The Community Preservation Committee will meet October 23rd, to decide on a proposal for the City to complete its' purchase of 230 Lake Ave.

(Contingent upon CPC participation and Aldermen approvals.) This acquisition will allow for the preservation of another 300 feet of natural waterfront landscape and possible reuse of the home located there; And will protect the site from private development. Most

importantly- This will provide for a continuous Public open space and West Cove Park for the year-round passive recreation for all of Newton's Citizens!

VOICE YOUR SUPPORT for this proposition by October 16 to:

The Community Preservation Committee via:

aingerson@newtonma.gov

Copy to:

dcohen@newtonma.gov

AldermanBaker@comcast.net

and your local Alderman.

CURRENT DISPOSITION of CPC:

I want to let people know more clearly, that there appears to be a definite and unfavorable split on the CPC, with 4-5 (out of 9) members presently unlikely to support this request !

It is important that community supporters know this, and perhaps we should be putting directed messages to the members who have not already indicated their support.

These include the Chair, Judy Jacobson, Doug Dickson , Wally Bernheimer (of Rec. Comm.), and Nancy Grissom, who seemed supportive but wanted more information, including a site visit. Only 5 votes are needed, but -as with most of us- would prefer to have more unanimity.

Supporting attendance at the last CPC meeting was NOT over-whelming, so the message might have been read that there is not interest in acquiring #230 and forming a complete stretch of Park land at the west cove.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

This acquisition fits three of the four prescribed uses for CPA funding; And the Commonwealth provides a 100% matching contribution(-pays half the cost).

Note: CPA funds can NOT be used for other purposes- like schools and fire stations.

This is a uniquely 'central' location with special natural qualities, used by many in our Community- young and old, near and away...

and will become a Park for year 'round enjoyment.

Almost 300 feet more public waterfront

-contributing to the Master Plan for an unbroken public pathway and Park frontage that is double the current Levingston Cove; and more than triple that land area!

Preserve the beautiful Landscape (and perhaps the house?) that has matured there.

If you've ever walked the site you'll understand the wonderful natural

features- Cedar grove, shade trees... It's not large in size but its'

qualities are great.

[It may not be immediately clear right now, but when the 20 Rogers house is erased from the area it will be more obvious that This parcel is a key piece of what should be a whole landscape and open space for all of Newton to enjoy.]

Note that:

We CAN NOT completely control what plans the next owner may have, or what they may do on this site; (zoning allows over 7000 SF living space plus garage, pool, patios, etc.)

We CAN eliminate any future Public/private argument of the kind experienced with 20 Rogers Street.

In the end, I believe the over-arching reason is that it's a "vision thing"...

This is the right thing to do... and (fortunately or unfortunately) the Owner is willing to sell to the Community NOW. Circumstances have dictated this to be the occasion (and more than likely the ONLY

occasion) to do it.

( And the Commonwealth, at this point, is still willing to contribute 'half the cost.)

We would all be sad, and sadly regarded if next year and every year

thereafter- we pass by the Lake and say things like:

"...too bad the new owners..."

"...too bad we can't walk along the water to the 'other' Park."