October 23, 2007
Greetings! Tonight is an important meeting of the Community Preservation Committee at City Hall solely devoted to discuss the possible acquisition by the city of the property at 230 Lake Avenue. Public support for this project is important if it is to succeed. Come out to City Hall this evening at 7:45 in Room 202 to show your support. The Newton Conservators recently strongly endorsed this acquisition which would provide a continuous stretch of Crystal Lake waterfront from the current bathhouse to Levingston Cove.
Crystal Lake Update
There is a very important CPC MEETING tonight (Tuesday, October 23 at 7:45 PM) in City Hall, Room 202 to discuss 230 Lake Avenue (the only agenda item). Public comment is not scheduled but exceptions have been made, and a demonstration of public support IS important! Not all of the CPC Committee is in favor of this acquisition and a YES vote on this project is not assured.
The public beach at Crystal Lake got a boost last year with the
acquisition of the adjacent Hannon property, to expand the heavily-used
site. Now an additional adjacent
property, the house at 230 Lake Avenue, has been put under agreement for
acquisition by the City. If the purchase is made, the city’s Crystal Lake
site will have tripled in size from its original 3/4 acres (where the existing
bathhouse is located) to a full 2 1/4 acres, with a much longer shorefront. The
expanded site will increase public access and provide a variety of boating,
swimming, and other recreational opportunities.
Speaking at his press conference on September 4, Mayor Cohen
announced, “Last weekend we closed another successful summer season at Crystal
Lake. If you were among the 906
adults or 663 children who purchased memberships, . . . you would have noticed
how the acquisition of 20 Rogers Street has made a world of difference in the
Crystal Lake experience. We now
have use of our entire beachfront and a natural grassy area that will soon be
open for picnics and other passive recreation activities.
“I am very pleased to announce that last week the City took an exciting step closer to enhancing the Crystal Lake experience even more for many generations to come. We were recently informed by the owner of 230 Lake Avenue that she intended to sell her home and property. The City acted quickly by getting the lot and home appraised, and after some brief negotiations, last week our offer in the amount of $1.95 million was accepted by the owner. . . .
The CPC Board is split on the 230 Lake Ave. acquisition, and needs to see and hear Citizen support to approve and allow the formation of a continuous West Cove open space and park! ATTEND the CPC MEETING- it is ALWAYS significant to have real people. Forward this notice to others who might be interested.
The Community
Preservation Committee will meet October 23rd, to decide on a proposal for the
City to complete its' purchase of 230 Lake Ave. (Contingent upon CPC
participation and Aldermen approvals.) This
acquisition will allow for the
preservation of another 300 feet of natural waterfront landscape and possible
reuse of the home located there; and will protect the site from private
development. Most importantly- This will provide for a continuous Public
open space and
Supporting attendance
at the last CPC meeting was NOT over-whelming, so the message might have been
read that there is not interest in acquiring #230 and forming a complete stretch
of Park land at the west
cove.
This acquisition fits
three of the four prescribed uses for CPA funding; And the Commonwealth provides
a 100% matching contribution(-pays half the cost). Note: CPA funds can NOT
be used for other purposes- like schools and fire stations.
This is a
uniquely 'central' location with special natural qualities, used by many in our
Community- young and old, near and away... and will become a Park for year
'round enjoyment.
Almost 300 feet more public waterfront -contributing to
the Master Plan for an unbroken public pathway and
Park frontage that is
double the current Levingston Cove; and more than triple that land
area!
Preserve the beautiful Landscape (and perhaps the house?) that has
matured there.
If you've ever walked the site you'll understand the wonderful
natural features- Cedar grove, shade trees... It's not large in size but its'
qualities are great.
[It may not be immediately clear right now, but when
the 20
all of
Note that: We CAN NOT
completely control what plans the next owner may have, or what they may do on
this site; (zoning allows over 7000 SF living space plus garage, pool, patios,
etc.) We CAN eliminate any future Public/private argument of the kind
experienced with
In the end, I believe the over-arching
reason is that it's a "vision thing"... This is the right thing to do...
and (fortunately or unfortunately) the Owner is willing to sell to the Community
NOW. Circumstances have
dictated this to be the occasion (and more than
likely the ONLY occasion) to do it. ( And the ommonwealth, at this
point, is still willing to contribute 'half the cost.)
We would all be
sad, and sadly regarded if next year and every year thereafter- we pass by the
"...too bad
the new owners..."
