April 2023 — Mugar Update

As the legal proceedings related to the proposed development of Thorndike Place continue to play out in court, the Coalition to Save the Mugar Wetlands is promoting awareness about the project, and seeks to raise $50,000 to help pay legal and other fees.

Arlington residents filed suit in December 2021 to prevent construction of a massive four-story rental building with townhomes that would occupy land near documented wetlands and floodplains. With no direct access to Mass. Ave. or Route 2, all traffic would empty onto Lake Street. This campaign seeks to protect the wetlands, reduce flooding, prevent habitat destruction, and control local traffic patterns.The Coalition has launched a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds to support their legal efforts. For more information and updates, subscribe to the Coalition’s elist.

Arlington Land Trust continues to advocate for the permanent protection of the Mugar parcel as conservation land. The site is subject to regular and significant flooding, and is a critical stormwater buffer for the surrounding and downstream neighborhoods of East Arlington.