Petition to preserve Clifford Park from proposed land trade

We respectfully ask the Planning Board to decline the West Brook proposal for the following reasons:

1. The impact on wildlife and worrisome compromises on the wildlife corridor.
   
   The project’s discussion and research, including the Biodiversity Research Institute’s (BRI) extensive report , have been ongoing for many months, yet all proposed adjustments remain unsatisfactory. The proposed corridor will burden wildlife to move freely between the two parks. Additionally, property setbacks will likely encroach upon vernal pools in the area.
2. The cut into existing, cherished trails.
   
   As proponents of Clifford Park’s many recreational offerings, we are concerned about the development’s impact on the Orange Trail, a favorite route for many Biddeford residents. This land, gifted by the Clifford family, makes Biddeford a unique and special place. Before the proposed development is approved, the Board should consider the irreversible effects on this pristine, peaceful, and popular segment of the trail system, as well as the repercussions for other areas of the park.
3. The impact on Winding Creek Lane and the broader community.
   
   Residents of Biddeford and surrounding communities greatly value and respect the protection of Clifford Park. Organizations like Friends of Clifford Park generously maintain and preserve this land. An extension of Winding Creek Lane will reduce the quality of life for many nearby residents and cause frustration for park visitors.

An appeal for alternative outcomes

We understand the difficulty in the Planning Board’s decision, especially given the city’s rapid growth in recent years. Collectively, we hope to build future housing in a way that preserves the natural environment and character of existing neighborhoods in the city.

We would welcome the opportunity to explore and support alternative outcomes for this project. Some potential solutions include, though are not limited to, the following:

• Negotiate a fair purchase price for the developer’s 60-acre property without trading land from Clifford Park.
• Build single-family housing communities outside of preserved wildlife areas within the city of Biddeford.
• Appeal to Mike Eon for immortalization through a land trust, donation, or purchase. We greatly respect the generosity of property owners that have donated land, such as the Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary, for preservation purposes. The individuals have made a commitment to bettering Biddeford for generations to come.
• Add further protections to Clifford Park and assemble more volunteers for the Friends of Clifford Park organization to care for the land.

We support initiatives to ensure quality housing for current and future residents of Biddeford, but we want to protect the land that makes our city special and attractive for all.

Please say no to West Brook Subdivision, and expand protections of our beloved wildlife and trail system. We hope to work together on this issue, and let us know how we might support other development efforts in the city. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Signed