To the editor:
Consider this an open letter to residents of Swampscott, especially in the area of Elm Place. I will make it short.
Recently, there was a similar issue in Peabody where a developer wanted to put up multi-apartment structures for an over-55 community on the site of the former JB Thomas Hospital.
The neighbors were upset and concerned with the usual issues: more traffic; more pressure on police; possible more use of the fire department; etc. The city council shared their concerns. The developer wanted to work with the neighbors and the council, without much success.
Long story short: The developer stopped the idea of an over-55 community and decided to go with a Chapter 40B development instead. That kind of development sort of shuts out local community input and severely limits what the city can do.
And that kind of development can add many school-age children to the population, it increases traffic, and puts the same kind of additional burden on public safety. All without a great deal of input from the community.
I should have added that the new development will consist of 133 units, of which 25 percent will be “affordable” based on income levels. And the units will be one, two, and three bedrooms.
It is better to work with the developer now when you can, rather than later when you can’t.
Bill Reilly
Lynn
