‘Reckless environmental disregard’ at West Acton development site

I have lived in numerous places but have never before seen such reckless environmental disregard for a neighborhood as I have witnessed on Main Street in West Acton.

Of course, tree removal is often a necessity when building new homes — but clear-cutting countless trees, including many towering 30-50+ feet in height? Unconscionable.

I feel for those who own the homes precariously perched on the precipice of this barren wasteland and share the pain of those who abut or face this property.

Was I wrong to assume that Acton is environmentally savvy? Does the town have tree ordinances, and if so, should they be strengthened? Are buildings codes less restrictive in West Acton? Was development on this scale even appropriate for a parcel that was going to require major restructuring?

I applaud those who fought tirelessly to prevent this from happening. They had grounds to object, and I’m sorry they lost — that power and money silenced their voices.

The developers and lawyers went to great lengths to finally obtain building approval and got much of what they wanted — but at the expense of everyone else and the environment.

Kathy Johnston

Conant Street