Saugus citizens file appeal on roadbed project

SAUGUS – The fight over the old I-95 roadbed in East Saugus isn?t over.A group of 18 citizens have signed an appeal to the Department of Environmental Protection over the recently approved Winthrop Beach restoration project. The project, which was approved by the Conservation Commission last month, calls for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to remove 236,000 square feet of sand from the roadbed to restore Winthrop Beach.?Although referred to as an ?abandoned roadbed,? the area has developed over the last 45 years a significant amount of vegetation, trees, and is inhabited and visited by birds and wildlife,” states the appeal.The appeal, which was written by Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian, requests a halt to construction until a land ownership question is resolved, seeks assurances that a marsh restoration project will be paid for, and seeks “clarity and specificity” on several of the Conservation Commission?s order of conditions.The appeal states that, despite concerns about “actual ownership of the property,” the DCR has provided “no evidence” of ownership to the Conservation Commission.?Ongoing title research is taking place as a result of the Saugus Board of Selectmen asking the Saugus Town Manager to determine ownership,” states the appeal. “That research is currently taking place. We believe that no construction should commence until ownership is resolved.”Another major issue of contention that came up during the hearings was whether the DCR would restore the marsh that sits next to the roadbed.One of the order of conditions states the restoration project will be funded by a federal grant and money from the Winthrop Beach project, however, the appeal states “the Commission does not have the authority to compel funding.”?We believe the Commission should have demanded a ?stipulation to provide complete funding of the Ballard Street marsh restoration and flood improvement project,?” states the appeal. “Without such a stipulation, the Commission cannot compel restoration as there were no restoration plans provided or cost estimates given.”Manoogian declined to comment on the appeal, but his name, along with “I-95 removal project,” is listed in the correspondence section of the agenda for tonight?s selectmen meeting.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].