N. Woburn Ledges Project Needs No Further Study

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.