Cover Stories of 2023

By Mark E. Vogler

The story of the town’s efforts to make Saugus accessible to its first retail marijuana business made the front page eight times during the year. Then-Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano’s campaign for a Charter Commission had five front-page stories. Stories about Cliftondale Revitalization and stories about issues related to WIN Waste Innovation’s trash-to-energy plant made front-page headlines four times.

Here is a month-to-month review of the front-page stories that appeared in The Saugus Advocate over the past year

January

Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano cites his campaign to change Saugus to a mayoral form of government as his top priority for 2023. Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione says he will file an article for a zoning overlay district for annual Town Meeting to aid in the revitalization of Cliftondale. Town Manager Scott Crabtree hails the town’s receipt of a $2.3-million federal grant to revitalize Cliftondale Square as “really great news.” Selectmen reward Town Manager Scott Crabtree with a two-year contract extension that will keep him in charge of town government through August 2027.

February

A Georgia history buff ships the military footlocker once owned by World War II hero Walter Daniels to Saugus. Paul Delios is back in the restaurant business with this month’s opening of Paolo’s. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano declares he did nothing improper by collecting signatures of Saugus residents to help WIN Waste Innovations challenge a federal lawsuit that alleged the company’s trash-to-energy plant caused odor and noise problems.

March

Town Manager Scott Crabtree briefs selectmen on his preliminary spending plan for the 2024 Fiscal Year. Selectman Debra Panetta suggests that the Board of Health explore alternatives to rat poison, like electronic rodent traps. Selectmen express concerns after receiving an email accusing their chairman, Anthony Cogliano, of making alleged “homophobic comments on social media.” Residents cram into the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall to show their support for Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano. Saugus citizens rally behind a tattoo artist, swaying selectmen to support a special permit.

April

Selectmen approve a Host Community Agreement with WIN Waste Innovations on a contentious 3-2 vote. Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler is among five journalists who will be inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll plans to participate in a tree-planting ceremony as Saugus officials, environmentalists and volunteers conduct an Earth Day spruce-up at Breakheart Reservation. Members will consider the feasibility of a third fire station on the west side of Saugus when Town Meeting convenes.

May

Town Meeting members overwhelmingly approve an article to borrow $400,000 for a feasibility study for a third fire station to be located on the west side of town; members also make playground improvements and protecting bond ratings top priorities. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano says the town manager is taking too long to make recommendations on seven applicants seeking the three special permits to open marijuana dispensaries on Route 1 in Saugus, but a majority of board members disagree. The Cliftondale Square Overlay Zoning District falls five votes short of the two-thirds majority needed as members complete annual warrant in marathon session ending at around midnight. A week after the defeat of the Cliftondale Square Overlay Zoning District article, Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione calls on selectmen to address public safety issues and to keep Cliftondale a top priority.

June

Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano initiates a petition drive to get a Charter Commission on the November Town Election ballot.  East Saugus United Methodist Church holds a “Pride Rally” to celebrate diversity of the community. With Riverside Cemetery running out of room, Town Meeting members approve funds to determine suitability of land for future expansion.

July

Cliff Road residents express dismay that they didn’t learn about the planned shutdown of their road for a water main project until just five days before the scheduled closing. U.S. Army veteran Paul J. Cancelliere begins work as the town’s new veterans services officer. The Saugus political season begins officially, with nomination papers becoming available to residents interested in running for public office in the Nov. 7 Town Elections. With Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini recusing himself from an upcoming vote on permits for marijuana establishments, applicants will need the backing of the other four selectmen. The town’s Marijuana Establishment Review Committee recommends two Route 1 locations for marijuana sales.

August

Saugus resident Deborah Barrett-Cutulle wins the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano’s Charter Commission petition drive gains enough support to qualify for the November town election ballot. Police Chief Ricciardelli credits two Saugus police officers with saving a distraught man from drowning in the Saugus River. New Teacher orientation is held for Saugus educators as the Saugus Middle-High School prepares for the opening of school.

September

Selectmen set Sept. 12 hearing for seven recreational marijuana establishments vying for three spots in Saugus. One year later: a look back at Breakheart Reservation’s recovery from the August 2022 fires that burned 80 acres. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano says he doesn’t trust the findings of the town’s Marijuana Establishment Review Committee and vows to press for his own investigation to determine which of the seven companies are best suited to operate a retail pot business in Saugus. Potential candidates file nomination papers, stating their interest in being on the ballot for the Nov. 7 town election. A bad valve at the WIN Waste Innovations plant causes a deafening noise that frightens hundreds of Saugus and Revere residents.

October

An attorney representing a company that wants to locate a marijuana establishment in Saugus says Board of Selectmen Chair Cogliano’s criticisms about the company’s permit aren’t true. The attorney representing Uma Flowers, which received a perfect score in the ranking by the town’s Marijuana Establishment Review Committee, submits a detailed letter disputing “misconceptions.” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano and Vice Chair Debra Panetta accuse each other of unethical conduct as hearings on pot establishments get delayed. “Poor attendance” has become an issue in several precincts among candidates running for Town Meeting seats. During a political forum, none of the Board of selectmen candidates say they support expansion of the ash landfill at WIN Waste Innovations’ trash-to-energy incinerator on Route 107.

November

Signs are popping up all over Saugus, urging residents to vote “Yes” or “No” on whether to elect a commission to revise the Saugus Town Charter. Saugus rejects a ballot question to revise Town Charter by 192 votes; reelects all five selectmen to third consecutive two-year term.  Saugus football captains reflect on a transformative season, aim for Thanksgiving win.

December

A nine-year-old girl receives the Saugus Police Department’s Life Saving Award for saving mom from choking. Locating a marijuana establishment in Saugus will take a unanimous vote when hearings resume after a two-month delay. The Selectmen settle on Sanctuary Medicinals, one of the candidates hoping to locate a retail marijuana dispensary in Saugus. The six other applicants fail to get enough support for the other two special permits. A former MassDEP official fills the Board of Health vacancy after receiving unanimous support from selectmen.