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.