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Dear Mayor Ballantyne:

Did you happen to see the local news report on the amazing work Green and Open Somerville does to create more green space in our City? I did and it was great! If not, I found the link below:

‘We pry and smash’: Local group creating more green space by removing asphalt, creating gardens – Boston 25 News

The report showed a Somerville couple working with volunteers to remove asphalt from their yard to plant more urban green space. The volunteer group, Green & Open Somerville, transformed 24 backyards already.

I felt pride when I heard these environmentally conscience volunteers lived in Somerville. Their small acts of thoughtfulness are inspirational. And I totally agreed with their spokesperson who said “the more of these little pockets we create of backyards that are cool and green and taking in water the better. It just benefits everybody.” Indeed, green space in Somerville benefits everybody!

So, tell me again what the SRA plans to do at 90 Washington Street? The answer is the exact opposite! Although purposeful volunteers work to restore green space on a lot-by-lot basis, our SRA leaders are hoping to plow under an acre of green space at 90 Washington Street to build a public safety building.

I wonder how many more asphalt driveways will need to be converted by Green and Open Somerville to offset the tragic loss of one acre of lush green space (with 38 mature trees and bushes) so that the SRA can build a new fire and safety building? Shouldn’t we be asking these questions before it is too late?

Somerville is one of the very hottest cities in the greater Boston area because of the lack of greenspace. Please follow Green and Open Somerville’s example and save Cobble Hill’s 40+ year old urban oasis.

Respectfully,

Margaret Gaudet