Welcome. A moment-to-moment story...

Local artist draws Spring Pond, scene ii

Local artwork by Brian Joyce, bjoyceart.blogspot.com
Archways in scene allude to a hill or hills in the background.

MEPA Project Details for big box stores & subdivision

The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) current project details for the big-box stores and subdivision projects proposed in Spring Pond Woods are listed below.   
........
Project Name:  Proposed Lowe's, Walmart and Meineke
EEA No.:  14532
Project details:  http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/meparcproj.aspx?eoea_num=14532
Next Action:  
Proponent to submit EIR  (Environmental Impact Report).
When this report is submitted, it will be open for (public) commentary.  The commentary period will have a deadline.  
The latest submission of the ENF  (Environmental Notification Form) commentary period is closed for this report.  Many were unaware of the project, when the commentary period was open.  Latest submission: www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2010/010610em/nps/enf/14532.pdf
Latest response: www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepacerts/2010/sc/enf/14532eenf.pdf


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Project Name:  Osborne Hills
EEA No.:  13865
According to the report, the project is undergoing review.  Phase 1 (out of 10 waivers) was granted.  Phase 1 includes 19 homes (in construction off Marlborough Rd).  The project requires a permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and is being reviewed by the Mass Historical Commission (MHC).
"According to MHC's review of the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth, there are two recorded ancient Native American archaeological sites within the project area. Several other ancient archaeological sites have also been found in the immediate vicinity of the project area. MHC has requested that an intensive (locational) archaeological survey (950 CMR 70) be conducted for the project. MassDEP will require a letter from MHC indicating that archaeological issues have been satisfied in advance of sewer permitting for each phase of the project." 



Animal advocate for Spring Pond Woods

The same person who shared with us an old flier* from the Lions, wishes to share this photograph of their cat that enjoys the outdoors in this area.  They, "wish to have a meeting soon."

Thank you for sharing.  The kitty is cute.


peace

Local artist draws Spring Pond

Local artwork by Brian Joyce, bjoyceart.blogspot.com

'Ice Fishing or Looking South from the Middle of Spring Pond' 
Saturday, February 12, 2011
"It was great walking. I had a great time wandering all of the hills and vales in the area. I was having "nostalgia- rushes" along the streams like crazy. I grew up in Holliston near just such wet land areas." ~ Brian Joyce

Thank you for sharing, Brian.

peace

Letter to the Editor: Big Box planners should appease neighbors

This letter to the editor of The Daily Item, is not written about the environment, but it is a perspective about how a resident feels.


News: Meineke owner has no plans

The Daily Item
Meineke owner: no plans for new shop, Feb. 15, 2010

http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2011/02/15/its_your_business/business01.txt

Bald Eagle sightings, part iii

Near the end of last year, a few people have seen juvenile bald eagles in Spring Pond Woods.  Are Bald Eagles foraging here, among the other rare species we have been seeing?

Could nesting locations be getting warmer for these birds as they track the land?  From the Mass Audubon website, here is a list of unique birds seen in the community.
Bird Sightings from 'The Voice of Audubon' website.

Previous reports:  

News: More allegations in lawsuit

The Daily Item
Lynn adds more allegations to Salem Planning Board suit
link:  http://itemlive.com/articles/2011/02/11/news/news05.txt

Traffic near Wal-mart

Thank you to a friend from facebook for posting their experience with traffic during a typical Friday night.

News: Boston Mayor sends message to Wal-Mart

Thank you to a friend for sharing this news link...


Boston Herald
Mayor Thomas M. Menino sends message to Wal-Mart
Seeks 'good jobs' and local investment
link:  http://bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1315387

News Articles: lawsuit

The Daily Item
Accusations heating up in big box battle, February 8, 2011
Link:  http://itemlive.com/articles/2011/02/08/news/news02.txt


The Salem News
Lowe's project leads to lawsuit:  Lynn sues Salem
Link:  http://www.salemnews.com/local/x150255433/Lowes-project-leads-to-lawsuit

Cities head to court over project

The Boston Globe
Cities head to court over project, February 6, 2011
by David Rattigan
link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/02/06/lynns_planning_board_votes_to_join_lawsuit_against_salem_over_retail_project/


One comment for Driscoll... it is not up to you to decide anymore.   The City of Lynn is doing the right thing to protect their neighborhoods.  It was not Lynn, but Salem's officials which used politics to rezone a parcel and designate a stream in the wrong time of the year, and ignore state DEP wetland designations (by following Salem's outdated wetlands ordinance from the 70's) to allow this project to push through.


The presentation of the project before the Salem Planning Board did not advocate for the best interest of the protection of wetlands, watershed, flood hazard areas, historical resources, privacy, health safety and welfare for all citizens in different communities, affected by the project site.  

Walking through the snow

     Much snow is covering the ground in Spring Pond Woods, and there are no cleared trails.  Walkers with no snow-shoes are sinking to their knees in snow, without hitting ground.   There are several animal trails throughout the woods.  Where are these animals hiding?   


Animal trails

Spring Pond snow angel

peace on



Lynn Planning Board votes

Latest news:  The Lynn Planning Board voted unanimously tonight to pursue challenging the plans for a Super Wal-mart/ Lowe's near the Lynn/ Salem line.  More info to come.

Lynn Planning Board meeting

Tonight, Feb 3 
6:30pm
Lynn City Hall
3 City Hall Square
Rm. 302

The Lynn Planning Board will meet to discuss 
the Super Wal-mart/ Lowe's project, this evening.