"...too bad we can't walk along the water to the 'other'
Park."
" Wouldn't it have been great if... !!? "
Other CPA Happenings
Alice Ingerson, CPA Planner, reports that the draft fy08 plan and handbook/proposal form are also now online. The fy08 CPA Plan includes a NEW proposal deadline, schedule, and a NEW proposal form. You can get to these documents by clicking on the "Plan and Application" button at the top of the CPC's home page at http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/cpa/ or by going straight to: http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/Planning/CPAC/plan.htm.
Agendas for the upcoming Oct 23rd and Oct 30th meetings of the Community Preservation Committee are posted online. Go to ttp://www.ci.newton.ma.us/Planning/CPAC/committee.htm and scroll down to click on the "Meeting Agendas and Minutes" link.
The new Fy08 Deadline
for Regular Proposals is December 14, 2007, 4:30
pm. Those pondering submitting an
application for a CPA project should consider attending a free workshop.
The originally cheduled October 25th (7 pm) workshop has been converted to
a 1 pm custom workshop - if you were hoping to come, please contact Alice
Ingerson as soon as possible to find out details on where the meeting will be
held. Those with project ideas are encouraged to sign up for the November
8 or November 13 workshops, or request a custom one, by contacting Alice
Ingerson directly or using the CLICK HERE link at: http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/Planning/CPAC/plan.htm. Regular Workshop may be canceled if fewer than 5 people
sign up. So sign up early!
This has been a busy time for open space preservation. Over the summer, the CPC approved the acquisition of the Wightman property at 30 Wabasso Street adjacent to the Flowed Meadow Conservation Area. Mr Wightman had passed away earlier this year and the city was able to negotiate an acceptable price with his heirs. The Board of Aldermen recently approved the project. See the Newton Tab article by Leslie Friday for details: Bringing down the house, Newton Tab, Oct 17, 2007 at http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/homepage/x1909891264.
Newton - Despite a
slight hiccup in the process, the Board of Aldermen voted 19-2 in favor of
funding the demolition and cleanup of a home at 30 Wabasso St., where the city
plans to expand open space in the Flowed Meadow Conservation Area.
......
There has also been some activity and discussion on another parcel on Warren Street near the Webster Conservation area.
Events of
Interest
Talk on The Great Marsh exhibition - Mass Audubon's Visual Arts Center
Saturday, November 3, 2-4 pm
Take an informal walk
with award-winning photographer Dorothy Monnelly and see the landscape through
an artist’s eyes. Monnelly will discuss the qualities of the landscape, elements
of the image, and individual response and connection. No camera or special
expertise is necessary. The walk will end with a guided visit to Monnelly’s
The Great Marsh exhibition.
Light refreshments will be served. $12 Members/ $16 Nonmembers. Registration
required. Mass Audubon is the
largest conservation organization in New England, concentrating its efforts on
protecting the nature of
Mass Audubon Connecting Children and Nature Conference
Saturday, November 3 (morning
session)
An Education Conference, with
keynote speaker and author Richard Louv: Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our
Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, will be held November 3, 2007 / 8:00 am -
3:45 pm at
Presentation by Carole Smith Berney, Watertown Photographer,
Writer, and Nature Educator
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 7 pm,
Watertown
Library, Watertown Savings Bank Auditorium
You are
invited to attend this delightful, combination multimedia/narrated show that
celebrates, appreciates, and urges us to care for the natural spaces and
wildlife in our town. Carole's color photographic images of the Charles
River, Mount Auburn Cemetery, and other public parks and private spaces
(including gardens, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife that make these their home)
will feature some humorous and surprising stories of animal encounters in our
densely settled, semi-urban setting. Also celebrated will be local "green"
efforts on the part of citizens and organizations to enhance the environmental
health of our natural resources.
