A Call for a Temporary Moratorium on New Construction in Attleboro until the City addresses Water, Safety, and Environmental Concerns”

Attleboro is facing a severe water crisis, strained emergency response times, and growing environmental risks due to overdevelopment. While I recognize the need for housing, I urge the City Council and Mayor to enact a temporary moratorium on new residential construction in Attleboro until these critical issues are addressed.

Attleboro’s water shortage is so severe that the city is about to spend $35,000 per week to bring water from Pawtucket. With ongoing drought conditions, further construction will only increase demand, stretching our resources and budget even more. Developing a sustainable water plan is essential before adding additional strain to an already burdened system.

Environmental impacts are another urgent concern, particularly in sensitive areas like wetlands that help control stormwater and prevent flooding. As more developments pave over natural landscapes, we lose crucial flood defenses, heightening the risk of severe flooding when rains return. A construction moratorium would provide time to assess and strengthen flood prevention measures.

Additionally, emergency services are nearing a tipping point. Fire Chief LaChance has informed the City Council that response times have been steadily increasing, and we are increasingly dependent on mutual aid from neighboring towns. Major projects planned in South Attleboro alone —include a 340-unit apartment complex, around 50 single-family and duplex homes in multiple new neighborhoods, and a rezoning proposal for 23 more homes—will only add further strain to our fire, police, and EMS services.

The impact of overdevelopment extends beyond emergency response. Our schools are nearing capacity, and new housing will bring more students than current facilities can handle, potentially necessitating the construction of new schools. Traffic congestion is also worsening, affecting daily commutes and overall quality of life as development continues without adequate infrastructure planning.

Moreover, unchecked growth is starting to erode Attleboro’s character and natural beauty. Wetlands and green spaces are integral to our community’s identity and ecosystem. Continued construction risks disrupting wildlife habitats and diminishing the green spaces our residents value.

I am therefore calling for a temporary moratorium on new residential construction until Attleboro can address these interconnected challenges. This pause would allow city leaders to prioritize critical infrastructure improvements, develop a sustainable water strategy, and evaluate public safety needs. Taking this step back will help plan for balanced growth that safeguards our resources and quality of life.

In conclusion, I know many share these concerns, and I urge you to reach out to the Mayor and City Council to request they enact this moratorium. Thoughtful planning now will ensure a safer, more resilient, and vibrant Attleboro for all residents—present and future.