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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 www.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 ask your friends to sign up too!

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.