WELCOME

This group is comprised of Groton town residents who wish to ensure the responsible preservation of the SB Butler school property. Working with town officials, we strive to ensure that any development plans protect the character of our existing neighborhood and keep Historic Downtown West Mystic beautiful for future generations.

March Update

Hello, neighbors!

A few updates from the world of town politics...

There was a presentation done on Wednesday March 11 at St Mark's Church. The presentation was done by two men from Horsley-Whitten. Also there to present were Bryce Kelly and Deb Jones from P&Z. There were 8 people (in addition to those four) in attendance, including St. Mark's rector who was hosting.

Lengthy description of what is meant by "missing middle." H-W walked us through a multitude of studies, a lot of the stuff that Reiner covered in that presentation we saw online.

Discussed 10 "opportunity sites" that will be discussed at the March 26 meeting (5:30 at Thrive 55). SBB is one of them. Looking for input on possible uses of these ten sites.

Discussed need/desire for duplexes, triplexes, cottage style, etc. No interest in putting a mega-complex in where it doesn't belong. Acknowledged that no developer has figured out how to make $ with cottage-style housing.

In order to build these smaller multi-family structures, zoning and code regulations must change, and that will be the effort going forward--changing zoning to provide these opportunities.

So yes, there is interest in building housing at SBB, no, the current zoning will not allow multi-family housing, yes, new zoning regulations would make that possible, no, it won't be a Triton Square, yes, developers need to make money, no, they can't make much building smaller units.

Let's make sure our signs are visible in the neighborhood!

Our Purpose

The Keep SB Butler Green Team is committed to preserving the former elementary school property in the heart of the Ocean View Heights neighborhood for open green space and active and passive recreational use. Our multifaceted goal is to maintain the character and sense of place of the surrounding area; to ensure the property's continued accessibility as recreational and green space for generations to come; and to maintain and enhance quality of life for the greater Groton community. As our area has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, those who live here must manage the associated challenges. It is vital to save this nine-acre space from development that would detract from (rather than enrich) the quality of life in the area.

Make a Donation!

PayPal: sb.butler.green@gmail.com

Check can be made payable to:

SB Butler Green

Also, we now accept VENMO payments using: @sbbgreen

We have ordered new signs! Contact us if you want a sign for your lawn, a neighbor's lawn, your business or other placement around Groton and Mystic. Signs are $10 ;)

In addition, we ordered stickers that have the website QR code and address. We will be walking around the neighborhood next week and adding the stickers to your lawn signs so we add more ways for people to contact us. If you want some stickers for yourself please contact us!

New Town-Related Notes Section

This section will have links to videos, notes, articles, postings and other information that you all may find helpful in our fight to keep Butler as a green space in the heart of Mystic.

Missing Middle Housing Flyer (3/20)

Affordable Housing on Church Land Article (3/20)

Zoning Text Amendments Feb 26 (3/20)

RTM Meeting discussing Middle Housing (YouTube) (3/20)

Middle Housing Meeting on 3/26 (pre-link)