Stop River Marsh project, protect the North River
- Please consider donating to pay for legal fees associated with stopping River Marsh Development along the North River in Pembroke Ma. The project is a 16 building, 56 unit proposed 40B development bordering the North River on land designated unbuildable (and taxed as such) since 1987. Despite the Town’s repeated appeals, in July 2020 (4 years after initial application) the proposal received State site approval and is currently being reviewed by the Pembroke Zoning Board of Appeals. The plan creates environmental, wildlife, safety and financial havoc to Pembroke and surrounding residents, is in direct conflict with Pembroke’s Housing Production Plan, and provides little benefit to anyone but the developer.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS are immeasurable – 62% of the site is wetland – 71 % Flood hazard. Both the wastewater and stormwater treatment systems directly abut sensitive wetland areas, and the wastewater plant requires crossing and filling of both a wetland and a USGS delineated stream that drains directly to the North River. Millions of tax dollars have been invested to prevent the exact ecological damage this project would cause.
WILDLIFE impact is huge and largely being overlooked! At the time of Application, 78% of the site was within mapped Endangered species priority habitat. This project will cause irreparable harm to area wildlife, and any attempt to replicate the habitat would require more uplands than are available. In addition, Pembroke has the largest herring run on the North river, proud of it, and has spent tons of money and time to protect and increase.
NATIONAL LANDMARK DESTRUCTION – In 1978 the North River Protective Order was passed making the North River the only Scenic Protected River in the state of Massachusetts. In addition, In 1977 the North and South Rivers were designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior, as “possessing national significance in illustrating the natural character of the United States.” The aim of the state Protective Order is to protect public and private property, wildlife, fresh and saltwater fisheries, and irreplaceable wild, scenic and recreational river resources. The significant stormwater and wastewater generated from this proposed development will impact the health of the North River and damage its water quality. Sixty-two percent of the site is wetland that directly drains into the North River.
PUBLIC SAFETY impact is enormous, and it’s not limited to the neighborhood residents. No improvements have been made to these narrow streets that lack traffic control and clear line of site since the historic neighborhood has increased in size over the years. The Old Colony Planning Council study reports a Level of service at the Water street/139 intersection as the lowest rating possible, and an analysis of three years of crash data at the two RT39 intersections shows 43 accidents. Major costly renovations will be needed to address 139.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILTY to provide adequate infrastructure to support this project Falls upon the residents of Pembroke. Roads, Water, Sidewalks, Schools - These costs could run into the millions!
RISK/REWARD - The proposed project only increases Pembroke’s affordable housing stock by a tenth of a percent – from 9.5 to 9.6%. We would need 5 similar projects to get to the 10% threshold! The Town is within .5% of the 10% affordable housing goal and has earned the right to evaluate projects based on local interests.
DECEPTIVE PRACTICES – Brian Murphy has a history of deceptive practices known to the Town. Most recently his development at 260-280 Oak Street was under scrutiny for not building in accordance with Town approval. The consequences of such actions at the unique Water Street site are immeasurable, irreparable and will be forever a regretful cost to the residents of Pembroke and surrounding towns.
Please consider donating! Every little bit counts!
