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N. Woburn Ledges Project Needs No Further Study

Informational meeting for residents will be held this Thursday to discuss state findings.

 

 

The state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has ruled that the Ledges affordable housing project in North Woburn needs no further study under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act.

In a letter dated Dec. 21, EEA Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. said:

"The [Environmental Notification Form] has sufficiently defined the nature and general elements of the project, and has proposed measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts. I am satisfied that any outstanding issues pertaining to traffic, storm water management and blasting can be addressed through the state and local permitting processes."

The Ledges project is comprised of four three-story apartment buildings containing 168 units of residential apartments. Of those 168 units, 42 will be affordable housing under the 40B state provision. There will also be a one-story clubhouse building, an in-ground pool and 300 parking spaces on the 9.27-acre parcel.

Alderman Michael Raymond fired back at the EEA Saturday, questioning  Sullivan's decision in a formal letter.

"This is not an affordable housing issue," wrote Raymond. "This is a health, safety and welfare issue to the hundreds of residents who reside in the neighborhoods that surround the proposed site. When would the health, safety and welfare concerns of these residents affect a decision you are charged with?"

Raymond said he is concerned with the number of trucks expected to drive through the residential areas during construction, which could last as long as four years. Raymond also cited concerns with a rock grinder operation on the site, and several concerns from abutters.

"These concerns and issues were sent to you in comment letters and were not properly addressed by you in your report," wrote Raymond.

An informational meeting on the Ledges project will be held Thursday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Thompson Library.

Related Topics: 40B, Ledges, and North Woburn

Jean

8:11 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

This is definitely more than environmental concerns, it is about the health, safety and quality of life for the residents in this area. All of us in Woburn need to stand with our neighbors and tell everyone and anyone that this is not the appropriate location for this project. UNBELIEVABLE what our state officials do to others; if it were in Secretary Richard Sullivan's backyard, I suppose there would have been a different finding.

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Earnhardt

8:29 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

It's a done deal. There isn't anything that can stop this now. Especially our esteemed Alderman... He makes his stand look good though.

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dan

7:22 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Elections have consequences. Woburn elects Democrats and it was Democrats who put this housing law on the books.

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Jed

2:12 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

i oppose this project...but it should be clearly stated to correct the record; chapter 40B, which is what this project is being debated over, was passed in1969...which was during the John Volpe/Frank Sargent era (both Republicans)....so dan...to say that "Democrats put this housing law on the books", you are incorrect

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dan

6:12 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Jed, was Woburn Representative at the state house by a Democrat or Republican, Representative or Senator? The governor signs the legislation that the house and senate passes. It is the will of the people.

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charles

7:07 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I'm glad it's not in my backyard and feel very sorry for No Woburn.

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