The Mugar Wetlands is one of Arlington’s last and largest open spaces, essential for floodwater storage and an important wildlife habitat. The construction of the proposed Thorndike Place, a massive 4-story rental building and 12 duplexes in proximity to documented wetlands and floodplain, threatens all of that, and so much more.

 

Arlington Town Meeting and the Select Board do not support this development and have worked for decades to protect this parcel. Sarah Greenlaw-Quinton serves as treasurer for the Coalition’s fundraising team.

 

Here is what you can do:

• Contribute to this GoFundMe site

• Stay informed:

• Spread the word by talking to your neighbors and forwarding a link to this site https://www.gofundme.com/f/9vw9k-save-the-mugar-wetlands

 

What’s at Stake:

• Increased Flooding - Wetlands are a critical stormwater buffer and absorb excess water. This huge complex would be like standing on a “wet sponge”, with excess water running into the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Increased Traffic - Excessive traffic on narrow neighborhood streets which empty onto and further overwhelm Lake Street.

• Thorndike Field - More flooding means fewer days that this is usable space for town sports.

• Increased costs - For maintaining or upgrading the local sewage system and other Arlington town services.

• Open Space - Loss of one of the last, large open spaces in Arlington.

• Environment - The wooded area between Dorothy Rd. and Rte. 2 is home to deer, coyotes, and other wildlife, and frequently visited by bald eagles. Old trees absorb water from the wetlands and provide a noise buffer to the highway.

 

Supporters of the Coalition to Save the Mugar Wetlands:

• Mystic River Watershed Association

• Arlington Land Trust

• League of Women Voters of Arlington

• Arlington Open Space Committee

• Arlington Soccer Club

• Friends of Spy Pond Park

• East Arlington Good Neighbor Committee

• The Friends of Alewife Reservation

• Belmont Citizens Forum