Mugar site: Most of it is the triangular tract west of Thorndike Field. / Google Earth
After the Conservation Commission voted to take no action in March 2025 on the long-delayed Thorndike Place housing proposal – which prevented the development from advancing – the applicant, Arlington Land Realty, filed for an appeal in May.
On Wednesday, May 28, the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) scheduled a site visit of the Mugar property for an inspection and informal discussion of appeal concerns.
David Morgan, Arlington’s environmental planner and conservation agent, said the visit was well attended by members of the Conservation Commission, the applicant along with their legal and consultant team, and the Arlington Land Trust – also joined by their legal and consultant team.
Morgan said the meeting reviewed materials received during the project’s permitting process and a site walk to show MassDEP the existing conditions. The town is awaiting a meeting summary from the state department, which as of Friday, June 13, had not been received.
The Thorndike Place housing project includes a 124-unit senior living complex and six duplex townhomes in East Arlington. Environmental activists in town have opposed this development, claiming “devastating events to the community and environment,” such as increased flooding, traffic and threat to wildlife.
Read details about this group and their concerns on their website. Or, refer to YourArlington’s comprehensive review of the project here >>
March 4, 2025: Conservation Commission’s split vote prohibits controversial Thorndike proposal from going forward
This news announcement based on information from the Coalition to Save the Mugar Wetlands, as well as David Morgan was published Friday, June 13, 2025.
