City of Somerville header
File #: 197786    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 10/7/2014 In control: City Council
On agenda: 10/9/2014 Final action: 10/9/2014
Enactment date: 10/9/2014 Enactment #: 197786
Title: Requesting that DCR remove ragweed from the shoreline of Mystic River.
Sponsors: William A. White Jr., Tony Lafuente, Dennis M. Sullivan, Mary Jo Rossetti, John M. Connolly

  Agenda Text

title

Requesting that DCR remove ragweed from the shoreline of Mystic River.

 

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Official Text

WHEREAS,                     The shoreline area of the Mystic River, from Mystic Avenue to Route 28, is a valuable waterfront asset that is used by many people and also abuts a dense residential neighborhood; and

 

WHEREAS,                      Many users of that area and residents have complained about serious overgrowth of weeds; and

 

WHEREAS,                      Despite numerous requests to DCR to engage in control of the weeds and overgrowth, DCR has taken no action for a number of years; and

 

WHEREAS,                      As a result of such inaction, there has been a substantial overgrowth of weeds, such as ragweed, which has caused allergic reactions in people and pets in the surrounding area; and

 

WHEREAS,                      Residents and users are concerned that continued inaction by DCR will only lead to further overgrowth of weeds, such as ragweed; and

 

WHEREAS,                      In the past, DCR has claimed that it will not perform removal of waterfront growth because of concerns over river bank erosion; and

 

WHEREAS,                      Residents question how the removal of ragweed and other noxious weeds that would improve the use of the area and help alleviate allergies in users, nearby residents and their pets could threaten the banks of the river; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

 

RESOLVED,                      That this Board of Aldermen asks:

§                     That DCR arrange a meeting with the City Administration and members of the Board of Aldermen to walk the site,

§                     That thereafter, DCR take steps to remove such overgrowth, and

§                     That a copy of this Resolution be sent to all members of the Somerville legislative delegation and to the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth.