Plymouth: Selectmen announce coordinated effort with PRA–but some are skeptical

It was with an air of optimism that a cooperative effort between the Plymouth Board of Selectmen and the Redevelopment Authority, or PRA, was announced by Selectman Chair Matt Muratore Tuesday night. This joint effort involves writing an RFP to develop the 1820 Court House Corridor. But events that evening—at another meeting–showed that perhaps that optimism is misguided.

Bob Wollner, chairman of the PRA commented on Selectman Chair Matt Muratore’s announcement:

“We’ve had several meetings in the past, trying to smooth out some of the rough spots that have taken place over the past couple of years, and it appears at this point that we are able to work together.”

Working together was not what town meeting member Kevin Doyle observed when he attended the 1820 Consortium meeting also held at town hall Tuesday night. At this meeting, the new appointees to the 1820 Consortium, Karen Buecks, Steve Lydon, and John Moody were present:

“I was just appalled by the amount of disrespect, Mr. Rizzo, the Chairman, showed the new members that were coming in. He didn’t introduce them he ignored them—they sat right next to him—gave them no handouts. He acted like they weren’t even in the room. My frustration: he’s not going to work with them, and we need to get this courthouse moving. He’s making it clear that he’s not going to make it easy.”

Doyle says the project does not have his support:

“As a town meeting member, right now, I’m not comfortable offering any funds forward on this program until I see better leadership and cooperation between this group and the public.”

Dean Rizzo Chairs the 1820 Courthouse Consortium and is Secretary of the PRA.