Dear Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board Members,

Saint Mary’s Church has been a long-standing icon of faith and community in densely populated Pinehurst Village. Generations of Billerica residents have congregated there and have emotional and spiritual ties to the site.

Residents are aware of a potential redevelopment project at the site, and public input will play an essential role in ensuring the best possible outcome for residents and the applicant.

We understand that redevelopment is inevitable and preferable to the destruction of greenfields. Still, we are concerned with the potential for conditions incongruous with the aesthetic and character of the village of Pinehurst.

The undersigned are petitioning the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board to apply three specific conditions to any project presented before these boards.

We respectfully request that all requirements which are set by these boards affirm the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Pinehurst and pay respect to the legacy of the site.

Specifically, we request that the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board apply the following three conditions to any future redevelopment project on the properties currently occupied by Saint Mary’s:

1. Preservation of the trees between the Cook Street parking lot and the church building. In addition to preserving Pinehurst’s aforementioned aesthetic and remaining tree canopy, these trees are vital in sequestering carbon, promoting stormwater absorption, and bolstering flood resilience.

2. Prohibition of any drive-through style business. In addition to maintaining a good traffic flow at one of Pinehurst’s busiest intersections, this will prevent excess noise and cumulative air pollution.

3. Emphasized pedestrian and bicycle access over vehicle parking to keep Pinehurst safe and less congested.

The Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board can facilitate deep conversation and reflection between residents and developers to ensure that future projects enhance, rather than negatively impact our residents and our neighborhoods.

We welcome and support smart development that conforms to the village aesthetic of Pinehurst. We kindly ask you to consider these conditions during planning for any future redevelopment on the Saint Mary’s properties.

Respectfully submitted,