Have you heard about the intention to extend Langley Parkway in Concord? This $22 Million+ city construction plan will have detrimental effects on the environment by cutting down forested area, disturbing natural habitats and destroying an outdoor, recreational space that is well-used and loved by all of Concord. A local group of committed citizens has been fighting the extension for decades and has now banded together once again to permanently remove Langley Parkway Extension Phase 3 (CIP 40) from the city budget. They are requesting that people reach out to Concord City Councilors to push for the removal of CIP 40 from the budget by May 11th and importantly SIGN THE PETITION by April 28th. Please take action before it's too late!
There will be a PUBLIC MEETING on May 11th 6:30-9:30pm at Bishop Brady High School library to learn more and voice your concerns.
WHAT IS LANGLEY PARKWAY EXTENSION? (from the Concord Greenspace Coalition)
The Langley Parkway Extension Phase 3 (CIP 40) (section a) is the third phase of a 1950s highway plan, which would pave the community nature trail that goes from Granite Ledges at Concord Hospital through to Auburn Street (see yellow dotted line on map). The nature trail runs through critical woodland and wetland habitat and abuts conservation land plus the Winant Park greenspace & recreational trails. At a proposed 78 feet wide, the parkway would irreparably destroy large swaths of forest and wetlands, home to wildlife both on the ground and in the air, and divert the Bow Brook near its head waters.
Furthermore, this $22 million dollar city construction project would financially impact all Concord taxpayers with no clear deliverables (please see details at www.concordgreenspace.com). (It is also being considered concurrently with the building of a much needed, yet very expensive, new middle school.) The existing trail attracts and connects people of all ages and supports a thriving recreational community. Citizens have successfully pushed back against this proposal for decades - let's end this discussion once and for all and remove CIP 40 permanently from the City budget. SIGN THE PETITION by April 28th.
Environmental Impact
The Langley Parkway Extension Phase 3 would introduce several negative environmental impacts to the area including pollution, an increase in wildlife motor vehicle accidents, and habitat fragmentation. These adverse impacts would be felt by people, wildlife, and the local habitat.
Negative effects of the Langley Parkway Extension Phase 3 include:
An increase in wildlife motor vehicle accidents: Concord is home to a large number of animal species including deer which cause up to 1.5 million motor vehicle accidents per year in the U.S. Smaller animals like turkeys, squirrels, and skunks would also be subject to collisions and ensuing roadside mortality. Inevitably and unfortunately, the carcasses of animals would line the roadway resulting in smells and health risks.
An increase in pollution: Roadways transmit a large amount of trash, harmful chemicals, and debris into the nearby environment. Litter accompanies every roadway in America – it would be no different along the extension of the Langley Parkway. Salt used in winter and oil from cars can have negative impacts on the chemical makeup of the nearby habitat, as well as leach into the groundwater. Additionally, exhaust from cars introduces foul smells and harmful chemicals into the areas adjacent to roadways. Debris from tires, auto accidents, and construction can harm plant and animal life. Finally, light and noise pollution has been known to have a profound detrimental impact on both humans and other animals.
Habitat fragmentation: Breaking up natural habitat has been proven to negatively impact the health of natural ecosystems. A roadway can be a barrier for smaller species to cross and it also increases the weather exposure to trees and other plant life. It can also be a vector for the introduction of invasive species. Habitat fragmentation leads to a degradation of ecological health and reduces the ability of both flora and fauna to adjust to the impacts of climate change.
The Langley Parkway Extension Phase 3 contains a number of harmful environmental consequences that would be both immediate and lasting. Humans depend on a healthy and vibrant natural world – let’s not degrade our local environment for a poorly conceived infrastructure project.
Read the Concord Greenspace Coalition's community letter in opposition on their website and sign the petition today! Join the community at the May 11th 6:30pm PUBLIC MEETING at Bishop Brady High School library.