Spot Pond rules... No Motorboats
Published on May 19th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Public input was the reason for the MDC's joint meeting with the Spot Pond Committee on Thursday night, and public input is what it got.
The pond's future includes public access beginning on July 1 with ideas for passive recreational activities that are still being mulled over.
"As many of you have found out, things are moving," stated MDC Commissioner David Balfour, regarding work ongoing and already completed at the pond, including clearing around the pond edge as well as roadway and curb work in preparation for the summertime opening.
Spot Pond has been taken off line as a drinking supply but will continue to serve as an emergency back-up for the MWRA. Water quality will therefore continue to be of significant importance, and the MWRA, despite having transferred care and control of the pond and pond edge land to the MDC, will restrict activities involving use of the water. No swimming will be allowed in Spot Pond and dogs will be prohibited from the area of the pond edge.
"We know what we would like to see, but we don't want to dictate...There is a lot we can do now because it's natural, it's there," Balfour said, opening up discussion for ideas and concerns on the public access plan.
While Balfour advised that the area would accommodate hikers, walkers and joggers, he also suggested using the area for holiday celebrations, concerts, fishing derbies and picnicking.
The activities of primary interest to Thursday's attendees that will be allowed beginning on July 1, however, were fishing and boating. With the pond having recently been stocked with various types of trout, by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, fishing is one activity expected to draw great interest from the very beginning.
Boating will be allowed, Balfour said, but for at least the first year will be restricted and watched closely to assess any impact to the water, pond edge and surrounding neighborhoods.
"We want to grow into it," he said and explained that to start, only MDC provided boats will be allowed. "We need to see what we can control."
Twelve row boats and six canoes have been purchased by the MDC and will be available to rent. Use of private boats will not be allowed, said Balfour, despite a great deal of interest expressed. The proliferation of water chestnuts in the Charles River is one problem that the MDC hopes to avoid by preventing private boats from entering Spot Pond.
Much concern was voiced regarding the location of a boat landing with many Straw Point area residents worried about the impact to their neighborhood should one be situated there. (Straw Point is the intersection of Route 28 and Pond Street).
Balfour advised that he has heard residents' concerns with regard to potential increase in traffic, trash and commotion and assured that no expansion of Straw Point is being considered. A traffic study is underway, he said, to investigate the impact of closing off the area to cut-through traffic.
"The residents will be the number one consideration," Balfour said, but did not rule out the possibility of using Straw Point as a boat landing area.
One resident stated that she was concerned about parking on residential side streets by boaters attracted to the area.
"That's why we're starting out with just a few boats," Balfour responded, and explained that other areas too are being considered for boat landings.
"If there is a negative impact on a neighborhood, we won't do it...We'll close it down," he said, adding that to start, determination of some activities and locations will be based on trial and error.
"Why bother even trying it then at Straw Point? That's the only area that's residential...Leave us alone," said another resident.
Whether or not there will be any negative impact on the neighborhood is unknown at this point, explained Balfour, and he agreed to meet separately with Straw Point residents following the meeting.
When challenged by one area resident why the MDC did not take the economical approach and leave the area as is, Balfour stated "There's been strong public outcry to open the area for public access."
Not all area residents were apprehensive about the plan, however with one stating that he purchased his home in the area because of the beauty the pond offered and potential positive affect the plans will have on property values. He did caution, however, that along with the MDC, the residents also have a responsibility to the area.
"We have to do our own patrolling too...we can help ourselves," he said.
Hiking trails and environmental education are also activities that the public can look forward to, according to Al Pratt, Park Planner for the MDC's Reservations and Historic Sites Division. He referred to Spot Pond as that which has long been missing from the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
With all this activity anticipated, the availability of public parking will lend to the success of the public access plan. Two possible parking areas are located across the street from the pond in the area of the Stone Zoo. Increased signage is already being addressed and pedestrian crosswalks would be needed if these areas are utilized.
While pedestrian traffic has been very low in recent years, Balfour stated that the State Police will be helpful in slowing down drivers and making them aware of the increased use of the roadway and crosswalks. The two agencies have been working together on increased signage for the area.
"It's more than enforcement...It's public awareness," said Balfour.
Stoneham resident Joe Cunningham acknowledged the concerns expressed throughout the evening.
"I've never seen anything in Massachusetts move this quickly...I'm encouraged but I have my concerns."
At the same time, he praised Balfour's efforts and stated that for him, there is comfort in knowing that Balfour too lives in the area (Melrose).
"This is going to be a jewel...I'm convinced you're going to do a great job," he told the commissioner.
Balfour credited the efforts of the area's elected officials, State Representatives Paul Casey and Michael Festa and State Senator Richard Tisei, who have been helpful in promoting the project. Due to their efforts, Balfour said, $200,000 has been put into the House budget for project planning. This line item must still pass the Senate, however.
Balfour also advised that the idea of a non-profit friends group was being explored for Spot Pond. This group would be the MDC's partner in care, custody and use of the area.
Spot Pond Committee Chair-man Stephen Sylvester advised that since his committee's formation over a year ago, the MDC has been helpful in educating members on the pond and its surroundings and stated that the Spot Pond Committee looks forward to continuing working with the MDC to bring the plan for a recreational area at Spot Pond to fruition.
"We wanted to bring the people to the water. We're achieving that...People are beginning to see what can happen here."
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