Development News for Medfield, Massachusetts

Filmmakers Granted Permission to Shoot Documentary on Town Property

Christopher Stevenson and his daughter Maline Stevenson presented a request to the select board for authorization to film a documentary about Robert Bubblegum Bob Kenflick on various town-owned lands. They aim to tell Bob's story, highlighting Medfield's support for him over the years. The film is intended to be a passion project, focusing on human connection and positive community stories. They assured the board of their professional approach, including liability insurance and consent forms, and committed to respecting town rules. The board discussed the potential impact of a broadly distributed film on Bob's privacy and the town's perception, emphasizing the need for sensitivity. Ultimately, the select board granted permission for the filmmakers to use town-owned land and the interior of buildings with advance notice.

Hunt Club Proposes New Trail at Medfield State Hospital, Concerns Raised Over Impact

Gil Rogers and Mike Taylor from the Norfolk Hunt Club presented a proposal to clean up and establish a new trail through the northeast corner of the Medfield State Hospital grounds. The proposed trail would connect the water tower field to a cart path leading towards Dover, aiming to keep hunt club activities away from the developing hospital grounds during construction and in the long term. Concerns were raised by board members and residents regarding the clarity of the proposed route, its proximity to neighboring properties, potential impact on wildlife habitats, and the possibility of attracting dog walkers to a horse trail. The board requested revised drawings showing the full trail route, including connections to fields A1 and A2, as well as Trinity's plans for buffer fencing and parking lot design. A site visit was proposed to better visualize the impact on abutters and the environment before a final decision is made.