September 8, 2014

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-75, regarding a report on possible options for preserving the Silver Maple Forest, please be advised of the following:

I have met with the Town Manager from Arlington, Adam Chapdelaine and the Town Administrator of Belmont, David Kale regarding the Silver Maple Forest. The position of each Town is summarized in the attached document, as well as supporting information from the DPW and Conservation Commission. Additionally, I have spoken with a representative of the property owner; a summary of that conversation is also included in the attached. Staff will be available to discuss these issues.

It is my view that although there may be a desire by some leaders in these communities to preserve the land for open space, there is not a clear indication that this will actually happen. The Cambridge City Council has in the past supported resolutions for preservation. I would be cautious about participating in any adverse actions concerning this property as potential legal costs could be extremely high and this would not be an advisable cause of action. As we state in the attached document, no Cambridge City utilities are servicing the development, and although the developer has plans for these from Belmont, that decision may have not been the most prudent from a fiscal point of view.

What I have determined is that the sale of this land, if it were ever available for sale, would be a very complicated and long drawn out process. The portion of the land in Cambridge is protected from development and if the City were to purchase the land located in Belmont, it would be extremely complicated and very expensive undertaking and in conflict with other important open space project needs that I see as greater priorities for future consideration by the City Council. Our list of current priorities include: land acquisition for a new Department of Public Works facility and the costs to redevelop the existing Hampshire Street site for a new purpose - possibly open space and housing; the total reconstruction of Glacken Field, Sennott Park and Linear Park; the continuation of our program to reconstruct school playgrounds and tot lots; and additional funds for streets, sidewalks and trees. In addition, we may consider land acquisition for a future City Cemetery.

As we consider our future expenditures for these projects, we must also be prepared to develop a strong reserve for the future needs of our City buildings. All decisions of this nature need to be within our financial plan to keep a realistic tax rate position for Cambridge residents and businesses. We will also be looking at increases in our spending for energy conservation projects and for commitments we may have in building a Net Zero Community.

Given a choice, I as well as other City leaders, would prefer the land to remain as open space, however the situations which have unfolded may not allow for that and I would not recommend intervention by the City of Cambridge at this time. If things were to change, the City would always be able to reconsider its position. If that became a reality, I would strongly recommend a broader discussion of open space needs throughout our community.

Very truly yours,

Richard C. Rossi

City Manager

RCR/mec
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