 
DALY FIELD BILL
Update: Daly Field Bill Passes in Legislature and is Signed by Governor Patrick
August 8, 2012
The House and Senate passed S.2383 An Act authorizing the lease of the Daly field complex. The bill then traveled to Governor Patrick, who signed the legislation into law on August 7th.
CRWA will continue to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure that a robust public process occurs so that the public may retain adequate use of Daly Field.
Daly Field in the News
VOTE NO ON S.2306 AND PROTECT OUR PARKLANDS!
Please act now and preserve public voice for Daly Field!
July 24, 2012
Simmons College wants to build a large sports complex for its use along the Charles River at Daly Field, Brighton, which is owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The site is between Community Rowing and the Daly Rink now controlled by Newton Country Day School, off Nonantum Road and will complete the privatization of 1/3 mile of parkland in this area. The complex would occupy 800 feet of riverfront with two artificial turf fields, 6 tennis courts, a running track, lighting, ticket booth, locker rooms and concessions stands, although it is not a water-dependent use.
Simmons has introduced legislation (S. 2306) to authorize the development and 30-year lease of the property and is using a high powered lobbyist to push the legislation through before the end of this legislative session, July 31st. The Department of Conservation and Recreation, contrary to its stewardship mission, is taking no position on the bill.
The bill gives Simmons, Brighton High football and Little League exclusive use of complex fields at prime recreation times, excluding the public.
Why Does it Matter?
CRWA is concerned about the privatization of this parkland, and the complete lack of public process and transparency prior to the legislation being filed. It is a dangerous precedent and it is not even being opened up to public bidding.
DCR continues to lack the resources to maintain its' parklands, so the push for private partnerships will continue. But this comes as a cost and often this cost is the displacement of public uses.
CRWA believes passage of this bill should only be done after a full, open public process -- one that analyzes the alternatives and environmental impacts and which protects the public's rights in these public lands, as well as the environment and open space values.
The Proposed Legislation:
- Was introduced without a public or environmental review
- Shuts the public out of weeknights and limits weekend use
- Calls for a 30-year lease for a one-time payment of $500,000- or less than $1,400/mo for 8.5 acres of riverfront parkland!
- Has no provisions for parking
- Establishes a new nonprofit body to oversee the use, operation and maintenance of the fields and facilities
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How Can You Hel p?
Contact DCR Commissioner Edward Lambert and Senate Ways and Means Chair Stephen Brewer and tell them you OPPOSE S.2306 today!
Let your voice be heard before the bill comes up for a vote! Please contact Commissioner Lambert and Senator Brewer - by phone, or email today- as the session ends July 31st!.
Ask them to oppose S.2306, An Act authorizing the lease of the Daly field complex.
Use the CRWA Daly Field Fact Sheet as a guide and contact the following:
Page updated August 1, 2012 |
YOUR WATERSHED 
