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November 2021 – Mugar Update

The ZBA has begun its final deliberations on the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place, and a revised draft decisionwas released after the previous October 28 meeting. The deliberations will continue on Wednesday, November 3, at 7:30 pm.

These deliberation meetings are open to the public for viewing only, but neither the Applicant, Town officials, nor residents may participate in these sessions. The ZBA expects to render its decision on or before November 23rd, and there may be other meetings in the interim.

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting

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.

October 2021 – Mugar Update 3

The ZBA closed the public hearing for the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place on October 20, and on Thursday, October 28, at 7:30 pm will begin deliberations on the final decision for the permit application. You can review the October 13 version of the draft decision here.

The ZBA expects to render its decision on or before November 23rd, and there may be other meetings in the interim. The deliberation meetings are open to the public for observation, but the applicant, Town officials, and residents may no longer participate in these sessions.

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

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.

October 2021 – Mugar Update 2

The ZBA has announced its final public hearing for discussion of the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place on Wednesday, October 20, starting at 7:30 pm. Several recent documents and correspondence can be found on the ZBA agenda website.

The ZBA has posted a revised Draft Decision

A Memo by the developer’s attorney sets out their terms regarding the 12-acre conservation parcel.  Contrary to their original promise to deed the land to the Town, they now take the position that they should continue to own the land, subject to a restriction on development.  This would mean the “conservation land” would have a succession of owners over the years, as the development is inevitably flipped and flipped again. 

Please let the ZBA know that the Town should own the land – as promised – to ensure the full benefit of “Article 97” conservation protections for the public good.

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

Please send your comments and concerns about this proposed project to the Zoning Board at zba@town.arlington.ma.us. It is important to share your concerns with the ZBA members as they deliberate their decision and the conditions to be placed on the Comprehensive Permit for this project.

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.

October 2021 – Mugar Update 

The next and possibly final ZBA hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, October 5, at 6:30 pm, to continue discussion of the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place, located on the Mugar land in East Arlington. This hearing will focus on the ZBA’s revised Draft Decision, which outlines the details of the proposed project, including conditions and waivers. This is a complicated legal document. Various parties have already and will continue to make revisions until the ZBA votes on the final amended text of the decision.

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

In a recent letter to the ZBA, Patrick Herron, executive director of the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), expresses the organization’s concerns about the scale of the project in the former Great Swamp, and the process for transferring the 12+ acres of open space to conservation purposes. He and other concerned residents and observers are asking the ZBA to extend the hearing process to continue discussing many unresolved issues.

Please send your comments and concerns about this proposed project to the Zoning Board at zba@town.arlington.ma.us. It is important to share your concerns with the ZBA members as they deliberate their decision and the conditions to be placed on the Comprehensive Permit for this project.

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.

September 2021 – Mugar Update 2

The ZBA’s final public hearing on the Comprehensive Permit for Thorndike Place is scheduled on Tuesday, October 5, starting at 6:30 pm. Additional information will be shared closer to the meeting date. You can register in advance for this Zoom meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.

Please send your comments and concerns about this proposed project to the Zoning Board at zba@town.arlington.ma.us. It is important to share your concerns with the ZBA members as they deliberate their decision and the conditions to be placed on the Comprehensive Permit for this project.

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.