The following is a letter to the editor from Paul Cully. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of WestfordCAT or its Board of Directors. To submit your own content, e-mail asylvia@westfordcat.org
Twenty-some years ago the Board of Selectmen at that time supported spending more than a half million dollars to preserve the Drew Farms parcels on Boston Road, and ensure that they continue to be used for agricultural purposes. Those Selectmen had a vision of Westford that is obviously not shared by today’s Selectmen. The current Board appears to value tax revenue over appearances and tradition, and isn’t interested in what the rest of the Westford residents want. They empanelled a task force certain to return the recommendation that the Selectmen sought, and restricted their discussions to secret meetings.
While the appearance of the parcels has changed dramatically in the last few years, they can still be brought back to some of their former glory. Some of the land can be restored for agricultural use, while some of it can be replanted with new fruit trees. The tradition of a “Gateway to Westford” that is open space is still achievable on this land.
In a previous letter to the editor, Rachel Amato cites “Cottages in the Woods” as a blight on the “Gateway”. Yet for years before these homes were built, the property was an eyesore that the town could not seem to find any use whatsoever for, and now it is conservation land and housing. These homes are a decided improvement to that property and much needed and appreciated housing for those who live there.
A bit of an old folk song pops into my mind, “They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot.” Is that to become the fate of Drew Farms parcels? I hope not.
