Belmont Uplands development project:
comments of Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation
January 22, 2004
Joseph Barrell
Planning Board,
Belmont City Hall
Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA. 02478
Dear Mr. Barrell,
The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, on behalf of our 1,500 members,
submits the following comments on the proposed development project in the
Belmont Uplands.
The Friends is adamantly opposed to plans by O'Neill Properties to clear-cut
and convert a remarkable forest habitat, the Uplands, into commercial or
residential space.
The Uplands is of great benefit to many forms of wildlife as well as a key
resource for human health and recreation. We note that in December of last
year the Belmont Conservation Commission reported that, "A bird survey and a
mammal tracking survey of the reservation found 90 species of birds including
45 species nesting and also evidence of 19 mammals including muskrat and mink.
Nineteen species of animals found in the reservation specifically require both
wetland habitat and upland for survival." This natural oasis exists as an
asset for urban residents eager to find respite from the hectic pace of modern
life.
It is unconscionable that at a time when the Commonwealth is losing open space
at a tremendous rate Belmont city officials could in any way consider
facilitating the loss of this resource. Instead we encourage the city to
actively seek the means by which the Uplands can be set aside in trust for this
and future generations.
Sincerely,
Mike Ryan
President, Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation
cc Tim Higgens, Belmont City Clerk
Will Brownsberger, Belmont City Selectman
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