This event is SPONSORED BY THE
WATERTOWN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S, "A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT" GRANTMAKING PROGRAM,
Co-Sponsored by Trees for Watertown, Watertown Citizens for Environmental
Safety, and East End Neighbors. For more information, e-mail
csberney(AT)rcn.com. Carole's memorable lecture for the Newton
Conservators on Flora and Fauna of the Charles River has been our most popular
item on our online video channel (http://www.brightcove.tv/channel.jsp?channel=291742875)
CRWA Annual Meeting
Monday, November 19, 5:30 pm
The Charles River Watershed
Association’s Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, November 19th from 5:30
to 9:30pm at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The yearly event is metro Boston’s
premiere river celebration. Join community advocates, government officials,
academics, and river enthusiasts from all 35 towns and cities in the Charles
River watershed and learn about CRWA’s recent accomplishments at the local,
regional and national levels; we will also honor dedicated volunteers, civic
leaders, and key players in efforts to clean up the Charles River. Noted
river conservationist, author, and photographer Tim Palmer will present the
keynote address. Tickets for the Annual Meeting, including a buffet
dinner, are $60 for CRWA members and $75 for the general public; CRWA volunteers
receive a discount. To reserve a space, contact Lorraine Burke at CRWA at
781-788-0007 x231 or lburke(AT)crwa.org or visit www.charlesriver.org/annmeeting.html
Newton History Museum Events
For more information on the following events and the museum visit: http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/jackson/
In conjunction with
the current exhibition, Norumbega: Recreation &
Romance by the River, the
Sunday, October 21, 2-3:30 pm
GREETINGS FROM NORUMBEGA FAMILY
PROGRAM
Did you know there was
an amusement park right in
Sunday, October 28, 1-4 pm
NORUMBEGA MOVIE DAY
Watch the film,
"Remembering Norumbega," bring an image of you or your family visiting
Sunday, November 4, 2-3:30 pm
CANOEING ON THE CHARLES FAMILY
PROGRAM
Canoeing on the
Charles River was a popular activity at
To Register for any of
these programs, call the
Home Grown (Part 1)
October's Environmental Show on NewTV's Blue Channel
In case you were not able to attend this past spring's Newton Conservators Annual Dinner, you can still watch the presentation by Greg Maslowe on the October broadcast of the Environmental Show entitle "Home Grown". Newton calls itself the “Garden City.” More than anyone in recent years, Greg Maslowe has helped the city live up to its name. Greg is the resident farmer at the Newton Angino Community Farm. Greg performs multiple tasks: raising a family, running the farm, overseeing the army of volunteers who help cultivate the farm’s produce, and working as an educator for school groups that visit and learn. Greg is not your ordinary farmer: he is at work on a doctorate at Boston University. He is literate, articulate, and unafraid to get his hands dirty.
Greg was the keynote speaker at the Conservators’ annual dinner on May 30. Greg’s topic was the backyard garden. He noted that a large space is not required for productive use, but there needs to be judicious use of space, including the choice of trees and shrubs. As an example, why not choose a pear tree that not only blooms but that also produces fruit for human use, instead of a dogwood that may be pretty but, for us, less edible?
Greg showed slides of back
yards in Newton that have optimized their growing areas and produce bountiful
crops. Many had a grape arbor on a wall or terraced attachment. Greg
advocated planting perennials that may serve as food and also a hedge. Greg also
showed slides of the Newton Angino Community Farm operation in its first year.
Greg made a “play house” for his children from green beans on a matrix
structure. The play house served a dual function, with Greg’s wife, Jessica,
harvesting beans for dinner. Greg grew up in Colorado and told the group that he
learned his gardening skills from his mother. The family maintained a mulch pile
that was used as fertilizer before planting. Fresh vegetables were available
much of the year. Greg’s taste for quality produce prompted his choice of a
farming career. After completing his doctorate, Gregwill continue at the
farm. Check out Part 1 of this interesting presentation for the
remainder of October on NewTV and Part 2 in December. This episode was
filmed, edited, and produced by Newton Conservators volunteer Duane Hillis.
The Environmental Show is a volunteer partnership between Newton Conservators and the Green Decade Coalition with each organization presenting on alternate months. Learn to think globally and act locally with the Green Decade Coalition and learn more about your parks with the Conservators! The Environmental Show is broadcast at eight times weekly for a month duration on the NewTV Blue channel (Comcast Channel 10, RCN Channel 15): The Environmental Show is currently shown on NewTV's Blue Channel (www.newtv.org) on Monday (3 pm), Tuesday (1:30 am, 11:30 pm), Wednesday (11:30 am), Thursday (12 pm, 4 pm, 7:30 pm), and Saturday (10 am). Newton Conservators shows are hosted by Cris Criscitiello and other members of the Conservators. Shows produced by the Green Decade are hosted by Beverly Droz with guests from a variety of environmental organizations and interests. All of the Newton Conservators' past episodes of the Environmental Show are available on the web via http://www.newtonconservators.org/environmentalshowontheweb.htm and may be viewed online at any time.
