Protect Belmont's Natural Wildlife Habitat
#StopBelmontDeforestation
Help prevent Belmont Hill School from destroying woodland
to build a parking lot
What is going on?
Belmont Hill School has acquired a number of lots near their main campus in North Belmont.
It wants to deforest the area and construct a 153 car parking lot and light-industrial mechanical facility instead.
The proposal can be found here.
Other materials related to the proposal can be found at
https://www.belmont-ma.gov/planning-board/pages/2022-planning-board-applications
The proposed development will clearcut woodlands which extend from Clifton Street to Park Avenue between Rutledge Road and Prospect Street.
Proposed Land use
Approximate scope of parking lot
The Belmont Hill School is planning to cut down most of the woodland on its property that is not federally protected wetland.
The woodlands is currently home to hundreds of species of animals, including Fox, Deer, Coyote, Mink, Woodchuck, Eastern Screech Owl, and many more.
A canopy of large (100+ foot) stately trees (80+ years) would be removed for the development.
The parking lot will hold 153 cars.
It will have 43,000 sq ft of pavement. This is comparable to the Star Market lot in Waverley Square!
It will have a devastating effect on traffic along Park Ave.
It will become a heat island, generate pollution and noise, and push out the native wildlife.
It is uphill from and will drain into a protected wetland.
The project does not represent the values of Belmont.
Belmont is committed to sustainability. See our Climate Action Plan
The Belmont light plant is ranked #2 in MA for clean energy. Belmont is ranked #10 in Greenest MA towns.
The town removed 90 spaces from the Belmont High School. This resulted in more carpooling and public transportation use.
The Belmont Hill School project goes in the opposite direction -- it encourages single driver commuting.
The proposed maintenance facility will include 680 gallons of gasoline and diesel above-ground fuel tanks.
The proposal places an eight foot wall setback only 19 feet from the neighbors' properties.
The land is zoned as residential. Belmont Hill School is using the Dover Amendment to override the town's requirement for a special permit. It claims the parking lot and industrial facility will be primarily for direct educational use.
Razing the properties on these lots will cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in lost tax revenue.
Belmont Hill School prides itself on being good neighbors and instilling a strong set of virtues in its students. This project is contrary to both of those ideals.
Donate to the Campaign
We are currently appealing the decision to the Department of Environmental Protection. The goal is to get a proper environmental assessment done. We are also appealing the Planning Board decision to Land court. These efforts have a good chance of success, but cannot continue without support from the community. Please consider giving to the campaign.
#StopBelmontHillDeforestation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3022252254740779
Instagram: @BelmontWildMA
Let your voice be heard
Help oppose this project. Sign a petition to Keep Belmont Natural.
If you need help signing the petition, click here for more information.
Are you affiliated with Belmont Hill School?
Student? Parent? Alumni?
Tell the Belmont Hill Schoool that this project is not consistent with the school's values
Help us find a more sustainable path forward for the school and this land.
Questions?
Want to join our campaign?
Want to join our campaign?
Contact belmontwild@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer to help.
Belmont wild is a coalition of Belmont residents concerned about sustainable development