The proposal by Groom Construction to build a single structure with 28 apartment units at 71 Greenwood Ave., the site of the former Swampscott Middle School, does not meet the Town's requirement that the building “scale [be] appropriate to the site, consistent with neighborhood characteristics and in compliance with existing zoning.” The residents of Greenwood Ave. are opposed to the Groom proposal with the following concerns:

• Greenwood Ave (and connecting King St.) is a residential street from end to end, comprised of predominately single-family homes – half of which is designated historical as it's part of the Olmsted Historical District. A 28-unit complex is inappropriate for the neighborhood, and the Olmsted district in general.
• Increased vehicular traffic will further tax Greenwood's already declining infrastructure, pose additional safety problems (e.g. even more speeding problems and pedestrian-vehicle issues),  and exasperate the parking shortage.
• Construction of the 28-unit building and grounds will create undo hardship for immediate neighbors on Greenwood Ave, Greenwood Terrace, and King St. Noise, construction debris, etc.
• A building complex located at Swampscott's highest point with some of the town's best oceans views robs all residents of the potential enjoyment it affords. Swampscott already has a shortage of open spaces, besides beaches, and to turn one of the town's most prime real estate plots into more urban sprawl is not in the town's best interest.
• From the Swampscott Master Plan - "Swampscott has very little open space, only 18% consisting of forests, wetlands and parks, and there remains very little room to expand its open space resources. Therefore, it is vitally important to preserve and maintain the open space that the town does have and actively seek opportunities to increase it." This could be a way to actively seek to increase open space.
• The proposal for the Greenwood Middle School site should address and promote each of the town's Zoning Bylaws: (a) promote the general welfare of the Town; (b) protect the health and safety of its inhabitants; (c) encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the town; (d) preserve the cultural, historical and agricultural/maritime heritage of the community; (e) promote the natural, scenic and aesthetic qualities of the town; (f) increase the amenities of the town.

With this petition, the Committee should consider this a neighborhood consensus on the direction for the Greenwood Middle School site.