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In keeping with our commitment to protect the 10 acres of the
historic
White Ash Swamp wetlands where Native American burials were dumped in
1964, the Friends of Wissatinnewag, Inc. has obtained a copy of the most
recent environmental study of the French King highway parcel in
Greenfield, MA, which includes the 10 acres.
This study was produced by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), which
identifies itself as providing “Transportation, Land Development, and
Environmental Services.” Most importantly, the study was commissioned by
Ceruzzi Holdings, LLC., a major developer. This is the most recent
study commissioned for this parcel, and it suggests that Ceruzzi is the
developer interested in building a big box store and a corresponding
giant parking lot on the property.
It is important that Ceruzzi Holdings understands the deep and
continuing concern our community feels about the uncertain future of the
10 acres. The ethical issues surrounding the fate of this small area
cannot be ignored any longer. It is time that the bones of our Native
ancestors receive the respect that they were denied when they were
ripped from their resting places on Wissatinnewag and bulldozed into the
White Ash Swamp. The 10 acres must be preserved so that our ancestors
can finally rest in peace.
We ask you to join with us in making the preservation of the 10 acres a
reality. Please contact President Louis Ceruzzi at the address below
and let him know that you want the 10 acres protected from development.
Be sure to identify the 10 acres as “Parcel R05 23 in Greenfield, MA.”
Also, we urge you to contact Greenfield’s Mayor Forgey. Remind her of
the many statements she has made to the community about preserving these
10 acres.
Louis L. Ceruzzi, Jr., President
Ceruzzi Holdings, LLC
1720 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 256-4000
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Mayor Christine Forgey
14 Court Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 772-1560
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Protection of the 10 acres and the burials within them is an issue of
basic human decency, and your input really matters. Gici oliwni (“Great
thanks”) for joining your voice with ours.
For more information, please contact: Monique Fordham, President,
Friends of Wissatinnewag, Inc. at maf@NativeNewEngland.org.
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