Eugene Lucarelli resigned from the zoning board last Wednesday after telling YourArlington that Maloy might resign. The website chose not to publish that speculation without confirming it. Maloy did not return a phone call Tuesday, June 4, seeking confirmation.
Lucarelli said the process under which Joseph F. Tulimieri, the board chairman, not reappointed was flawed. Tulimieri, involved in Arlington’s development since the 1960s, did not retain his position after selectmen voted, 3-2, to name Roger A. Dupont to the board.
Selectman Chairman Daniel Dunn said Tulimieri’s troubles in Cambridge led him to move to appoint Dupont and reappoint Maloy. “Whether in Cambridge or in Arlington, it’s the same individual making those choices in both towns,” Dunn said. “I’m not comfortable reappointing someone who would make those decisions. The town would be better off if we don’t reappoint him.”
Maloy did not express displeasure publicly June 3.
Maloy’s resignation leaves the board with three members — its newest one, Dupont, as well as Pamela Heidell and Suzanne Rivitz.
Dunn was asked how he plans to fill the two openings. He was also asked what the board plans to do about two alternate positions that have not been filled in some time.
Dunn wrote Sunday, June 9, that the board intends “to advertise and fill the seats as quickly as possible. I believe that the July meeting is a reasonable target to fill the vacancies.
“As for alternates, I don’t have a plan at this time. Once the full seats are resolved, then I’ll consider.”
Alternates fill in when there is an absence or vacancy.
Maloy’s letter of resignation says in full:
“Due to the Board of Selectmen’s decision not to reappoint Tulimieri-to the ZBA and the unfair treatment of Joe at the Selectmen’s hearing on June 3, 2013, I am resigning from the ZBA, effective immediately.
“I have served on the ZBA with Joe Tulimieri for approximately three [3] years and have the utmost respect for Joe’s expertise in the zoning bylaws and the way he conducted business during the ZBA hearing.
“Joe treated everyone fairly and with respect during the hearings. The ZBA, under Joe’s leadership, would always listen to both sides and try to address any concerns raised at the hearing.
“After all the good service that Joe has provided as a volunteer for the Town of Arlington, he did not deserve the treatment that he got at the Selectmen’s hearing last Monday night, and I do not want to put myself In the position where I need to defend my reputation because an abutter or resident may not agree with a decision by the Z8A.
“I enjoyed my time serving on the ZBA and regret that I am resigning after getting reappointed last Monday night-However, I believe the decision is the right one and the Town of Arlington and the ZBA will miss the leadership and expertise of Joe Tulimieri and Eugene Lucarelli.”
The selectmen’s office said midday Thursday, June 6, no letter of resignation had yet been received. It was received later that day.
June 4: Longtime member passed over
June 5: Reappointed zoning board member is said to quit
This story was published Monday, June 10, 2013.
