Open-land use will be put to Saugus voters

SAUGUS – After years of indecision the voters will get to decide whether the town-owned Curley property should be used to build a school, expand the cemetery or be left as open space. “I’ve been battling this a long time,” said Cemetery Commission Chairman Dennis Gould. “Let’s settle it once and for all.”Gould asked the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday to place a question on the November ballot that, if approved, would transfer control of the Curley property from the town to the Cemetery Commission.The commission has been trying to gain control of 26.6 acres of the 63.3 acre property that lies behind Kohl’s, off Walnut Street. The property is rocky, uneven and contains at least 15 acres of wetlands, but it is also the last large buildable lot in town.Taken by eminent domain “before I was born,” Gould said, according to the deed the property can only be used for municipal or school purposes.The School Department has eyed the property as one of the only possible places to build a new school, but Gould said it is also the only open space in which to expand the cemetery.”There are 180 graves left, that’s it,” he said. “Under Massachusetts Law Section 114, it says that municipalities are responsible for providing burial space for residents. (Selectmen) have the opportunity to fulfill that.”Selectman Stephen Horlick suggested rather than asking voters to vote up or down on a cemetery expansion, why not ask what they would like to see on the property.Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino said, “I thought that was a good idea that Mr. Horlick had.”Gould agreed.”I was fine with that,” he said. “I don’t know how they will do it but I hope it doesn’t sway people into pitting the cemetery versus the schools because that’s not how it should be.”Serino said the board will ask Town Counsel John Vasapolli to fashion the ballot question that will go before voters in November.Gould said if the idea of expanding the cemetery is shot down he will likely step down from the commission.”If we’re not going to move forward with expansion then I will probably resign,” he said. “This has been never ending but my job will be done.”