DEP Issues Chapter 91 License Condition to National Grid
It’s been nearly two years since MyRWA and partners packed Everett City Hall for the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Chapter 91 License Application Public Hearing about the National Grid site located along the Malden River—and we finally have some good news.
At 5:00 pm on August 10, the DEP issued a Chapter 91 license condition that National Grid build and maintain a 10-foot wide half-mile waterfront path along its property. National Grid will be required to submit a plan within one year and complete the building of the path within two years.
In the November 2016 hearing, National Grid proposed a 100-foot path on the north-side of the site with the remaining 2,000+ feet of riverfront blocked off to the public. Testimonies by two dozen elected officials and citizens, including the Mayor of Everett, unanimously rejected this proposal, calling for National Grid to build a waterfront path along the entirety of their property and connect to the planned Malden River Greenway. To read more about the original testimony check out the coverage here.
The unified voices of the communication and decision-makers have continued to push DEP and National Grid to open up this park for nearly two years. With the decision by DEP a half a mile path will be opened up on the Malden, linking waterfront paths in Everett and Malden to the north and the south.
“We commend DEP for their commitment to listening to the community and protecting the public’s right to their waterfront lands, said Patrick Herron, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association. “This is the first step in a seamless greenway would serve thousands of surrounding residents many of whom represent environmental justice communities. Restoring full public access to the river will reverse some of the equity issues that local residents have faced for years.
The Malden River Greenway Vision is well on its way to completion. River’s Edge in Medford was developed a decade ago and provides beautiful park space. Just downstream of the National Grid parcel, the former GE site in Everett is being redeveloped with playing fields and a connected path from the top to bottom. Just upstream, Combined Properties completed a path at 295 Commercial Street. Two new underpasses under the Route 16 bridge will connect waterfront paths on both sides of the river.
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