Lincoln Journal
March 6, 2003

Letter: Scenic program's benefits praised

As chairman of the Hanscom Area Towns Committee, I spoke on behalf of the four communities at the Feb. 24 news conference announcing Scenic America's designation of our four historic towns as a Last Chance Landscape. At that time, I had the honor of reading a statement that had been issued jointly by senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry in connection with this event. Since that statement was not mentioned in the media reports on the designation, and since I think it is important for citizens to know that our senators support our preservation efforts, I am reproducing it here. Their statement read as follows:

"Scenic America's designation of the historic towns of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln and Bedford as a Last Chance Landscape confirms what millions of Americans have long recognized: that the extraordinary concentration of historic, cultural and natural resources like the Old North Bridge, Walden Woods, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers are among the most historically and ecologically significant areas of our nation.

"The region's unparalleled treasures - the more than 1,000 National Historic Register sites and 8,000 acres of protected public open space located within the communities -- merit the highest standards of protection and preservation. We salute the people of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln and Bedford for helping to preserve these places so future generations of Americans can enjoy these historical treasures."

I would also comment that anticipated growth by Massport of corporate and commercial operations at Hanscom Field will truly endanger the quality of our historical sites and the National Park established here for all America. We, the residents and abutters, thank Scenic America for its recognition of the importance of this area and for selecting us as one of the ten most endangered landscapes in our beloved country.

Sheldon Moll

Chairman, Hanscom Area Towns Committee
Chairman, Bedford Board of Selectmen

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