THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 8, 2025 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Page 3 Patkin Pond deserves protection – not development Dear Editor, Patkin Pond is more than just water and trees. It’s a living symbol of community, conservation and local heritage. Since 1946, it has been the heart of the Malden Anglers Association, a refuge for wildlife, and a cherished space for those seeking quiet recreation. The Anglers have sponsored programs for veterans and children to visit the pond, learn how to fl y fi sh, and fi nd a reprieve from the urban world. Now, this fragile gem stands threatened by a high-density housing proposal at 961–999 Broadway. Though the developer has recently adjusted the project HIGH HOPES | FROM PAGE 2 The Joseph A. Hart Resume Following are highlights from application material submitted by Joseph A. Hart to The Saugus Housing Authority. EXPERIENCE • Deputy Executive Director, Milford Housing Authority – August 2023–January 2025. Assisted Executive Director with management of medium housing authority with 271 state-aided public housing units, 65 federal public housing units and 556 Section 8 vouchers. Assisted with management of Mendon Housing Authority with 30 state units. Supervised 15 employees in program administration and maintenance. • Executive Director, Rockport Housing Authority – April 2022–January 2023. Managed a medium housing authority with 104 state-aided public housing units and 157 Section 8 vouchers. Supervised two administrative staff and two maintenance staff . Served as chief procurement offi cer, payroll and benefi ts coordinator. • Executive Director, Haverhill Housing Authority – February 2014–November 2021. Managed a large housing authority with 500 apartments boundary to more than 100 feet from the wetland edge – meeting a minimum threshold to avoid automatic review by the Saugus Conservation Commission – we fi rmly believe that this move does not absolve them of ecological responsibility. For example, the blasting during construction could affect the natural groundwater springs not visible without closer surveying. Patkin Pond’s delicate ecosystem, sustained by rainfall and groundwater, remains dangerously exposed to runoff and pollution from construction-related activity, including additional parking lots, retaining walls, and altered drainage patterns. at 10 sites. Also managed 500 rental assistance vouchers including Section 8. Oversaw a $4 million annual budget while supervising 15 employees in program administration and maintenance. Also managed Groveland Housing Authority under contract with 58 federal public housing units and three state family units. • Housing Management Specialist, state Department of Housing and Community Development – August 2002–February 2014. Assisted Housing Authorities with operational guidance and regulatory compliance. Provided advice for best practices for management, operations, maintenance and construction. Reviewed budgets and operating statements. • Inspection Coordinator, state Department of Housing and Community Development – November 1997– July 2002. Provided logistics, reporting and communications for five-person state-wide housing inspection team. Designed inspection reporting database. Performed state public housing inspections. EDUCATION • University of Massachusetts Boston, B.A. Economics and Political Science This project may help Saugus meet its Chapter 40B Safe Harbor requirements, but at what cost? The loss of biodiversity, fi shing access, and an irreplaceable piece of our town’s natural character is too steep a price. The development and its eff ects deserve a thorough review under both state and local conservation guidelines. Massachusetts prides itself on environmental leadership. Now is the time to prove it. We have nothing against development, but we ask the developer to make the project more livable for all of us in Saugus – and perhaps make a little less profi t in doing so. We urge residents, elected offi cials, and the Saugus Conservation Commission to stand up for our environment and Patkin Pond. Let’s demand accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, preservation. Future generations deserve to inherit this haven – not just stories about what it used to be. 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