We, the undersigned members of the community, ask whoever it may concern to disallow the zoning exemption for the property located at 278 Union Street New Bedford, MA. The project is proposing to build a five story "L" shaped apartment complex around the South and East sides of the abutting building at 280 Union Street.

            We are asking for reasons including, but not limited to the following:

·         The proposed project may cause excessive traffic and difficulty parking.

·         The lengthy construction process of this project will be disruptive to those residing nearby.

·         The proposed project will block the windows of 7 abutting apartments, which will lower the quality of life for the long-time residents who live there. For the owner, this will decrease the earning potential of those apartments in addition to lowering the overall property value by rendering some of those apartments effectively windowless. 

·         The proposed plan may pose a potential fire hazard for the abutting building.

·         Those bringing forth the proposition have proven neglectful of the property and appear to have shown callousness in misleading the public regarding issues surrounding project. This includes trying to frame this as affordable housing when more of the proposed apartments will be priced for those who make above average pay than those who make average pay for the area.

As citizens, we believe we are correct in exercising our right to speak up and oppose drastic changes to the landscape of our neighborhood. We hope that the City of New Bedford will take into consideration our thoughts, our opinions, our feelings, and our daily lives while they help to usher in the booming expansion of our local economy and our city.