Letter to the Board of Education

The “Open Letter to the Romeo Community Schools Board of Education” was distributed for community members to sign and document their support for the acquisition and preservation of 297 Prospect Street as green space for community benefit.

Paper petition-style letters were distributed in person by community members beginning January 24 through March 1. The online signature form for signatures was launched on February 1, 2025 and closed on March 1. The online form provided an opportunity for comment and for signers to indicate if they were RCS alumni and the year they graduated.

All online and paper signatures were analyzed for duplicates to ensure only unique signatures were submitted – 19 duplicates were identified and removed from calculations below. 

  • 661 total signatures to both paper letters and online forms
    • 79% of signatures from communities that are all or part within the Romeo Community Schools (RCS) district (525 signatures)
    • 9% from other Macomb County communities
    • 6% from counties adjacent to Macomb County
    • 1% from other Michigan counties
    • 4% from other states
    • Less than 1% with invalid zip codes
  • Online: 304 signatures (46% of total)
    • 322 signatures collected LESS 18 duplicates with paper signatures (i.e., people who signed both on paper and online)
    • 72% of signatures from RCS communities (220 signatures)
    • 101 people left comments
    • 75 people indicated their graduation year: 1960s – 8; 1970s – 17; 1980s – 12; 1990s – 9; 2000s – 15; 2010s – 12; 2020s- 1. 
  • Paper: 357 signatures (54% of total)
    • 358 signatures collected LESS 1 duplicate (i.e., one person signed twice)
    • 91% of signatures from RCS communities (324 signatures)

An Open Letter to the Romeo Community Schools Board of Education

“We sign this letter because we believe that the property at 297 Prospect Street is a tremendous opportunity to create a space for our community to play, learn, relax and be well in nature, to provide learning resources for our teachers and to celebrate our history. We also know that when it is gone, it is gone.

“Green Space Romeo will present an offer to acquire 297 Prospect Street based on careful consideration as to the best interests of both the School District and the entire community. Rather than consider this property “surplus” or as merely a commodity for a one-time sale, we as a community recognize that there are multiple potential uses that will benefit the district and community for the long-term. We ask you to consider this offer in light of these community benefits and help ensure that 297 Prospect Street becomes a source of enrichment for the community now and for future generations. “

