SWAMPSCOTT — During the Select Board meeting Wednesday evening, the Board gathered to discuss a vote on the possible relocation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post on 8 Pine St.
During the meeting, Select Board member David Grishman motioned for the Board to accept a development plan that reflects the desires of the veterans from the post.
This past Sunday, in a letter by Nelson Leon addressed to the entire Select Board (posted on Facebook), he outlined the position the veterans hold on the matter. Leon stated in the letter that the VFW is “adamant that a permanent move to 89 Burril St. is not a viable option,” the letter read.
Developer B’nai Brith initially proposed 42-units of senior veterans housing. The Board previous presented an amendment to the proposition, which would either include the VFW Post in the housing or relocate it 600 feet beside the new units, onto a different parcel of land that’s also owned by the town.
During previous meetings where the town discussed the issue, residents spoke during public comment to voice their concerns regarding the 42-unit housing, claiming the large size of the project and the potential downsides of construction-related problems for the neighborhood.
Most recently, during a meeting this past Sunday with several members of the Select Board, membership came to an agreement that a temporary move to the Reach Arts building is acceptable, throughout construction of the affordable senior veterans housing project.
Upon completion of the project, membership would move into the new space as planned if the following conditions are met, according to Leon’s letter.
The first requirement is that the town will oversee the build out of the basement at 89 Burril St. to accommodate membership needs, as well as covering moving costs.
Next, the town will also cover gas, electric, water, sewer, snow removal, landscaping, and rodent control for “at least the first year of our temporary relocation,” the letter said.
Another requirement is for the town to ensure, in addition to the proposed 1,500 square foot build out in the new development, that portions of one or two units on the first floor be repurposed for additional VFW use.
Lastly, the final requirement listed in the letter asks that the town grant maximum lease term allowable by law to the VFW Post.
Grishman’s motion for the Board to accept a development plan that reflects the desires of the veterans from the post failed during the vote.
As of press time, the meeting was still ongoing.
