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One Piece of Open Space
Worth Protecting
Debbie Quinn, Methuen
COuncilor
 One
Piece of Open Space Worth Protecting Most cities
and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are
constantly looking to protect and expand their open
space. Fortunately, Methuen is lucky enough to have a
great, natural, open space resources right in our own
back yard.
The Merrimack River winds through the city of Methuen,
adding beauty and charm to the character of our city.
Unfortunately, as a community we have sat idle for too
long in taking advantage of the river’s full
potential as a precious natural resource.
As I stand at the site of the old Bea’s restaurant
at the corner of Lowell Street and Riverside Drive in
Methuen, I see a piece of property with such great
potential. Right now the site is in a deplorable
condition, with cement where beautiful green space should
be. It is sad that for years we have allowed this city
owned prime piece of real estate on the waterfront to
become a dumping ground. But we have and that has to
change.
For too long, many in the community have talked about
some great ideas for the best use of this prime piece of
real estate on the water, but nothing has been done and
Methuen residents are still looking at a dump every time
they drive by instead of spending time with thier family
enjoying the Merrimack River.
As a leader in this community I think it is critical to
not just talk about ideas but work to make them a
reality. So, here is my pledge to work for what I believe
is a great proposal for the former Bea’s restaurant
site on the river.
What I envision is a gateway to Methuen, a recreational
gem in our backyard that we can all be proud of.
The city purchased this piece of land in 2003 and I for
one am so glad we did. Riverfront property is so rare and
Methuen is lucky to even have the option of developing or
preserving it. My vision is a beautifully manicured park
with a stable walkway out to the small island on the
river.
On the opposite side I envision a boat ramp and water
recreation area where kids can learn to sail. Family’s
can fish, boat, and have a nice place to picnic or spend
quality time together. The possibilities are endless.
It would be a real shame if this piece of precious real
estate were turned into commercial or residential use.
While I agree that there are great benefits to developing
commercial real estate or residential development on the
river, the bottom line is that we need to protect and
preserve this land for our children for generations to
come.
The city of Lawrence has the beautiful Abe Bashara Boat
House for their residents to enjoy. They hold an annual
regatta (known as the Michael R. Sweeney Regatta) and
children take boating lessons, go fishing and lean boat
safety all summer long.
Lowell also has a new boat ramp which is providing their
residents an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful natural
resources of the Merrimack River. Doesn’t Methuen
deserve the same?
Methuen can and must take this opportunity to build a
water front park and boat house so Methuenites can also
enjoy the waterfront activities our neighboring cities
and towns have been enjoying for years. With the help of
Mayor Bill Manzi I am going to work as hard as I can do
just that. It is going to take a lot o time, hard work
and detailed planning and pf course funding. But I know
the leaders of Methuen will get behind such a project and
make it happen.
Former State Representative Jim Jajuga and State
Representative Arthur Broadhurst have already started the
process of making this a reality by securing funds at the
state level for exactly a project of this magnitude. With
further help from Sate Senator Steve Baddour, I am
hopeful and optimistic that Methuen will see this project
come to fruition.
Partnering with our State House delegation can produce
great results for the citizens of Methuen and I am so
glad that people are coming together to try and make the
best use of our prime waterfront property.
This vision has not been mine alone, but also many other
individuals in the community. I would love to hear your
ideas, comments, and requests.
Please email me at DRQ270@yahoo.com or attend any city council meeting and
voice your opinion. All are welcome.
Thank you for your support. Debbie Quinn is a West
District Councilor in Methuen and is serving in her first
term. You can email comments or questions to Councilor
Quinn at: DRQ76@aol.com
*Send your questions comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com
The May, 2006 Edition of
the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly
Publication.
All Contents (C) 2006, Valley Patriot, Inc.
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North Andover, Methuen, Haverhill,
Lawrence, Dracut, Tewksbury and Lowell.
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