Wenham Delays Iron Rail Recommendation to Sept. 22
Select Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026
Wenham Select Board delays a decision on redeveloping the town-owned Iron Rail property after gymnastics, soccer and Scout representatives objected to the plan. Director of Land Use Kate Mallory outlined a working group proposal to ground-lease Site 1 for commercial/recreational use, keep Site 2 as soccer fields, and sell 6.5 acres at Site 3 for Chapter 40Y starter homes. Gymnastics owner Rich Healy said a 100-year lease "doesn't make sense for a business like mine," while soccer association president Brad Shepard cited 1,200 children served annually.
Chair Deirdre Pierotti called the deteriorating building "a liability for the town," estimating $6 million in needed repairs. A final recommendation is now expected September 22. Separately, Police Chief Kevin DiNapoli reported an 18 percent drop in accidents and a 40 percent drop in speeding complaints since the town adopted its 25 mph limit, and the board voted unanimously to keep it unchanged.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,833 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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