A recent article republished in the Beacon states that “Engineers for the City of Newton have chosen a plan to repair the Bullough’s Pond Dam in Newtonville….” That is incorrect. City Council committees, the full council and other municipal, state, and federal entities have not yet reviewed (and certainly not approved) all options as questions remain in this ongoing process. Studies and cost estimates have not yet been prepared by the City’s consultants, nor delivered to the Bullough’s Pond Dam Working Group. This group includes city councilors, the Newtonville Area Council and the Bullough’s Pond Association, and no consensus has been reached.

Several members of the Working Group seek a solution that strengthens the dam’s internal structure, potentially automates emergency outflow mechanisms, and updates the spillway to enable greater volumes of water to flow in a controlled way. One unacceptable option would involve removing 199 trees and paving over the historic and unspoiled Laundry Brook Forest habitat with concrete blocks. With available technologies it is not necessary to destroy the forest for future generations while not strengthening the dam’s internal structure.

There is no urgency to accept any plan until best options have been thoroughly studied. The city has been on notice for seven years that there is a need to remediate the weaknesses of the dam. Many members of the Working Group remain committed to finding the best option, not one that is just expedient or simply least expensive. The city has had seven years to secure the funding to do this right, and it needs to be done right.

Laura R. Studen, Esq.

Newtonville

President, Bullough’s Pond Association and Member, Bullough’s Pond Dam Working Group