Amesbury
Sports Park
You may be aware of the article published in both the Lawrence Eagle
Tribune and the Newburyport Daily News over the weekend regarding the Amesbury Sports Park.
Here is some additional information.
A couple of weeks ago I was informed that the so called Spartan
Race, that had recently taken place at the park, had resulted in potentially
serious damage to protected wetlands. Possible trespassing over many privately
owned parcels, city owned property, and a capped landfill owned by Waste
Management were also reported
I immediately launched an investigation, to be spearheaded
by our local conservation agent. Over the ensuing two weeks, city employees
physically walked the land and discovered that trails had been cut into an area
covering many acres of land owned not only by the Sports Park but as well as
that of many abutters. The trails were described to me as being beautifully
done, 10-12 feet wide and covered with an unknown material that smoothed and somewhat
hardened their surface. Many trees were cut and the trails went through protected
wetlands. Additionally there was evidence of trenches, holes, and additional
features that had been dug into the land along the trail, some apparently filled
with water.
As a result of these and other alarming initial discoveries,
the Massachusetts DEP was called in to assist in the investigation.
Over the ensuing week, and after a thorough and careful
investigation that included mapping the disturbed areas against DEP maps which indicate
protected wetlands and property boundaries, and walking the entire trail, it was evident that Sports
Park management was egregiously in violation of wetlands statues and had also
significantly disturbed and modified several parcels of private and city owned
properties without permission, permits, or any notification whatsoever.
Based on the opinion of our conservation agent and in concurrence
with the DEP agent, I fully supported the immediate issuance of a cease and desist
order, to be sent to the management of the park in order that future events
would not take place unless and until all violations are stopped and
appropriate remediation has taken place. The order was sent Friday August 29th.
This was a difficult decision for all involved for a number
of reasons. First, the events themselves bring thousands of people into
Amesbury and are a potential stimulant to the local economy. Secondly, Sports Park
management has worked with the city over the years and has been generous in their
support of local non profits and our city in general. Finally, it is only with
great reluctance that we would put a business already struggling and operating
under Chapter 11 bankruptcy provisions in a position that could further add to
their financial difficulties.
However, they left us no choice. This was not a mere bending
of the rules. They obliterated the rules. Their actions indicated a complete and
utter disregard for private landowners’ rights, environmental rules and
regulations, and rules governing the private use of public property. This is,
frankly, unacceptable.
Sports
Park management was given
a chance to offer their side of the story. My office contacted them early last
week with a detailed description of the allegations, asking for a response. None
was received.
Moving forward, it’s logical to ask about what can be done
to prevent such violations in the future. Frankly, I’m not sure anything could
have been done to prevent this particular occurrence. The Sports Park
people surely knew they were trampling multiple rules and regulations but they
proceeded anyway. I cannot know their motivations with certainty, but whatever
the reasons, they decided that the approach they took was their best option.
Permitting requirements for events are already in place but perhaps we can
review and tighten our local ordinances. We can also make sure the penalties
are sufficient to create the incentive to play by the rules. If the City
Council wishes to offer legislation, I’m happy to consider it.
Ken
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