Sponsored by
Friends of Crystal Lake

Levingston Cove at Crystal Lake is in dire Straits. The City plans a renovation of the Cove which is very high impact in terms of the amount of construction required and the amount of hardscape it adds throughout this small cove. For example, it calls for constructing a cantilever over hang with decks, tons of concrete and steel, drilled steel piles, etc at the “fishing wall” creating a dark swampy area under the cantilever. Native buffer zone plantings along the shore here to filter and beautify would be much better for the health of the Lake and enjoyment of all visitors.

The entire Cove was renovated and made accessible in 2000 with ramps, rails and accessible benches. We all agree and very much support Accessibility compliance but we know this can be accomplished with considerably simpler, naturalistic, cost effective plans, a few of which have been widely endorsed in the community. All plans we have endorsed include the following

1. Widening the walking paths
2. Adding accessible benches
3. Compliance railing measurements that attend the ramps
4. All walks and paths shall be fully compliant with ADA for slopes and landings.
5. Adding raised safety curbing at the edge of the fishing wall, water side.  

The estimated cost of the City plan is now approximately $1,700,000. The total cost of the low key naturalistic renovation in 2000 was about $80,000.

This flawed plan was finalized (March, 2019) following a flawed process which featured only one public feedback meeting (May, 2018), the content of which was largely ignored. It was pushed through pro forma committees that also largely ignored public comment on the substantive issues.

Please send a message to the mayor and our City Councilors, before the final vote, Monday Oct 18. Urge them to delay the vote. Urge them to send this back to Committee or to a Task Force for further discussion and modifications. Let them know that we can come up with a plan that works much better for all Newton residents and for the well being of this beloved Newton natural resource.