CHICOPEE – After the subject became a focal point during the Oct. 5 City Council meeting, debate surrounding Slate Conservation continues to build ahead of further deliberation in subcommittee meetings.

Ward 6 City Councilor Derek Dobosz brought the item to the table during the last meeting, explaining that the discussion around the preservation of two parcels of Burnett Road land came in his purview earlier this year. “I started getting flooded with constituent calls asking me about this potential zone change from residential to industrial,” said Dobosz in an interview with Reminder Publishing. The councilor spoke at the meeting as an advocate for land preservation under Article 97 protections.

He theorized that the town would develop businesses via a land swap that would trade city-owned land on Burnett Road in exchange for Chicopee State Park land, which would then be added onto Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation’s (WMDC) land near Slate Road and the Westover Air Reserve Base. The WMDC land, located at 0 Fuller Rd., was originally acquired in 2009 with the goal to increase development around Westover.

He also speculated that Amazon could be one of the businesses engaged in the development of WMDC land, suggesting that the corporation would be in line to receive a tax break for construction. “Even if it’s developed, taxpayers are getting a rotten deal here,” said Dobosz. The item was ultimately voted to be continued in a Finance and Utilities Subcommittee meeting.

Dobosz has continued his stance post-meeting, posting 80 emails he obtained on his Facebook page regarding preliminary discussion about the land swap and real estate company’s interest in business development. “I think it’s outrageous to develop state park land, it’s a huge loss for residents,” said Dobosz, who considered the situation “chilling” due to lack of transparency from the city. The councilor has criticized Mayor John Vieau, WMDC and Planning Director Lee Pouliot for their involvement in a discussion that has been ongoing over several mayor tenures.

The councilor’s preservation efforts have been supported by the Slate Conservation Alliance, a Facebook group that sets out to protect the health, diversity and various ecosystems of Chicopee, according to their mission statement. Slate Conservation Alliance member Mary Hayner expressed that the group wants the two parcels on Burnett Road under Article 97 protection so they can ensure it will not be considered for future business development.

“This land is so much more valuable in its natural state than it ever would be as a development. It’s a home to animals and plants. It’s a peaceful place to clear your mind and recharge mentally and physically. It provides much needed air purification and carbon sequestration which combats climate change,” said Hayner.

Vieau stressed that the villanization of the city office and WMDC has been needlessly done by Dobosz. “It bothers me someone will go out of their way and blatantly disrespect heads of departments … Amazon has never called me,” said Vieau in an interview with Reminder Publishing. The mayor explained how the issue has been misrepresented by Dobosz, with the leaked emails referring to preliminary real estate discussions that were done by the owners of the land rather than the city itself. He also advocated for WMDC as a strong proponent of the city’s success, including their efforts bringing in Yankee Candle and other prosperous business ventures.

The mayor shared his goal of growing the city and decreasing taxes through industrial and commercial businesses. With Chicopee’s unemployment rate rising to 8 percent last year, he expressed his desire to provide jobs and continue his pre-pandemic mission of expanding the city’s economic opportunities. “My job is to do what’s best for the city,” said Vieau, who referenced the potential of adding more Wi-Fi towers to the city to provide free access for citizens.

He also described the need for growth to properly compensate essential service groups, such as police, fire and the Department of Public Works (DPW) as they undergo contract extension talks. Similar to the City Council meeting, Vieau stressed that Burnett Road has never been considered as a part of future business developments.

Vieau showcased a presentation via GIS mapping that took to task the “half-truths” spread about the 0 Fuller Rd land located near Slate Road. He pointed out that the WMDC land is landlocked, meaning that it would not impact the residents of Slate Road as the land complies with the 100 feet buffer zone. The mayor also questioned Dobosz’s figures, sharing that his land values were not accurately appraised based on Vieau’s background in real estate.

Despite the opposing views, Vieau expressed his desire to work with Dobosz to come up with a fitting solution between WMDC and Slate Road residents. He also maintained that the city’s integrity should not be questioned as they work through a constructive process regarding the Burnett Road parcels. “To have Chicopee’s integrity tarnished over half-truths really upsets me,” said Vieau.

The Slate Conservation was intended to be discussed during a Oct. 21 Finance and Utilities Subcommittee meeting, but it has since been canceled and will be re-scheduled.