Yentile Development Committee Holds First Meeting

Wilmington’s newest board officially got to work last week as the Yentile Farm Development Committee held its first meeting on Thursday.

The first meeting was mostly an administrative overview as the group set upcoming meeting dates and discussed how to involve the community as members find the best way to develop the land recently purchased by the town.

In addition, selectman Judy O’Connell was named committee chairman while Kevin Caira was named vice chairman.

O’Connell said it’s been exciting to see such a high amount of interest from the community wanting to get involved with the planning process.

“I think it is another example of how the Wilmington community rises to opportunity to come together as a resident body for the betterment of the town,” said O’Connell. “I see this committee as a framework for people to have their feelings and opinions known. The committee is comprised of dedicated residents who have the interest and enthusiasm to come together and share what they can bring to the table.”

There has been no timeline established for when the plans will be submitted to the Board of Selectmen, who could in turn approve those plans and put them before residents at Annual Town Meeting.

O’Connell said that while the committee wants to find the best plan sooner rather than later, she also added that it is a critical decision that shouldn’t be rushed.

The planning process will include research into what will be best at the 9 Cross Street land, along with potential funding methods such as grants and gifts.

During Thursday’s meeting, board members set October 18, November 15 and November 29 as the next sessions for the Yentile Farm Development Committee.

“This is a unique opportunity to create a comprehensive area for Wilmington families,” said O’Connell. “It is a delicate balance trying to fit the town’s needs in what space we can utilize while also balancing a cost model and reasonable timeline. In the end, it is a community decision.”