Subdivision issues remain unresolved

SAUGUS – While there have been some improvements, the Board of Selectmen continues to keep the pressure on Bellevue Heights developer Jack Mallon.The board has conducted two site visits, on Oct. 18 and Nov. 8, in response to public safety concerns raised by resident Ferruccio Romeo at the board’s Oct. 7 meeting. A third visit is scheduled for Dec. 6.Chairman Ellen Faiella said that during the Nov. 8 visit, Mallon committed to completing the fencing project, replacing the bulbs in three light posts, adding signage and putting fill between the sidewalks and curbs. In addition, Mallon said he would also put jersey barriers between Hitching Hill Road and the adjacent 50-foot dropoff.Faiella said Mallon plans to have the project completed by next year.”Hopefully, the promises that have been made by the developer will have been kept,” she said, adding that the Planning Board still has an active role in the project.”There’s a litany of things that need to be done,” said Selectman Stephen Castinetti. “It’s not fair to the people in the neighborhood.”Castinetti said Mallon’s next test will come in the spring when roadwork will need to be done.”I’d like to take him at his word,” said Castinetti.Romeo said that as of Nov. 18 the jersey barriers had been put in and one of three light bulbs had been replaced. “He’s changed the one, he hasn’t changed the other two,” said Romeo.Faiella said she was baffled as to why it was taking Mallon so long to change the light bulbs.”I don’t think that would be something that’s difficult to achieve,” she said. “That surprised me.”Romeo also said the signage and fencing issues have yet to be rectified. “We’re still waiting on the stop signs,” he said.During the Nov. 8 visit, Mallon said the fencing on his lots would be done the following week.”Mr. Mallon has not completed his fencing,” said Romeo.Regarding the placement of the jersey barriers, Faiella asked Romeo if they were “light post to light post. That’s what I have in my notes,” she said.Romeo said that was not case unless Mallon plans on receiving additional barriers.Faiella asked temporary Town Manager Robert Palleschi to speak with Mallon about the location of the barriers.Palleschi said he would, but was reluctant to do so. “The trouble is I never heard him commit to light post to light post,” he said.”Oh, I think he did, that was agreed upon,” Faiella responded.Mallon did not return calls seeking comment.