Walnut Street Park - a good idea and a worthy project

I am very pleased that the City Council, assisted with the guidance of the Community Development department, seems to be moving away from petty political agendas and is looking to embrace the proposed park on a currently vacant, derelict and contaminated parcel of land on Walnut Street.

Peabody & LynnfieldWeekly News: City prepares to move forward on Walnut Street park

I must take issue with City Councilor Rico Mello, who seems woefully under informed about a major project that will be happening in his ward. His clear misunderstanding of basic information makes me question why he would wish to undertake a demanding job that needs to deal with complex and complicated matters.

Frankly the job of steering our City is not one to be undertaken lightly. I have seen actions on the part of Councilor Mello which in the past have seemed to show a propensity toward grandstanding and playing to his ward. If this is the case here, I wish he would find a more suitable issue to champion - because this is a clear win-win for the City residents.

Now, if Councilor Mello is actually confused by the materials presented to him by the various City Department... then why is he using the public forum to show his ignorance and casting absurd assertions? Why not go directly to the parties in question and ask them to explain it to you in a way you can understand? Is this not the way to best serve the people who voted for you?

This is a wonderful project and if it does indeed all come together the City will be gaining an assett for little to no money while losing both a danger and an eyesore.