Neighbor News
Should Wenham Allow Affordable Housing Development in Wetland Buffer Zone?
Wenham Conservation Commission seeks public input on proposal to build 60-unit housing complex within a wetland buffer zone.
The Wenham Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing, 7:30 PM on Monday November 24, 2014 at Wenham Town Hall.
Public input is sought by the Wenham Conservation Commission on the Notice of Intent filed by Harborlight Community Partners DBA Maple Woods Housing LLC for the construction of a 60 unit affordable housing project with associated parking, stormwater infrastructure, and utility installation partially within the 100 foot buffer zone of a wetland at 62 Maple Street, Wenham.
State and local laws preserve wetlands because of their contribution to our quality of life.
- Wetlands protect drinking water by filtering run-off from roadways and parking lots (salt, oil, etc.) and agriculture (fertilizers, pesticides), other chemicals pollutants, and sediments that would otherwise clog and contaminate our waters.
- Wetlands soak up runoff from heavy rains and snow melts, providing natural flood control.
- Wetlands release stored floodwaters during droughts.
- Wetlands provide critical habitats for a fish and wildlife, including endangered, commercial and recreational species.
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act requires an application and public input with the local Conservation Commission for any work in a wetland buffer zone to ensure the protection of local wetlands. Protecting our nation’s wetlands has become a state and national priority.
