"If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us" is the anglicized version of an old Indian saying. It summarizes what it has taken many of us so long to understand. We should all understand that saying, especially since we all live so close to the Blackstone River. This American Heritage river, now heavily remediated and offering many lovely opportunities for recreation, was once one of the most heavily polluted in the Nation.

In other areas within the Valley, sensitive areas have been stewarded and remain in almost pristine condition. Grafton, and perhaps several if not all other Valley communities, have these special resources of Class A-B streams and waterways with native trout and special wildlife and ecosystems.

Yet, the 40B law, while well-intended, could put some of these critical resources, in jeopardy forever. No, you say yet, this was happening in Grafton in an Area of Critical Concern at one of its most critical locations for both mental (passive recreation, noise) and physical well-being (water, traffic safety) for its current residents and generations to come.  Add to that the unintended and just plain stupid costs that would be incurred to upgrade the entire road network to support this density or remediate the watershed when good planning had directed density away from this sensitive region. With multiple State and federal recognitions, the 40B "consultant" never seemed to consider these concerns, including the loss of the natural noise buffer of the Pike that Lori Stearns said has worsened up to another 7 decibels.

Are we so lazy or unimaginative that we cannot take care of our community and create sustainable and sound affordable housing?? Are housing officials so singly motivated that they have blinders on? The frustrating part of this equation is that this is solvable and doable if we create a regional approach as suggested by Governor Romney.

First, let's get one thing established. The high cost of housing comes partly from zoning and procedural demands, but the skyrocketing rates come from the skyrocketing Enrons, Worldcoms and other unethical practices that made so many rich while it robbed the pensions of those across the country. These inflated schemes and exaggerated profits have disregarded the trusted principles most of us believe in. A similar pattern has arisen under the latitude of the 40B law that we have watched closely for well over two years. The misrepresentations, omissions, poor preparation and changing plans are an embarrassment to the 40B law's intended goals. The process of flaws and failures to require actual answers and expect a plan that is compatible with this special area can be detailed with plenty of evidence within Grafton.

Finally, the Department of Environmental Management was able to embrace some of the concerns and process flaws. Chances are, however, that without a dedicated group of citizens appalled by the egregious tactics of the 40B developer and his wetlands consultant, that the slick strategies of this team would have passed through the system.  The innumerable losses would have been staggering.  They would also be the antithesis of the State's assessment shown in the June 2001 Super Summit booklet.

Ellen Onorato