Comments from Online Letters

  1. Let leave this place better than we found it. For all of us. Forever.
  2. Although I no longer live in Romeo, I grew up in Romeo on Prospect Street & have beautiful memories of Romeo. I realize the board of education has a responsibility to make financial decisions but they also have a responsibility to make decisions for the well being of students & the community. Not all decisions are about dollars & cents and the non-monetary benefits to the children & general community are highly significant. The board of education needs to give the offer from GSOPS fair consideration & put aside the temptation of developers’ dollars. Plenty of developers have profited highly by plowing under the orchards & farms in the area for newly constructed houses.
  3. The addition of a green space to our wonderful town will help ensure a bright future for the people of Romeo.
  4. Please, no more building.
  5. I went to middle school at this place and would love to see it turned into a green space for the children and the community and all to use. The location is not for a business it’s in a town of homes!!
  6. Please let this area be bought for a green space!! All three of our children graduated from Romeo high school and now we have grandchildren in Romeo schools!
  7. Keep it green!!! We don’t need any more condos or development around here. My husband & used to live on Morton and would walk on prospect daily. It’s so nice for the green space.
  8. Dear President Eichhorst and members of the Romeo Community Schools Board of Education, I am writing to you because I believe that the property at 297 Prospect Street is a tremendous opportunity to create a space for our community to play, learn, relax and be well in nature, to provide learning resources for our teachers and to celebrate our history. I also know that when it is gone, it is gone. Green Space Romeo is presenting an offer to acquire 297 Prospect Street based on careful consideration as to the best interests of both the School District and the entire community. I am part of a community that recognizes that there are multiple potential uses that will benefit the district and community for the long-term. We ask you to consider this offer in light of these community benefits and help ensure that 297 Prospect Street becomes a source of enrichment for the community now and for future generations. Thank you for your consideration.
  9. This property should stay undeveloped and an open park\/garden space for everyone to enjoy. Modern development in the heart of the historic district of Romeo would be tragic.
  10. I attended Romeo Middle School right before it was demolished. I would like to see the property be used and appreciated in the communities best interest.
  11. Oh yes and there is so much you can do with this greenspace. Not limited to but including what other communities have done such as Pocket Parks, Green Roofs, Community Gardens, Urban tree canopy, Rain gardens, etc. 4H Gardens, Grand Rapids connecting children to nature, ETC!!!!!!
  12. Once in a lifetime opportunity period!
  13. We need to save this space . It is tremendously important to our community!
  14. This green space is tremendously important to our community, it needs to be saved!
  15. My beautiful cousin lives in Romeo, and is fighting to acquire this property in her town to be a native park. I fully support her and the community pushing for this!
  16. I believe you have a responsibility to do what is right for both the students and the community that elected you. This piece of land would be a true benefit to the Village of Romeo if allowed to be the Green Space that is envisioned.
  17. I came to Romeo in 1955. Grew up here. Taught here. Buried my parents here. The park is such a beautiful place, bucolic addition to the tradition of our village.
  18. I like chicken
  19. We need this space to keep educating children and families in the community.
  20. Local resources for the community are so much more important than putting more houses in. We already have a ton of houses in the Romeo area. Find somewhere else to build!
  21. Leave a legacy to the community then short term financial gain from selling out to “locust” developers
  22. You guys have a great purpose!!!
  23. Good luck!
  24. Even though I am now an Armada resident I am in the area a Cpl times a week… my Dad still lives on Gates for the past 50 years in the house I grew up in… My Daughter (now 10) often visits my Dad and they frequently go to the parks in the area…She has heard my tales of when I went to RJH on that space
  25. What will you do? Green space is going away at alarming rates. This is an opportunity to reverse that trend, and increase natural environments in our community. Please consider all the benefits this would bring. Do the right thing!
  26. I lived in Romeo for 50 years, let’s preserve it!
  27. I am an alumnus of RHS Class of 1966 and attended the school on the Green Space site. It is fitting the space be set aside a green space for all to appreciate rather than developed for housing.
  28. Born & raised in Romeo. Many great memories of this parcel which should remain a part of the community that may be shared by all
  29. The village would truly benefit from having a 4+ acre park! You know it, we know it, we ALL know it.
  30. I was born and raised in the Village of Romeo. I consider it the greatest gift in the world to grow up there. I think it’s tragic that the school board cannot see that destroying this old school site, which is surrounded by historic homes, and turning it over to a developer, will forever impact the charm and beauty of Historic Romeo. It’s tragic!
  31. Save the green space! Thank you!
  32. I love this project! Best of luck to you. !Gwen Space is so important than ever.
