Swampscott Releases Request for Proposals That Envisions a New Future for Veterans

The Town of Swampscott is setting a new path for affordable housing and support for our nation’s military veterans. As the community finalizes the acquisition of 12-24 Pine Street, a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released to redevelop that property along with the adjacent property (10 New Ocean Street) which is the current home of VFW Post 1240. The community desires to see this land to be developed into veterans affordable housing that also includes a new VFW Post.

Town Meeting approved the Select Board to purchase the Pine Street property during the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting. Community members stood in support of the Board’s desire to bring new affordable housing that was dedicated to veterans and set a new standard housing and veterans services.

“While this building may have been vacant and underutilized for some time, its potential for redevelopment as affordable veteran housing is timely. We invite all interested parties to respond to the RFP,” stated Director of Community and Economic Development Marzie Galazka. “Our goal is to transform this underutilized property into affordable housing and services for our veterans and create a lasting positive impact for generations to come.”

Proposals for the Pine Street Redevelopment Area are due Monday, September 25. The RFP requests projects that include between 30 and 40 rental units for low- and/or moderate-income households as well as a new 3,000 square foot VFW Post 1240 with amenities such as a canteen, restrooms, and meeting spaces. Both properties have buildings currently on them. Respondents can propose to reuse or remove these buildings in their project proposals.

Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said “This is an extraordinary moment in time. We’re going beyond our words of love and support for our veterans by putting them into action. Swampscott is establishing an extraordinary commitment for those willing to pay for our freedoms.”

“When it comes to veterans housing and services, the Town of Swampscott truly is investing its money where its values are. The Pine Street development will not only provide much needed space for veterans services, but also will add much needed, deeply affordable housing units for veterans of Swampscott and the surrounding North Shore,” added Select Board Chair David Grishman.

Interested parties can access the RFP from the Town website.