For over a year, our Save Chebacco Trails & Watershed team has worked hard to protect the 133 Essex Street property from development. As we have delved deeply into an analysis of the proposed development, it is clear the developer’s plan is long on assurances, short on data and full of risks to this valuable land and watershed area.  We have participated in numerous meetings with the Hamilton Conservation Commission and the Planning Board as they have worked hard to determine if this undertaking represents the best interests of the town going forward and whether it poses too great a risk to the wetlands and critical town resources. Our team has hired and consulted with a group of professionals, including attorneys, engineers, hydrologists, and hydrogeologists to investigate the possible outcomes of 50 units crammed on to the 16 buildable acres of this 66 acre property. All agree that this is ecologically sensitive land, a critical water resource area and a valuable conservation area.

Findings/ Potential Damages: 

1-26+ weeks of blasting ledge and the removal of 1.5 million cubic feet of rock and material
2-Potential damage and contamination to a critical watershed serving three towns: Hamilton, Essex and Manchester. There is not sufficient information to ensure the protection of the wetlands
3-Requirement for a hydrogeological study that could assess the impact of the development on the aquifer and watershed
4-Construction noise for years as heavy equipment will intrude on a quiet, tranquil neighborhood
5-Possible contamination of abutting Meadowbrook Farm’s irrigation pond that determines the quality of food that we buy
6-The decimation of trees, existing wildlife and critical habitat for endangered plants and birds
7-The proposed development does not fit the intent of the cluster zoning for a Senior Housing Development.

The Open Space Committee has designated this land at the top of their list for protection, and the Planning Board has the right and ability to turn down the proposed development. 
 
We at Save Chebacco Trails & Watershed, urgently ask for your help to achieve our goal. Judge for yourself. Time is of the essence. Your financial support will help us to continue in this effort to save this land, watershed and natural habitat for generations to come! We are spending approximately $20,000. every month to further understand and oppose this project. We feel this is the least we can do. For the hundreds who have signed our Petition, signed up for our Newsletter, given to GoFundMe and so much more, we THANK YOU. This is a daunting undertaking but one we feel inspired to meet head on. It is paramount.

To make a donation or see how you can help, please go to our website at: https://savechebaccotrails.org — our Petition, GoFundMe page & Newsletter are all available to review. Or send your tax deductible donation to: Save Chebacco Trails & Watershed, Inc., PO Box 2184, South Hamilton, MA 01982. The need for your involvement and support is now. 

The SCT&W Team