  33. Please consider the community and their wishes to keep 297 Prospect a green space. I believe this is an opportunity to preserve this open space for future generations to enjoy.
  34. No houses! We want a park or green space! Don’t be money hungry fascists.
    We don’t need anymore houses in Romeo. We need to create something that benefits our community.
  35. I love romeo! Please make this beautiful space a park.
  36. Please accept the offer from Green Space. It will SO enrich the community of Romeo.
  37. Please leave this space free for a park and all the possibilities within that. Even as it is now, it’s a serene spot and most of Romeo. citizens can be there and have fond memories of the years the school was there. Developing it would completely erase those memories. 
  38. Both my children went to junior high there.
  39. To allow this space to go to a developer would be a travesty.
  40. Green spaces add value to a community.
  41. I wish all the best! And I hope this is heavily considered instead of more urban development. It would also make a wonderful Romeo Schools memorial and historical site! Thank you! (RCS 2005)
  42. Please help our community preserve this space. We won’t get this chance again!
  43. I Grew up on Chandler across the street and this piece of land should be preserved as a Green Space for the village to rnjoyy 
  44. Please save this space for my friends and their future generations.
  45. Both my husband and daughter graduated from that school.
  46. Leave as green Space for families to enjoy
  47. Both our kids went to school there
  48. You need to save the greenspace for your community. They pay their taxes to make THEIR community better for families. Selling to a developer would be a real sin.
  49. It would be sad and disappointing to see this land built on
  50. Hi from ash 🙂
  51. My best friend went to this school and she sent this to me. Ergo. That’s why I’m here!!! 🙂
  52. Poor public relations could result if the BOE deserts this historic site with the result being a loss of public support for further financial issues 
  53. Hate to see anymore development in such a quaint historic town , it changes the whole dynamic of a small town
  54. Please preserve this natural space for the benefit of our community.
  55. GSOPS has worked tirelessly toward the vision of hundreds of residents — to fundraise, in an effort to (hopefully) purchase & preserve 297 Prospect Street. Such an effort has been for the benefit of the entire community; not just a select few. I urge the School Board to recognize the amazing work of our community (via GSOPS) and seize the opportunity to create a WINNING outcome for both the School Board, as well as the future generations of our beloved Romeo!
  56. I’m the 6th generation to grow up, live and own a business in our Romeo-Washington community. The school board has a unique opportunity to offer a broader park experience than just the school playgrounds at Croswell and Amanda Moore Elementary schools. You, the school board, could be a hero to offer a park and free space like none other in our county. There’s no sizable outdoor space like this one and to offer a special-needs children playground, would be very forward-thinking of you all. Federal and State-funded grants should be available. Oakland county has one that I know of. What a blessing you’d be to those families with children who may have physical or mental handicaps. Truly, think long and hard about the legacy of your school board members. Will you be remembered for your forward-thinking or just focused on the amount of money this property could generate. 
  57. This space was graciously given to this community over 150 years ago. Please preserve this honorable legacy!
  58. It has been our experience that any mileage that has been brought before the community for Romeo community schools has overwhelmingly passed. This issue with regards to the sale of the property on prospect which used to house the Romeo middle school is more about what the community wants to see happen to this property as opposed to the additional revenue that green space was able to secure. The potential new revenue associated with any development doesn’t justify the wishes of the community..Please consider the wishes of the residents on this issue.
  59. Not sure if I have been added to the list from previous Saturday meeting. 
  60. I graduated from RHS in 1985. I am a proud Bulldog! This town, its businesses, and its spaces have a special place in my heart.
  61. I’m a native Michigander now living in Oklahoma. When I visit my sister and brother-in-law (a Romeo native), we LOVE to walk around beautiful, historical Romeo. We were talking about how Romeo residents could really utilize more green space; that’s how I found out about this land that is just a few blocks from their home on W. St. Clair. Living in a city that has many green spaces, we utilize them a tremendous amount. My husband plays in a community band that plays often in these spaces, children have playgrounds, all ages have pickle ball and basketball space, we enjoy the geese and ducks in our Hafer Park pond (where people also enjoy fishing), etc. I cannot really imagine that a hitsorical community such as Romeo could do anything but prosper even MORE by having a lovely green space for all to enjoy!
  62. Attended 9th grade here one of the last years it was still considered a junior high
  63. I spent my entire life in Romeo area. I graduated in 1982. My mom graduated in 1955. My grandparents graduated in 1910 and 1913. My great grandparents in the late 1800. I live in Ray Twp now. I have worked in the village for 30+ years. This space is important to me and my family, I hope it stays a green space Also my mom taught at 297 Prospect Street when it was a Junior high 