Volunteer Opportunities for
the Habitat for Humanity Project in
Newton Angino Community Farm Notes
Newton Community Farm, Inc. is the non-profit operator of Newton Angino Community Farm. They operate the city-owned farm, the last farm in the City of Newton, for the benefit of the public. Their mission is to preserve and improve this historic open space site for the benefit of the community, to provide local, sustainably grown produce, and to educate the public about sustainable use of land and other natural resources. A portion of the food grown on site is donated to people in need through the Newton Food Pantry. Vegetables are available to the public at the Farm's on-site stand (Tu-Fr 3-7 and Sa 10-2) or at the Friday American Legion Post 440 or Tuesday Cold Spring Park Farmers' Markets (1:30 pm- 6 pm). The season is winding down this week at the farm. Visit the farm's website at www.newtoncommunityfarm.org or the farm itself at 303 Nahanton Street, Newton. Below are some excerpts from the farm newsletter by resident farmer Greg Maslowe.
Its not seeming so much like
fall this week, but last Saturday the sun rose over icy fields as we had our
first heavy frost. The beans took some damage, but survived. The three varieties
of Japanese eggplant aren't faring so well. The cool temperatures also mean that
everything is growing much more slowly.
We only have one more week to go
in the CSA. The last pick up is scheduled for October 24/25. We still have lots
of greens, and we'll have broccoli for the remainder, but I'm not sure if the
cauliflower and cabbage, planted late, will be ready by next week. We also have
leeks and daikon radishes, though they are rather small as they grew in the
heavy shade of one of the maples on Winchester Street.
You've probably
already noticed some changes taking place in the field, and these will continue
over the next two weeks. As crops finish we'll be mowing them down with our new
flail mower (like a chipper that you push ahead of the tractor) then seeding the
beds with a cover crop. At this time of year we're seeding winter rye, which
loves the cool weather. Cover crops "catch" nutrients that would otherwise leach
down beyond the root zone of most plants. They also prevent wind and water
erosion. And perhaps most importantly, they provide biomass that, when plowed
under in the spring, enriches the soil with decomposing organic matter. A few
crops, like collards and kale, will remain in the field all winter. But in the
next month the majority of the beds will be mowed and planted for the
winter.
I hope you've enjoyed the season. As you drive by the farm and
see the rye growing, think about all the great food that we are preparing the
way for by taking a little time to feed the soil over the
winter.
Greg Maslowe,
newtoncommunityfarm(AT)comcast.net,
617-916-9655
Boston Globe - October 11, 2007 -
Leaf-blowers:
Jet Skis of the
backyard Leaf blowers are noxious noise and
air polluters that communities have every right to restrict. brooms once did perfectly
well. Open
Spaces With leaves turning gorgeous colors, autumn is the
perfect season to get out and explore the natural areas of Conservation areas, such as Norumbega, Dolan Pond,
Flowed Meadow, and the huge Webster Conservation Area (surrounding Our parklands, such as Nahanton Park on
the south side of Newton, Cold Spring Park (Newton’s “Central Park”), or Edmands
Park (known as Cabot Woods), which have many of the same woodsy, open space
characteristics of our conservation areas, are under the jurisdiction of the
Parks and Recreation Commission, with oversight by the Newton Parks and
Recreation Department (Commissioner Fran Towle). The state Department of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR) is responsible for magnificent resources such as the Charles
River Pathway, Hemlock Gorge and Hammond Pond, and other wonderful parks just
over the line in adjacent municipalities, such as These open spaces fill a vital role for our
wildlife inhabitants, providing necessary food, water, and shelter, and help to
preserve a rich biodiversity of plants, wildflowers, trees, reptiles, birds,
mammals, butterflies, bees, and insects. They serve as wildlife corridors
and help absorb and purify our groundwater. They provide oases of coolness
and respite from the city streets. The areas serve many recreational
purposes - such as biking along the river paths, cross-country skiing in
For over 45 years, the Newton Conservators
(www.newtonconservtors.org) has advocated for The Conservators publish “Walking Trails in
Newton’s Park and Conservation Lands”, available at local bookstores and on
their website, containing detailed trail maps of 27 conservation areas in
Newton, showing parks, ponds, gardens, trails, canoe launches, natural areas,
rock climbing, scenic views, handicapped access, geological features, and
bird-watching areas. Interactive maps are available at
www.newtonconservators.org/parks.htm, with photos, driving directions, natural
history and historical information---a perfect companion for “getting out there”
into the wild open spaces of - Ted Kuklinski (from the October Environmental
Page - Newton Tab) The Newton Conservators are
starting to consider the next edition of this great guide, partly due to
additional open spaces and features added in Newton due to such things as the
adoption of the CPA! If you have any corrections that you think should be
included please send them to The Newton Conservators, P.O. Box 590011, Newton
Center, MA 02459.
