CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
February 2001
Archives—Table of Contents

Leaders step forward in support of renewed parklands

A major concern of all present at BB&N on January 6th is the importance of preparing our political leaders at all levels of government to make informed, pro-environmental decisions to ensure that Basin parklands restoration proceeds in a timely fashion. It is heartening to know that we already have firm allies in this initiative, most notably in the Charles River Legislators' Caucus, which combines members of the Massachusetts House and Senate in a coordinated body on behalf of the Charles River and its Basin parklands.

Special note must be made of three leaders whose demonstrated commitment to the environment and the Basin parklands can not be overstated. Representative Alice Wolf, who needs no introduction here, was very much part of the day's events. By taking the time to explore the site at first-hand and think through the complex restoration issues associated with the project, she demonstrated her continuing support for the Conservancy and its work. For this we are deeply grateful.

Also participating in the discussion about Hell's Half Acre was Will Luzier, legislative assistant to Senator Stephen Tolman. In walking the site, Will was better able to understand the need to think about all of the Basin parklands, given his participation and a preliminary read-through of the MDC master plan. Senator Tolman has already shown his concern for the Hell's Half Acre site through special funding for increased police patrols. We welcome his further involvement in planning for its renewal and note with pleasure Will Luzier's helpful comments subsequent to January sixth.

Henrietta Davis, Cambridge City Councilor, was also with us. She has played a key role in facilitating an agreement between the MDC and the City of Cambridge which will lead to wide-ranging rehabilitation of Magazine Beach, along with its continuing maintenance.