Text of Letter sent by Conservation Director Erik Kaplan to the Town of Billerica

Concord River

The Middlesex School of Concord is planning on building a crew facility on the Concord River in the Bedford area. This is all well and good but the town of Billerica is looking to limit the use of the Concord River during the Regattas and competitions. The limitations they are proposing are the exclusive use of the river for crew team events. This adds up to about six weekends during the spring and summer. So far the Office of Law Enforcement and the US Fish and Wildlife are against this proposal as are we. I have submitted comments on the issue to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The following are my comments;

Town of Billerica

Board of Appeal

365 Boston Road

Billerica, MA 01821

Re: Middlesex School Variance Request: 20 Riveredge Road, Billerica, MA

Dear Ms. Sargent,

 The Massachusetts Bass Federation is providing comment on the request for a variance submitted by the Middlesex School for property located at the 20 Riveredge Road in Billerica, Massachusetts. We are not landowners, but we do have an interest in the planned use of the Concord River in the suggested area.

We have concerns for the closing of the river so the regattas and/or competitions can be held. The closing of the river for any single event is simply unacceptable. The Concord River is a public waterway and should at no time be used exclusively for any one use. The people of Massachusetts have a right to use this waterway and should not be discriminated upon while trying to exercise that right.

Furthermore, the use of the boat ramp in Bedford as a parking area for spectators is also unacceptable. This is not the intended use of this facility and should not be considered a viable option.

We respectfully request that the ZBA does not approve these variances. The facility poses safety concerns in regards to parking in the neighborhood and usage conflicts on the Concord River. If the facility cannot meet the zoning requirements then this is not an appropriate site for such a facility.