Dear Conservation Committee, City Councilors, and Mayor Narkewicz: We are writing to call the Commission's attention to growing

concern about the City's plans to transfer control of the Montview Conservation Land to Meadow City Conservation Coalition (MCCC). The Montview Conservation Land is beloved by many in the neighborhood, as well as in the broader community. That passion is obvious in the spirited community debate about divergent visions for use of this tiny piece of land. We believe the City's responsibility is to ensure that the land is appropriately managed as a community resource. We understand that the Conservation Committee often fullls this mandate by transferring control of conservation land to a third party that is well-equipped to give the land the attention it deserves. However, it is extremely important to allow for public input in that process. Andin the case of the Montview land, we are concerned that the community is not aware of the pending transfer of control. Of those that are aware, many have concerns about the the lack of opportunity for public input, as well as lack of information about what criteria the City is using to choose an organization to steward this parcel. Our understanding is that a relatively new organization called MCCC is set to sign an MOU with the City for the license to farm the Montview parcel. This organization does not hold any other easements and has no proven track record of good conservation practices. Further, several members of the organization's board own land that abuts the Montview Conservation Land.These individuals would have disproportionate control over what happens to the land if the license to farm were transferred to MCCC.If it is accurate that this land is to be enjoyed by the community at large, it may not be appropriate for abutters to determine the future use of this resource. MCCC is already forming a committee to review proposals for subleasing the license to farm. According to a yer that was left on neighborhood doorsteps, this committee can only be composed of individuals living in a very restricted geographic area. One must also live in this geographic area to vote in the committee's election. To run for election on the committee or vote in this election, one must also pay $15 in member dues to MCCC. This organization's process is already excluding key stakeholders who have volunteered on the land, attended workshops there, and who would like to have a voice in what happens to this land next. There are many in the community who share these concerns. The Conservation

Committee should have an opportunity to take community concerns into consideration before making any decisions regarding the Montview Conservation Land. Without a transparent, participatory process, any vote to transfer control of this parcel to a third party would be premature. We are asking the Committee to postpone any vote on transfer of control of the Montview Conservation Land pending a public hearing on the subject. This hearing should be widely advertised, with sufcient public notice and the full participation of the Committee. We also hope that any MOU the Committee does ultimately sign with a third party would list specic conditions guaranteeing community participation in the stewardship of the license to farm and community enjoyment of the land itself. MCCC is meeting on Monday the 9th. We would very much appreciate a response from the Conservation Commission by Friday the 6th. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Libby Reinish, 5 Isabella St. Tristan Chambers, 5 Isabella St. Joel Saxe, 2 West St. Amy Stevens, 300 Bridge St. Jessica Tanner, 143 West St.