Saugus residents hope to thwart road bed plan

SAUGUS – Saugus residents are looking to the state constitution to help save the old I-95 road bed after the Saugus Conservation Commission gave the green light for the removal of 236,000 cubic yards of sand to restore Winthrop Beach in April.Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian and resident Dawn Gaffney will hold a meeting on Thursday at the Saugus Italian American Club from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to update residents on their appeal and to review article 97 of the Massachusetts constitution which protects public lands from disposal and alteration without legislative approval?We believe that the I-95 area, also known as the Rumney Park Reservation, qualifies as ?protected? Article 97 land,” said an announcement from Manoogian and Gaffney. “We also believe that regardless of any agreements the town has with the state or any dispute over the meaning of any previous agreements, such would not prevent us, as citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, from enjoying equal protection as afforded by Article 97.Article 97 states: “The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose. The general court shall have the power to enact legislation necessary or expedient to protect such rights.”Manoogian said Tuesday that article 97 “seems to be made for this situation.”?(Residents) want to pursue all avenues,” said Manoogian. “They feel that this is too important to them. I don?t think people are comfortable with the process so this is an opportunity to have elected officials and the state delegation present. This is a respectful process that will obviously make them aware of what?s involved.”Manoogian said a representative from State Sen. Thomas McGee?s office will be attending along with Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino, and selectmen Debra Panetta and Steve Horlick have committed to attend. Manoogian said invites were also sent to State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) and State Rep. Kathi Reinstein (D-Revere).?Up until now we have not involved the delegation but if it?s an article 97 issue, the delegation would have to be involved,” said Manoogian.Manoogian and 18 other residents filed an appeal of the project with the Department of Environmental Protection last month. Manoogian said a site visit with the DEP will be conducted soon.?It?s an opportunity for the parties to provide additional information and perspective,” he said. “I think seeing the place is a lot different than seeing what?s represented on drawings and maps. To go down there and see the sheer volume of the construction that?s going to take place, it?s amazing the amount of trees and so forth.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].