WFCC- Climate Impact of New Development in Watertown

Members of WFCC have begun to monitor the climate impact of the many new buildings being planned for Watertown. In March, we attended a presentation on the development of the Watertown Arsenal complex by Alexandria Real Estate Equities.  In correspondence with the developers and at public meetings, we are advocating for Net-Zero buildings, solar panels, electric shuttlebuses run by the developers, bike and pedestrian access, the saving of mature trees, and the creation of green space.  At this point, Alexandria is planning for one Net-Zero building out of the 11 currently on the site and three new ones. The solar panels required by the town’s bylaw will be located on the roofs of the parking structures. There will be bike and pedestrian paths.  We want to persuade Alexandria to do more. In addition, althoughthe Arsenal underwent an extensive Superfund clean-up several years ago, we are concerned that is still be contaminated soil and water on the site and are urging further testing before new buildings are constructed.