To The Editor:
We the below listed Arlington residents, as well as local environmental advocacy group, Arlington Mothers Our Front, are greatly concerned by the proposal from Boston Gas to expand its gas facilities at 307 Washington St. The plan would require clearing about 1,600 square feet of mature woodland, one of the few remaining natural buffers in this area. This wooded area helps reduce heat, absorb stormwater, and provides habitat for wildlife. We worry that the loss will be permanent.
Boston Gas is seeking a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to complete this expansion. Under Arlington’s Zoning Bylaw, a special permit can only be granted if all required criteria are met. The ZBA’s discussion so far has focused largely on whether the proposal meets the legal requirements for a special permit under Arlington’s zoning bylaw—specifically Section 3.3.3, parts B and F.
- Section 3.3.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, B. “The requested use is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare.”
- Section 3.3.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, F. “The requested use will not impair the integrity or character of the district or adjoining districts, nor be detrimental to the health or welfare.”
We argue that this project does not meet that standard. The proposed project would expand gas infrastructure at the very moment Arlington is working to reduce reliance on natural gas and transition to clean, electric heating to meet its net zero commitments. Utilities are obligated to provide heat—not gas specifically—and any new infrastructure would impose significant long‑term costs on ratepayers while creating assets that are likely to become stranded as the state accelerates electrification. New gas construction should be a last resort, pursued only after fully evaluating the safe and likely more cost‑effective option of refurbishing the existing take station. Clearing mature trees removes natural protection against heat and flooding and destroys one of the last small wildlife habitats in this part of town. Neighbors argue that this is detrimental to health and welfare—not only environmentally, but also in terms of long-term neighborhood impact.
We are not arguing that safety upgrades should never happen—but that this proposal causes unnecessary damage when better options exist. Some alternative ideas include reusing the existing facility footprint at 305 Washington St, upgrading the equipment in place, in phases if needed, and/or using the existing driveway on the adjacent 305 Washington St. parcel, rather than cutting a new driveway through trees. Boston Gas has said these alternatives are difficult due to coordination and logistics. Neighbors counter that those challenges are solvable—and far less damaging than permanently removing mature woodland.
We are asking that any interested neighbors email the Zoning Board of Appeals, zba@town.arlington.ma.us, expressing their concern. You can reference zoning bylaw criteria 3.3.3.B and 3.3.3.F. You can also sign and share the below petition as well as attend the ZBA meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24 [changed from Feb. 10] at 7:30 p.m.https://forms.gle/EhUD96qSDYpNpYGT8
Signed, Marina Popova, Claire Moodie, Maria Dubyaga, Danielle Brody, Kristina Konnath, and Kayla Celani, on behalf of neighborhood residents and Mothers Out Front-Arlington
This letter to the editor was published on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
