Lynn Waterfront project in jeopardy

LYNN – In what could prove a disastrous moment in Lynn history, city councilors Tuesday were forced to take a vote that jeopardizes $2.5 million in state funds earmarked for relocating electrical power lines on the Lynnway to further development of the waterfront.The councilors learned only minutes before the vote that the Lynn Economic Industrial Corp. (EDIC) was requesting they sanction the addition of Mayor Edward Clancy Jr.’s signature to a pending contract between the EDIC and National Grid.The EDIC presented the councilors with no copy of the contract or other documentation. EDIC Executive Director James Cowdell was conspicuously absent. Clancy, too, was not at the meeting, nor was any representative from National Grid.Instead, EDIC staffer William Bochnak addressed the council, acknowledging he has not been part of the power-line negotiations.According to Bochnak, National Grid gave EDIC until May 27 to obtain authorization from the City Council that would allow the mayor to affix his signature to the contract – which presumably would give the utility company more leverage if litigation became necessary.Under questioning by the council, Bochnak said negotiations have been progressing with “an ending in sight.” It was his understanding that the deadline was set based on a state funding cycle about to elapse.National Grid wants the mayor’s signature on the contract documents to verify the city’s $4 million bond authorization, Bochnak said.Relocating the power lines from the harbor side of the Lynnway to the opposite side of the busy road is projected to cost $5-7 million. To kick start the project, the state is making available $2.5 million in development grant monies that would help defray the $4 million in bond debt that the city plans to assume.The council vote was needed to prevent the loss of the state’s commitment, according to Bochnak.City Council President Timothy Phelan said the EDIC request was emailed to the City Council office earlier on Tuesday but was not addressed to any specific councilor.Councilor-at-large Judith Flanagan-Kennedy asked, “Why weren’t we made aware of this until less than 24 hours before the deadline?”Bochnak had no answer.She then asked, “Is anybody here from National Grid to tell us why the deadline is tomorrow?”Nobody stepped forward.”It’s like being on death row and expecting a governor’s pardon 20 minutes before they throw the switch,” said Ward 3 Councilor Darren Cyr, incensed by the predicament.Ward 2 Councilor William Trahant Jr. asked Bochnak why the council was being rushed to take a vote, adding that perhaps National Grid was seeking to get paid up front for the power line relocation before work actually gets started.”It’s unconscionable that we would be asked to vote on this,” said Councilor-at-large Paul Crowley, who motioned to table the matter and was seconded by Flanagan-Kennedy. Only Council Vice President Richard Ford voted in favor of the EDIC request, explaining he fears the loss of $2.5 million in state funds. Besides, he said, “We already approved the bond, so I don’t know why they need us tonight.”With the matter tabled by a 10-1 vote, no further discussion was allowed under Robert’s Rules of Order.”I just wish I had opportunity to ask questions,” complained Council-at-large Daniel Cahill.Ward 4 Councilor Richard Colucci, shaking his head in disgust, described the situation as typical crisis management.”Nobody can expect an city councilor to vote on any item without first knowing what it’s all about, especially something of this magnitude, with no information, no questions, no paperwork, and only hours before a City Council meeting,” Phelan said.It remained unclear why top EDIC and National Grid were absent from a meeting where such an important vote of support was anticipated.Moving the power lines is a key component of the city’s waterfront plans that relate to land just north of the General Edwards Bridge at the mouth of the Saugus River. The valuable land is owned