Letter: Woman leading charge to stop condominium project that would remove 7 acres of greenspace

This is my beautiful backyard in the middle of Massachusetts’ biggest city area wise. It’s a peaceful oasis just steps from a busy downtown. This beautiful greenscape will soon be gone, replaced with ~70 “cottage style” condominiums all in the name of generating revenue for the City of Taunton. The ~7 acres of woods abuts two lots where the historic Leonard School and playground stands in irreparable disrepair.

Rather than sell the front two lots and retain the green scape, the city is proposing an RFP process which they have touted as a better alternative to the 144 units the full 3 lots are zoned for.

I have spent my lunch break over the last two days walking door to door talking to residents and handing out flyers linking to an online petition. Not surprisingly, NOT ONE is in favor. Two broke out in tears. One shouted. The sentiment is all the same.

-🌲 The green scape is what makes this neighborhood special
-🚘 70 1-2 bedroom units would create NOISE, eliminate PRIVACY, and increase traffic in our neighborhood (70-140 more cars)
-💰 The city’s plan is disheartening and leaves those affected feeling as though the city values money over the residents (many who have lived in this neighborhood for generations)

PLEASE, MAYOR. PLEASE CONSIDER SELLING ONLY THE SCHOOL and PLAYGROUND.

If you are a TAUNTON resident, please help!!!!!
🖋 Sign and share the petition (link below)
📧 Send an email to oecd@taunton-ma.gov
🗞 Share your feedback with Ed Baker at @tauntontogo
🛑 SHOW UP AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 13 TO SUPPORT THOSE OPPOSING THIS PROPOSAL

Jen Hoye
Taunton, MA
Petition