This letter from Boston Green Action co-founder Martyn Roetter was sent to the members of the Boston City Council on Tuesday, October 29th following a hearing on the 2 Charlesgate West exemption ordinance filed by City Councilor Sharon Durkan. The ordinance is opposed by many local organizations and community leaders.
Dear Councilors,
Although I am out of the country, I have been following and informed of developments regarding the fate of this ordinance, including the hearing held yesterday and the alarming prospect that a vote on it will be taken at the City Council meeting tomorrow.
I urge you to do your best to prevent this vote. As the hearing showed, significant unresolved issues exist about this proposed 2 Charlesgate exemption ordinance. A working session must be held on this proposed ordinance, including consideration of substitute language that has been prepared to close the subdivision loophole and not create a special exemption. Otherwise this project will go down (I could add the words “in infamy”) as another step along the path to the gutting of parks regulations which have protected them over many decades for the benefit of all of us.
A “one time” exception or exemption here, then another, then another… How many “non-precedent setting” decisions (violations) does it take before the pattern becomes obvious. Whenever a developer’s plans conflict with the purposes of the Green New Deal and the benefits provided by parks and green spaces, the city/BRA sides with the developer and is unwilling to defend the public interest. The ultimate outcome of this scenario is predictable and alarming, but also avoidable.
Thank you for all your efforts,
Martyn Roetter
