NAHANT — Keep Nahant Wild is raising money for its fight against the proposed expansion of Northeastern University on East Point.
Keep Nahant Wild is a mission of the Nahant Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization that works to preserve the town’s open space, scenic landscapes, historically significant properties, and conservation lands.
“There is always a need for a nonprofit to raise money,” said Michelle Capano, a member. “Specifically, we need to raise funds to pay for these forward legal expenses we anticipate will happen.”
The school has not yet pulled building permits, but Capano said she expects action will be taken once it does.
“We do have expenses that we are anticipating in terms of helping the town with whatever action it is taking,” said Capano. “Maybe it’s hiring an environmental specialist or someone who knows about wildlife. There are things that will need to be analyzed.”
At issue are two separate projects proposed by Northeastern University for the Marine Science Center located in the town’s East Point neighborhood.
One would include the construction of an additional building on the 23-acre site for research and classroom space and the other would result in a five-fold increase of the amount of seawater taken in to feed research needs.
Volunteers with the organization have displayed more than 350 “Love Nahant” signs on lawns throughout the town. More than $3,000 was privately donated to get the movement started and the signs, designed by Nahanters, printed and posted.
Northeastern representatives believe much of the opposition is fueled by misconceptions.
“We know that there is a huge amount of misinformation out there,” said Mike Armini, Northeastern’s senior vice-president of external affairs. “The goal at this stage is to set the record straight.”
The University is sending out a series of mailings that include answers to many of the frequently-asked questions about the project. Proponents are also willing to meet and take calls from residents with questions, Armini said.
The fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Nahant Country Club and will include a buffet dinner, silent auctions, raffles, and entertainment by 76 Wharf Street and other special guest musicians.
The space, food, raffle items, and entertainment were all donated. Tickets are $50 each.
