Opponents to 'The Ledges' Project Start Online Petition

The controversy over the Ledges affordable housing project continues.

As reported on Woburn Patch, the most recent development was that 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.

In response to the decision, Ward 6 Alerdman Mike Raymond wrote a letter to the EEA expressing his disapproval with the decision.

"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 is now inviting those who agree with him to be heard with an online petition.

"I would like to draw your attention to this important petition that I have signed regarding the Ledges Project," Raymond said in an email to Woburn Patch.

The petition can be found here: "Stop the Ledges of Woburn Project"    

Raymond also sent an update from a meeting at the Thompson Library of residents with concerns with the project on Jan. 17.

He said that at the meeting the question of where Mayor Scott Galvin stands on the project was raised. 

"The consensus of the residents was that not only do we ask the Mayor but we demonstrate to him that the Ledges of Woburn Project will not only affect the quality of life for most of North Woburn, but we want him to understand that the quality of life will be comprised for the next five years in all of Woburn and the surrounding Cities and Towns," he said. 

"In addition to the the electronic petition, we have initiated a letter writing campaign to the Mayor," Raymond continued. "We are also generating a letter writing campaign to our State Officials so that they understand the importance of this issue."

What do you think? Are you opposed to this project? Do you think Woburn needs more affordable housing for those who need it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.