Give leaf blowers the boot
(10
October, 2007)
According to a French proverb, a person does not
like noise unless he or she is making it. Many landscape contractors and
homeowners are making plenty of noise this fall season, chasing leaves with
their powerful blowers. Routinely using leaf blowers near unconsenting
pedestrians and neighboring homes that may be occupied by home workers, day
sleepers, children, the ill or disabled, these noisemakers are pleasing no one
but themselves. In the process they are contributing to the considerable effects
of noise and air
pollution, causing distress to humans, neighborhood wildlife
and landscapes, too. It¹s time to give leaf blowers the boot.
The trouble
began somewhere in the 19th century when Japanese gardeners started using a
hand-held bellows to remove leaves and twigs from moss-covered soil. Not content
with this gentle on the land approach, Japanese engineers in the 1970s moderized
the hand-operated blower by attaching a hose and a powerful motor. Quick to
capitalize on yet another fossil-fuel powered implement for the American
gardener, a number of manufacturers introduced gas blowers to consumers in the
Leaf blowers are usually powered by a two-stroke engine or an
electric motor. Four stroke engines have been introduced to partially address
air pollution concerns. Whatever the power source, there are fundamental issues.
These include adverse health effects ranging from hearing loss to cardiovascular
affects; noise causes stress and the body reacts with increased adrenaline,
changes in the heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Noise pollution can
disrupt sleep, impair learning, increase anxiety and foster antisocial behavior.
The use of leaf blowers also consumes nonrenewable fossil fuels; two-stroke
engine fuel, a gasoline-oil mixture, is particularly polluting and toxic.
Another cost of blowers is that they often deprive plants of life-giving mulch
as organic material becomes airborne, sometimes ending up in city
streets.
In 1972, when blowers were few and far between,
Congress enacted a Noise Control Act to help promote an environment free from
harmful noise. Today, leaves are flying and concerned citizens are taking local
action to curb the use of leaf blowers and reduce their decibel levels. People
and all of Earth¹s creatures are entitled to live in an environment free from
excessive, offensive - and unnecessary - noise. Advocate for brooms
and
rakes...give leaf blowers the boot. Act today on this EcoAlert, and
thank you for your environmental responsibility.
P.O. Box 676, Northfield, MN 55057-0676,
Telephone: 1-800-320-APIE(2743); fax 507-645-5724, E-mail: Info@AmericanPIE.org
The Walking Trails in
Newton's Park and Conservation Lands map guide put out by the Newton
Conservators is a great resource for those who would like to explore Newton’s
open space. It is a 56-page guide containing detailed trail maps of 27
conservation areas in Newton, featuring parks, ponds, gardens, trails, canoe
launches, nature guides, rock climbing, scenic views, handicapped access,
geological features, and bird watching areas. The guide also contains photos,
driving directions, interesting historical details, and an overall map of
showing the locations of the 27 natural. Many more folks have been
observed out in our conservation areas with their trail guide in
hand;. It is available by web, mail and also at Newtonville Books and
New England Mobile Book Fair. Walking Trails in Newton's Parks and
Conservation Lands may be purchased for $7.95 online at http://www.newtonconservators.org/buyaguide.htm
or by mailing a check payable to The Newton Conservators, Inc. to The Newton
Conservators, P.O. Box 590011, Newton Center, MA 02459. It makes a
great gift for your outdoors and nature loving friends.
If you would like to be more
directly kept apprised of future nature related events, walks, lectures, and
exhibits, you are invited to join the Newton Conservators sponsored "Newton
Conservators Nature Notes" email list by sending an email request to
emaillist(AT)newtonconservators.org or contacting Ted Kuklinski
(617-969-6222). Newton Conservators Nature Notes is automatically sent to
members of the Newton Conservators who provide their email addresses as one of
their membership benefits. Newton Conservators Nature Notes may be found
online at http://www.newtonconservators.org/naturenotes.htm.
You are welcome to submit any items for this sporadical newsletter via email to
the same address. Please feel free to forward our newsletter to others you
feel might be interested in the information contained
herein.
