Change Afoot in Fieldston
Towering Barn Porposal Draws Mixed Reviews
By Mini S. Cule, Staff Writer
A recent proposal by two prominent Northern New England farmers to erect a large two-story barn along Undeveloped St. in fieldston drew a crowd of roughly 8 people to a community development meeting last night--the largest in town history.
Approximately half those in attendance supported the project, which would rise next to a state of the art sand storage shed built last year, while a tide of unrest was detectable amongst others. Concerns ranged from traffic flow and infrastructure costs to the exterior design of the building and its impact on the surrounding landscape. Those in support of the project, however, believe the benefits would outweigh the costs.
Fieldston currently sees between one and two visitors annually; proponents of the new barn argue that figure could double as early as next year if the project moves forward. However some questions remain unanswered.
A visitor who preferred to remain anonymous under an R2D2-esque alias, KMP1284, was among those concerned. He was concerned about the shiftiness exuding from the development team, and worried about how the presence of a signature barn in Fieldston might affect tourism in Boston, where he currently resides. R2D2's criticism was not taken lightly by town officials, as he alone represents 50% of this year's visitors to the region.
The town wants to ensure the new barn, if built, satisfies all interested parties, as its impact on the community and region is expected to have lasting effects. As such, an inclusive planning process drawing upon all 10 residents and half of the tourist population will be strictly endorsed. Input from residents of the very meaningful and significant municipality of Boston is given particular consideration. Residents and municipal officials are even considering joining the online forum Architectural Boston to solicit ideas on how the barn's development might move forward more smoothly. The forum has gained a reputation in recent months for attracting the most discriminate of urban tastes, exemplified by R2D2.
Residents of Fieldston think development of this barn, if done correctly, could sevre as a boon to the local economy and spur future growth. Some believe a flag pole, public drinking fountain, and perhaps even a traffic light could follow in years ahead.
More on this story as it develops.