From: "The Committee @ Defend Ipswich River Communities" <no-reply@test.ascendbywix.com>
Subject: Defend Ipswich River Newsletter  May 31, 2019
Date: May 30, 2019 at 6:25:48 PM EDT
To: info@defendipswichriver.org
Reply-To: info@defendipswichriver.org

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Defend Ipswich River Newsletter
May 31, 2019	

Who We Are...
In late 2018, NY Ventures, whose principal is Teresa’s Prime owner Nick Yebba, proposed 5 five-story buildings containing 200 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at 20 Elm Street in North Reading. The proposal, under the state’s 40B affordable housing law, allows the developer to circumvent local zoning bylaws.	
	
Defend Ipswich River Communities, Inc. (DIRC) is a group of citizens concerned about the environmental and community impact of the project.  There is a need for affordable housing in every community, however that that shouldn’t come at the expense of the 350,000 residents in 12 towns downstream that rely on the river for drinking water, recreation, and overall health of the area. 	

 	

Hot Topic
Defend Ipswich River Communities (DIRC) is gathering materials and experts to oppose the 200 apartments, housed in five-story buildings, proposed for 20 Elm Street, adjacent to Teresa’s Prime. The project’s applicant already has a team of attorneys and other experts prepared to tell the North Reading Board of Appeals (ZBA) why this project does no harm and why the ZBA should approve it. They’ll minimize the negative impacts of the dramatic building height and 360 parking spaces, 35,000 gallons per day of privately treated sewage discharged near wells and the Ipswich River, and added strain on town resources.
 
We need research and qualified experts to get to the truth. It is essential to submit experts’ reports to the ZBA to prove our case. To that end, DIRC asks everyone who cares about North Reading, the Ipswich River, public safety, and our town’s future and character to help fund the costs of hiring independent experts to present to the ZBA the real impact to the environment, public safety, and more. Please donate by visiting defendipswichriver.org or mailing a check to Defend Ipswich River Communities, Inc, P.O. Box 695, North Reading, MA 01864.
 
We can’t succeed without your help!	

How You Can Make a Difference
Defend Ipswich River Communities, Inc. wants to protect the fragile Ipswich River Watershed from the devastation of over-development. If you care about clean drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and the impact of massive buildings in a largely rural area, you can help fight this project. Attend meetings where this is on the agenda (see dates below). If boards meet in front of empty rooms, they’ll think we don’t care! Visit www.defendipswichriver.org to register for regular updates and to make a donation to help fight this dangerous project. Ask your friends to sign up too!	

 	

Upcoming Events
	•	DIRC Community Information Session, Thursday June 6th, 7:00 pm at the Flint Library - lower level
	•	Conservation Commission ANRAD Hearing, Wednesday, June 12, time TBA, NR Town Hall

 	

What’s Next?
Watch for lawn signs opposing the project soon. If you are interested in sponsoring a sign and posting it in your yard, e-mail info@defendipswichriver.org	

 	

 Question of the Week 
I thought the state approved 200 apartments for 20 Elm Street. Isn’t it a done deal?
 
No, there are still many hurdles before the project is approved or denied. The first part of the process was the state deciding whether a 40B project could be referred to the local authorities for review and approval/denial.  On March 27, 2019, MassHousing issued a letter approving this next step. Now, local boards, including the North Reading Conservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), will review the project, as will applicable state agencies. The project has yet to comply with environmental regulations as part of any ultimate ZBA approval. The ZBA also may suggest to the applicant that the number of units or other aspects of the project be adjusted; 40B applications are rarely approved as originally submitted.  With all this left to be decided, resident involvement and independent reports regarding wetlands, public safety, and other condition are critical to the outcome.	

 	

Fundraising Update
Other towns have successfully proposed 40B projects inappropriate for the sites on which they are proposed, but it can take as much as $50,000 for qualified experts and legal representation. We’re off to a good start, but need $10,000 more right away to hire independent experts and legal counsel. Please make your donation today. Ask your friends to sign up and please Donate!	
 	
Donate Now

	

	

	

Useful Links
	•	www.defendipswichriver.org
	•	www.northreadingma.gov
	•	www.ipswichriver.org	

PO Box 695, North Reading Ma. 01864	
	
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