As you may know, the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Mystic River Watershed. The mission of MyRWA is to work to protect and restore the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Mugar Development
Currently under consideration in East Arlington is a planned development for a multi-story building with 207 apartments and 12 town homes. There will be parking for 300+ cars in the wetland site owned by the Mugar family.
The Mugar Wetlands site is, however, ill suited for the proposed development. As one of the last parcels of open space in the significantly impaired and stressed Alewife Brook sub-watershed the best and highest use of this property is as protected open green space that can fulfill all the useful ecological functions of such property.
Environmental Effects
With 5.5 of the 7 planned acres for development categorized as a FEMA flood zone, the risk of ecological damage is significant. The floodplain currently acts as a sponge for nearby groundwater and storm water. If this “sponge” is paved over, the floodplain will no longer serve this essential purpose, and the water will flood into East Arlington neighborhoods.
As well, this 17-acre wetlands is habitat to a variety of birds and other animals, including turkey, foxes, and deer. Multi-story buildings and the activity of 500+ people on this site would eliminate one of the few remaining natural areas in Arlington.
Join Us
Please join us in the effort to preserve and protect this extremely valuable natural resource, by either contacting your local legislator or join the efforts already under way with
Coalition to Save the Mugar Wetlands.
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