Despite what you may think, SCT&W remains very busy preparing for the close of over a year's time & effort to save 133 Essex from development. Following is our most current news:
UPDATE June 6, 2022
If you’ve been wondering about recent activities, the answer is: A LOT.
The Applicant requested a significant delay so that they could assemble the required experts to participate all at the same time. That meeting is currently schedule for June 23rd which makes the materials due date of June 16th. The SCT&W Experts Team has been working hard to prepare for this meeting as we also gear up for closing arguments. In this process we will point out claims the Applicant has made that are false or simply impossible.
As an example, for months the Applicant has threatened the community with their “Alternative” plan, which they have claimed would be built if their Permit was not granted. The facts are that the plan could never be built because it does not qualify for septic, and crosses directly over two vernal pools. These are materials that we’ve already submitted to the Planning Board and will be discussed at the June 23rd meeting. It is an excellent example of the Expert Team’s work.
Another impossibility is the Applicant’s promise that no trucks would be parked on Chebacco Road. To start, all the utility lines will need to be raised, which will require multiple trucks to park on the road for a while. Next, they must cut down 100-foot pines to start building the access road. There is no place for their equipment to go besides Chebacco Road. When those trees fall, they will have to close the road for safety. They’ll have to close the road again when blasting starts because that activity is only a few feet from the road’s edge, and yes, the trucks will be on the road.
We’ve also never heard about where all the workers truck’s will be parked throughout the process. The Applicant has illustrated the location of the truck road to haul blasted rock, but look at any worksite and you’ll see many pick-ups that the workers commute in. Where do they go?
No schedule has been published that we are aware of for the completion of the Planning Board process. Safe estimates are that it will run through late August or early September. If you’ve got something to say and want it to be part of the public record, do it now.
The SOC and Local Bylaw appeals of the Conservation Commission’s Order of Conditions are in full swing. Many meetings are taking place with our attorneys and experts. There are many deadlines with a set timeframe that we must follow, so this remains very active.
The Core Team has remained busy with the letter writing campaign. You have already submitted over 75 letters opposing this development, so please keep them coming. It is interesting to note only 4 letters in favor of this project have come to our attention and were publicly shared by the Planning Board. The Core Team has continued to send you newsletters, update GoFundMe, the Petition site, and the SCT&W Website. In addition, we sent out another round of jumbo postcards to the immediate neighborhood and continued fundraising.
But it’s not all work. Our core member, Chris Davis has found the time to get married in California. Another member, Ken Whittaker is there to help. Others have been able to slip away for a few days, plant their gardens or even file their taxes.
What you can do:
1. CONTINUE Writing Letters Opposing 133 Essex.
2. Help us FIND donors.
As we close in on the end, our costs increase significantly. Monthly operating costs are over $65,000, to cover our experts and minimal marketing needs. Remember 100% of the Core Team and half the Experts are volunteers. Reach out to friends and neighbors. Now is the time. Please take advantage of a NEW $20,000 matching gift! Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar: https://www.savechebaccotrails.org/donate
With continued gratitude and hope for success!
SAVE CHEBACCO TRAILS & WATERSHED, Inc.
A 501c3 Corporation
P.O. Box 2184, South Hamilton, MA 01982