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Director warns environmental projects may require property partnerships and regulatory work
Summary
Director Schultz described large environmental projects under study (daylighting waterways, wetlands rehabilitation, floating solar) and cautioned that some projects may require partnering with or acquiring key properties and navigating strict wetland regulations.
Director Schultz (introduced in discussion as 'Director Schultz') briefed the council on potential environmental and resiliency projects and the constraints those projects may entail.
The director outlined ambitious options — daylighting Elizabeth Brook, reconstructing impaired wetlands and exploring floating solar — and warned that some projects hinge on keystone private parcels. "We're gonna have to either partner with that person... or the project's gonna die," Director Schultz said, adding that wetland regulations (no‑disturbance rules) and financial questions are major hurdles at locations such as Almy Pond.
Councilors and staff discussed the need to engage the legislative delegation and lobbyists for funding, the potential for partnering with property owners and the regulatory complexities that require specific guidance back to staff before committing to large investments.
