THE STREAMER NEWSLETTER

Streamer: Spring 1999

A new initiative designed to check unplanned growth and preserve livable communities will be discussed at a public forum sponsored by CRWA on March 23rd in Holliston. Entitled "Environmental Zoning: Sustaining Water Resources in Holliston, MA," the evening conference is scheduled for 6:30 to 10pm at Asa Whiting Barn, 547 Washington St., Holliston. All are invited.

Zoning bylaw changes are under development by CRWA, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), and the Town of Holliston. If adopted by the town, the zoning amendments would ensure that commercial and residential development does not outstrip the availability of local water resources. Beyond Holliston, environmental zoning could be a tool for managing growth in any municipality that depends on locally drawn water supplies.

"Everyone is concerned about sprawl," explains CRWA's Executive Director Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr. "But there are few practical planning tools available for controlling it. Environmental zoning is a workable strategy in communities where residents want to preserve town character and also protect natural resources."

Featured speakers at the event include state Representative Barbara Gardner (Democrat-Holliston, Hopkinton, and Medway), state Secretary of Environmental Affairs Bob Durand, and CRWA's Zimmerman. Audience members will have the opportunity to question a panel of experts about the technical, economic, and legal implications of the process. Participating on the panel will be representatives from Holliston's Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission, as well as independent consultant Robert Black of Industrial Economics, attorney Bennett Heart of CLF, and environmental engineer Mindy Roberts of CRWA.

Recognizing that unplanned growth in the Upper Charles River Watershed threatens the quality and quantity of water available for drinking water and stream flow in the river, CRWA is currently working with several towns on water management issues. CRWA has developed computer simulation models to help analyze and better predict changes in water resources in the upper watershed.

Call (617) 965-5975 to register. A $5 fee will be collected at the door.