According to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs in a conversation I had yesterday, they are moving swiftly to retain an appraiser and expect to complete an appraisal in early April.
Land Use Issues
Silver Maple Forest Update
As noted previously, Governor Patrick did not sign House 701. He did commit to conduct the appraisal contemplated by House 701. I am satisfied with this outcome — the bill would have accomplished nothing more. Confirmation of the appraisal commitment has now arrived in the form of the attached letter from Secretary of Environmental Affairs, …
701: Nice posturing, but not effective
Rep. Brownsberger, I want to thank you for your efforts in trying to preserve open space in your district, and for trying to prevent construction in a location that is inappropriate for multiple reasons – floodprone and in floodplain, inadequate sewer capacity, not physically near either schools or businesses. However, I think everyone realizes that …
Silver Maple Forest
Hi Will, This is an enormous step in the right direction! Silver Maple Forest should be protected under the National Historic Preservation Act. I’ll be in touch with next steps…
Silver Maple Forest Bill Passed
Senator Tolman and Representative Brownsberger announced today the passage of House 701, a bill which would kick start the conversation about state acquisition of the Silver Maple Forest property, also known as the Belmont Uplands.
Silver Maple Forest is Worth Saving
The Silver Maple Forest should be considered an “ACEC” — an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for flood control. It is rare open space in an urban area, an ecologically valuable site which once gone, cannot be recreated.