Thank you for your continued support. We write to report back on the 9/1 Conservation Commission Meeting. The Commission appears to be actively listening to the public. We remain hopeful that they will make a decision soon that upholds the public good. That said, it remains critical that as many people as possible come to the 9/15 Conservation Commission meeting, where this matter will be discussed again. In addition to attending, it is important that as many people as possible speak, even if just to state your opinion in a few words. We’re told that we, the public, will have greater impact if we have more people there and if as many of them as possible speak, including new voices who, the Con Comm has not heard already on this matter. To recap what was said on 9/1, Attorney Elizabeth Pyle, representing abutters, cited legal precedents and local wetlands regulations that provide a strong basis for denying Seaver's proposed development. That said, we cannot assume the outcome and must keep this matter in the public eye and keep attending Con Comm meetings and speaking up. At the 9/1 meeting, Arlington residents also noted that approval of this project would open the door to future high density construction on the shoreline of the Pond increasing stress on an already fragile eco-system. This is perhaps the most critical matter in the balance here. People are watching this decision. There are many other large lots on the shores of Spy Pond and they will be at risk of being split to allow construction of two or more homes on lots that are currently single family lots. Two Arlington residents active in conservation-oriented local groups, noted the negative impact of allowing this project to move forward in terms of impact on wildlife and Spy Pond. People spoke about the moral obligation we have to safeguard Spy Pond for our future generations. YourArlington and Arlington Advocate also reported on the meeting: http://www.yourarlington.com/arlington-archives/town-school/development/9130-pond-090616 http://arlington.wickedlocal.com/news/20160902/abutters-oppose-spy-pond-project Although the decision is taking longer than we expected, we believe this is because the Con Comm is being very thoughtful and thorough in its review and paying attention to the public so it's very important that we, the public, take part in the process by sharing our views with them via meeting attendance and/or letter writing. Letters can be sent to Cori Beckwith, Con Comm administrator, CBeckwith@town.arlington.ma.us The matter of 47 Spy Pond Lane will be discussed again at the 9/15 Con Comm meeting. We will post details about agenda timing as it gets closer. Thank you for your interest and engagement with this important matter. And please, please come on Sept. 15.