During a recent government meeting in Rainham, community concerns regarding the proliferation of apartment developments were prominently voiced. A local resident expressed frustration over the lack of coordination among various town boards and officials regarding zoning decisions, particularly in relation to new apartment constructions.
The resident emphasized that the town's schools are already struggling to accommodate current student populations and cannot handle an influx of new residents that additional apartments would bring. They highlighted the need for a unified stance from the zoning board, planning board, selectmen, and town administrators to prevent further apartment developments in the area.
The discussion also touched on the current state of local businesses, with the resident pointing out that many commercial spaces, such as those in the Market Basket and Rayham Hardware Plazas, remain vacant. This raises concerns about the viability of adding more residential units above existing businesses when the demand for commercial space is already low.
Additionally, the resident referenced a $100,000 grant procured by the town administrator for a study on local infrastructure, indicating a proactive approach to addressing these issues. However, they urged that the focus should remain on the community's expressed desire to halt further apartment developments, reinforcing the need for a cohesive message from town officials.