Built in 1957, Rundlett Middle School anchors the South end. Almost all of the 22 Springfield Street homes were built a few years after Rundlett opened its doors. So it is no surprise that the School Board and HMFH, their selected architects, are referencing this neighborhood in the middle school rebuild conversation. Less than two months before the School Board voted on the location, HMFH highlighted the impact of a new school, specifically the proximity and shadow of a three-story building on their yards and homes.
HMFH Architects certainly gave the impression that neighbors on Springfield Street would be adversely affected in their October 17, 2023 presentation.
If Rundlett was rebuilt at South Street would it overshadow Springfield homes and backyards? Spoiler: No.
HMFH conveniently omitted the trees along the fence behind Springfield Street homes.
I snapped this pic today and used Google Maps for the aerial. These homes are all 65' back from the treelined fence.
But how do Springfield Street residents feel about the middle school location?
In their Sep. 27, 2017 Feasibility Study, HMFH provided a rendering of a new school on the South Street site and described it as the best option for 1,050 students in grades 6-8.
So why, seven years later, are we paying HMFH $10.3 Million to build a larger school for fewer students in a location requiring significantly more infrastructure ?
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