Petition to Protect Sweedens Swamp and Preserve South Attleboro’s Environmental and the community Integrity

To: The City Council of Attleboro

Re: Opposition to the Rezoning of Sweedens Swamp and Surrounding Wetlands

We, the undersigned residents of Attleboro and concerned citizens, are writing to express our firm opposition to the proposed rezoning of the land near Sweedens Swamp in South Attleboro. We urge the City Council to reject any plans that would allow the construction of residential duplexes or large-scale housing complexes in this environmentally sensitive area.

Key Concerns:

 1. Environmental Protection: Sweedens Swamp and its surrounding wetlands play a crucial role in our local ecosystem. These wetlands contain a large high yield aquifer act as natural flood control, absorb stormwater, and help maintain the water quality of the nearby rivers. Developing this land will disrupt this delicate balance, leading to increased flooding risks, soil erosion, and long-term damage to the environment.

 2. Flooding Risks: As the area already experiences seasonal flooding, any development near the wetlands will only exacerbate the problem. The risk of flooding extends not just to the new developments but to existing homes and infrastructure, creating potential safety hazards and financial burdens for long-time residents.

 3. Traffic Congestion: The introduction of new housing units—whether through a large complex or multiple duplexes—will significantly increase traffic in South Attleboro. This area, particularly near the wetlands, is not equipped to handle such an influx of vehicles. Traffic congestion will degrade the quality of life for residents and make it difficult for emergency services to respond swiftly.

 4. Community Preservation: South Attleboro, with its unique mix of natural beauty and close-knit neighborhoods, represents an essential part of our city’s identity. Overdevelopment threatens to disrupt this balance, erasing the charm and character that we value. We must ensure that decisions about the future of our city prioritize sustainable growth that benefits the community, not short-term gains for out-of-state developers.

Our Request:

We ask the City Council to:

 • Vote NO on ANY rezoning proposals for the land near Sweedens Swamp and its wetlands.

 • Prioritize conservation efforts to protect this critical area for future generations.

 • Explore alternative development plans that align with sustainable growth while preserving the environmental integrity of our wetlands.

By signing this petition, we stand together in our commitment to safeguarding South Attleboro’s wetlands and maintaining the quality of life for all Attleboro residents.

Now is the time to act. The next public hearing is November 19th.