Projects for ATM May 7, 2024

Recreation_Long Lake Beach Dock Construction

To update the dock in the center of the lake with Can Dock system similar to the sail boat dock. This will create two swim zones allowing specific areas for lifeguard focus and quicker access for quicker response time in case of emergency. Also, to create a fishing dock outside the swim box.

Recreation_300 King Street Basketball Court Resurfacing

The renovation of 300 King Street was completed in 2015. Although it is recommended the courts be resurfaced every five years, they have not yet been done. Currently the courts are showing serious wear and tear. After resurfacing, the courts will be put in a regular maintenance schedule. Also included will be line painting suitable for other sports.

Recreation_Clean Lakes Mill Pond Replace Boat Launch Access Path Application

Open Space_Clean Lakes Doleful Pond Water Chestnut Harvesting

The CLC has dealt with Doleful Pond, located in the Newtown Hill Conservation Area, for years due to the periodic recurrence of invasive Water Chestnut. Water Chestnut is an aggressive aquatic plant that forms a dense mat of vegetation. It impedes everything from aquatic wildlife to man. Once established, Water Chestnut is highly resistive to removal – their seeds drop to the bottom of the pond they’re in and remain viable for 12 years. Our plan is to restrict Water Chestnut to Doleful Pond. CPC funding would provide survey and harvest Water Chestnut in Doleful Pond. The work would be done by a licensed environmental firm under contract with the Littleton Water Department.

Open Space_Clean Lakes Floating Island Removal in Long Lake

Long Lake is rated as impaired by the Massachusetts DEP. It suffers from an accumulation of nutrient-rich sediment. It throws the aquatic ecology out of balance. Periodically this biological imbalance creates masses of decaying matter that rise to the surface of Long Lake as floating islands. Usually no longer than 3’ to 6’ they can be an eyesore, but little more. Last year 3 floating islands appeared 25’ off the northern shore between Dogwood and Elm Roads and became anchored among the lily pads. The largest of the three is 40’ long and 15’ wide in the middle. The islands’ entangled mass of decaying plant matter and soil is dense and weighty making them impossible to manage without heavy equipment. CPA funding would provide $50,000 for permitting and removal of the floating islands. The work would be done by a licensed environmental firm under contract with the Littleton Water Department.

Open-Space_Clean Lakes Eco Harvesting in Long Lake

Weed harvesters will be used in Long Lake to pull whole invasive plants out of the water, roots and all. While invasives will not be eradicated, each year will become more manageable and decomposing plant material will be reduced each year. The work will be done under contract with the Littleton Water Department.

Open Space_Cloverdale Phragmites Control

Cloverdale Conservation Land is approximately 27 acres and includes a central emergent marsh of approximately 12 acres. Multiple patches of discrete Phragmites austrailus have encroached on the wet meadow and are threatening the habitat value. It is considered critical to control these patches now before the entire wet meadow is lost to Phragmites.

Open Space_Land Acquisition and Preservation Support Fund

To provide funds to support land acquisitions and preservation projects. These sorts of projects often require advance expenditures which are frequently time sensitive and cannot wait for the normal CPC funding approvals through Town Meeting. The types of expenditures would be appraisals, surveys, title searches, mapping, 21E reviews, and other related charges.

Open Space_Webster Property Acquisition

To purchase the parcel R09-5-0 which is 36.49 acres generally located near the corner of Bulkeley and Crane Roads.

Historic Resources_Historic Markers and Plaque Replacement

The Littleton Historical Commission seeks CPC funding to replace, refurbish, or clean seven deteriorated historic markers (plaques and one concrete/granite base) throughout Town. The markers to be replaced include those for the Meeting House, Lawrence Tavern, Nashobah Praying Indian Town, Warren Grist Mill, and the West School house. In addition, the Porter Road Bridge marker will either be replaced or refurbished, and the East School House marker will be cleaned or refurbished.

Historic Resources_Westlawn Cemetery Gravestone Preservation Phase IV

The Littleton Historical Commission and Cemetery Commission are seeking funding to continue their gravestone conservation/preservation program at Westlawn Cemetery. This application will fund a fourth phase of this important project. This budget would cover rehabilitation/conservation work on approximately 17 to 20 gravestones/monuments within the old historical section.

Community Housing_Affordable Housing Trust Rental Assistance

This project supports Littleton renters in need of financial assistance using the Affordable Housing Trust's Rental Assistance Program. Eligible residents are vetted and recommended by elder and Human Services, and payments are made directly to the participating landlords.