Medford Conservation Commission Approves DCR Mystic River Greenway Extension 4-0

MEDFORD — March 17, 2021 — Medford Conservation Commission unanimously approves DCR's 500-foot Mystic River greenway extension. The commission voted 4-0 on March 17 to issue an order of conditions for DEP file 215-0224, authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to construct a 10-foot-wide paved path connecting the existing Clipper Ship Connector to Mystic River Bend Park within the Mystic River riverfront area. Co-Chair Lindsay Colburn and commissioners Heidi Davis, Heather Shampney Anderson, and Alexander Pantich approved the project; Commissioner Eric Rexford abstained. Jack Vaccaro of Epsilon Associates, presenting for DCR, confirmed that the 5,000-square-foot riverfront impact represents 4.5 percent of the total riverfront area on the project parcels and that 16,000 square feet of native plantings will offset it — figures Davis had requested be transmitted to the MassDEP Northeast Regional Office. Residents from the Ship Avenue condominium association raised concerns about a secondary stabilized-stone spur path, construction noise over an estimated 18-to-30-month build, rodent displacement, and long-term Japanese knotweed control, with DCR project manager Stella Lang indicating the spur could be eliminated through a separate process after permitting.