Impact on Wetlands and Wildlife
- Proposed development will significantly reduce the amount of green space that would absorb rainfall. The increase in non-permeable coverage will lead to increased flooding in the area.
- Proposed development at juncture of Stewart’s Creek and Joshua’s Brook risks significant runoff of pollutants from the pavement and buildings, which will then flow from the creeks into Nantucket Sound.
- Part of the property is in a Wellhead Protection Overlay Zone.
- Part of the 40-acre property is in the AE and VE flood zones.
- Proposed buildings are near flood zone and must meet the setback guidelines for wetland.
- Golfers report that parts of the golf course are flooded for days after a rain storm, questioning the viability of locating an apartment complex in this location.
- The property is listed on topographical maps as Conservation Land.
- Stewart’s Creek Neighbors for two years worked closely with Town Council, Dept. of Public Works, Conservation Commission to clean up and restore Stewart’s and Joshua Creeks to natural habitat and wildlife. Development would reverse their efforts.
- Abutter reports that Scudder Ave floods in wetlands on both sides of Scudder Ave near proposed development entrance.
- Current effort to manage runoff at Conference Center not effective. The Conference Center built a drainage pond a few years ago next to the proposed development entrance, to meet a town requirement. Abutter reports effort is unsuccessful and flooding continues and flows into Creek entrance.
- This project specifies large amounts of impervious pavement, replacing trees and other vegetation. It is a formula for additional, excessive storm water run-off into Joshua’s Brook.
- Concern that massive development scale and architecture is incompatible with traditional Cape Cod design.
- Housing density and the increase of up to 1000 new residents.
- A number of planning and building regulations aren’t being met and require a variance.
- The property is zoned for single family homes.
- Building housing in a wetlands area impacts future viability of waterways and wildlife.
- Town height restriction for buildings is 30 feet or 2 ½ stories, whichever is less. Proposed apartment buildings are 47 feet high.
- Town parking requirement is 2 spaces per unit. Quarterra allocated 1 ½ spaces per unit, which amounts to 2 + acres of paved land, a significant reduction in green space. Where will the excess cars park — on the neighboring streets?
- 50% of total upland area in a development must be kept as open space. Unclear if LMC is following this requirement as LMC is proposing building in the upland area.
- Concern about lighting in development should focus into the development, not up and out towards creek and area homes, disturbing nocturnal habitat.
- The lights from the thirteen, 3-story residential buildings and 2 acres of parking lots will destroy the serenity of the adjacent neighborhoods and drive off the nocturnal pollinators and other wildlife who depend on dark space.
