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Lake Lashaway group asks North Brookfield for help with $59,000 treatment plan
Summary
A resident representing the Lake Lashaway Community Association told the board the group estimates $59,000 is needed for targeted lake treatment next summer and asked North Brookfield to consider contributing; East Brookfield recently pledged $10,000. The board said any contribution would be decided at town meeting.
Marco Rodriguez, representing the Lake Lashaway Community Association, told the board the association has been addressing invasive weeds and water quality since 2019 and that treatment costs vary year to year.
"To date, we have spent $95,000 over the past few years, 92,000," Rodriguez said, and he added that the estimate for next summer’s treatment is $59,000. He described concentrated invasive growth in the cove and basin before the bridge and recommended treating the area north of the cove and adjacent basins to reduce recurring regrowth that flows into the lake.
Rodriguez said East Brookfield recently allocated $10,000 toward next year’s treatment and that the Lake Lashaway Community Association plans additional fundraising and member assessments to help cover the cost. He asked North Brookfield to consider financial support to offset the larger specialized treatment in the basin upstream of the lake.
Select board members asked clarifying questions about prior treatments, expected recurrence and benefits to town taxpayers. One board member noted the treatment helps sustain lakefront property values and recreational use, which in turn supports the local tax base. The board did not take a vote; the chair said any municipal appropriation would need to go to town meeting for approval.
The presentation will be brought back to the board ahead of town meeting for formal consideration and potential warrant language.
