come out," Allen commented.

The Brookline Police also announced earlier that a number of roads will be closed for part of the day on Sunday. Harvard and Washington Streets mentioned as those closed from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the road race, and they warned of delays Beacon Street intersection with Harvard Street for the parade.