Introduction
The MyRWA Volunteer Policy Committee meets monthly to discuss environmental, scientific, political, and engineering issues that impact the Mystic River watershed. Members draft letters to endorse or oppose legislation or in response to environmental permits and development proposals, testify at public hearings and more. Tracy Olson is a dedicated volunteer with the Mystic River Watershed Association and serves as the Chair of the Policy Committee. In the post below, Tracy shares an update on what the Policy Committee has been focusing on:
By Tracy Olson, Chair of the MyRWA Volunteer Policy Committee
An aerial view of the Amelia Earhart Dam and the lower Mystic River. Credit: David Mussina
In past years the Policy Committee has focused on new developments throughout the watershed. However, due to the increasing development pressure in the lower Mystic River watershed as well as the challenge of sea level rise in coastal communities, we started a new initiative to positively impact development in the lower Mystic River region for the benefit of the environment and communities, and have focused the majority of our time and effort this year there. The saltwater portion of the Mystic River watershed, below the Amelia Earhart Dam, is essentially up for grabs. Exxon invited proposals for the sale of its 100-acre parcel earlier this year, the Schrafft's Center is being redeveloped, and other parcels are on the market or being developed.
To be knowledgeable about developments in the lower Mystic, we first learned about key regulations from local experts. Since Chapter 91 (Ch91), the waterways licensing program, is such an important part of waterfront development, we invited Ben Lynch, former head of Waterways Division at DEP, to help us understand the regulations and how they might change as sea level rises. In addition, Jill Valdes Horwood, Barr Foundation Director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative talked to us about Designated Port Areas (DPAs) which are zoning overlays that restrict utilization of the parcels in the DPA to water-dependent industrial use.
Next, we looked at examples of waterfront development in other areas to learn what others are doing. Pallavi Mande, a Policy Committee member, brought examples from other cities, such as New York City, and regions that have similar regulations to inform us of what has been recently done. In addition, Laura Jasinski, Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy (CRC), talked to us about their efforts on the Charles River. One example of a park they created is the Lynch Family Skatepark that is underneath the Zakim Bridge. They also have a program that provides a swimming area in the Charles and created the floating wetlands in the basin.
Finally, we have examined four active developments in Charlestown, Everett, Sullivan Square, and Assembly Square. The committee discussed the developments in terms of the types of benefits we care about and would seek from the developers, including:
Improvements to the river water quality and environment
Flood and heat resilience
Improvements to the public realm (parks, trees, biking, public transit, public amenities)
Easy and convenient waterfront access
Economic equity and justice (jobs, housing, making people feel welcome)
The committee’s comments and suggestions for each development have been captured and will be shared with developers and regulators in the appropriate public comment forums. In fact, the committee suggestions on the East of Broadway development in Everett have already been provided to the developer in a public comment session.
Anyone interested in participating in discussions on development in the lower Mystic watershed can attend Policy Committee meetings on the first Tues. of the month, details can be found on our calendar of events. Newcomers are welcome!