  64. My son went the middle school in 1995
  65. Both of my parents, aunts, uncle, and siblings attended middle school here.
  66. I am a runner and regularly run past this site several times a week and have for years. As I run by I imagine how wonderful it would be to run through the greenspace that’s being proposed. It would enhance so many lives in Romeo\/Washington\/Bruce to have a tranquil area right in the middle of Romeo.
  67. Please create a natural legacy space for current and future generations!
  68. My family has owned a home in the village for almost 50 years but I actually grew up in Rochester. This wouldnt be a conversation in Rochester, the school board would see this project for what it is – community improvement that affects all including the Romeo student and residents. There was a similar project done in Rochester with Dinosaurs Hill. A former pill of dirt turned education and recreation center. A group of community members with the support of the Rochester school board made Dinosaur hill into what it is today. And I think Romeo deserves the same opportunity. We are working for the generations to come because once’s it’s gone- it’s gone forever! We need more public space in Romeo!
  69. I would love to see this property as a beautiful park like green space as was proposed
  70. Please do NOT sell this property to housing developers. Accept the bid Green Space has offered. 
  71. The community deserves to have that land as \green space\”. I can’t imagine houses or a business in that area. It would cause unwanted congestion. A lot of locals use Prospect to travel in Romeo as is. We moved out this way because of the \”charm\” the area offers.”
  72. My children attended school there but this is a once in a lifetime chance to preserve an historic site for public enjoyment!
  73. I went to Romeo Middle School on this property, and it would be a shame to see it go to something that wouldn’t serve the community. I just recently learned about this organization and I am so supportive of what you are trying to achieve!
  74. I have donated in the past and I support Green Space Romeo.I missed out on placing my vote on the survey, however I believe that a slash pad or community pool that would be available through Romeo, Washington Bruce, would be a wonderful development for the community. I grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods and had access to pool every summer My entire family utilize that pool, including my parents who were swimming in it into Into their 80s. I’ve lived in Washington for 36 years and I miss not having a community pool to swim, play and visit with other community members. I would be willing to pay a small fee for the use of the pool however I would not care to pay as much as a visitor has to pay at the Troy Community pool and splash pad.
  75. This is a monumental moment to make a difference for all ages of Romeo residents
  76. Have some vision. Don’t sell out
  77. There is now more and more information and research that supports the vital importance of green spaces, walking and being in nature. With more and more humans moving into this area there is less and less open spaces for wild flowers to grow for bees to pollinate for butterfly’s to flit. 
  78. When the open space is gone…. it’s gone forever. Future thinking for the community not money in pocket and houses 
  79. To the school board: Please do the right thing and leave the community that has supported you so completely over the years, a lasting legacy. 
  80. My 3 children went to RMS.
  81. I fully support this cause. Would be so beautiful to see a park there.
  82. I am a part-timer in Romeo, loving my frequent visits there. I live in Washington state most of the time, but come to Michigan to be near family. Romeo offers the kind of life I have envied for many years – a small town with a history to be proud of, a real feeling of neighborhood, friendly neighbors, beautiful homes, safety, a walkable downtown, and open space!! Please allow 297 Prospect Street to remain a neighborhood space. There are committed and energetic community members who have the vision to make 297 Prospect Street beautiful, with many uses to promote and enjoy the beauty of Romeo and Michigan. I’m seeing increasing growth around my home in Washington, and it isn’t making this area more attractive. Please don’t miss this opportunity to add to the livable quality of Romeo by choosing to prioritize open space over more buildings!!
  83. So many memories from my junior high school 
  84. Romeo has always been known and loved for being a small village! To remain that way the property on Prospect would be best used as a Green Space! This would represent what the whole community continues to be known for, loved, and what continues to bring families yearly to be a part of this beautiful small town community. 
  85. I’ve lived in the Romeo area for 50 years and my children attended Romeo schools. The community has grown a little too much, so it would be nice to have this green space for some peaceful respite. 
  86. I have lived in Romeo my entire life, me and my family love it here. I have two babies of my own who will love a park where history can be shared and nature enjoyed. Keeping this space green is really important to me and everyone I know. Please let it be a space to share stories, make memories, and escape the rush of the day to day. Not just for 17 families but all of us who call Romeo home. 
  87. This space is important to share with upcoming generations.. So many memories here. Unfair to keep these same moments from generations to come.
  88. Formally lived on Prospect St and from the beginning of the demo of the old middle school always thought this should stay a green space for the community.
  89. I would love the green space to become some kind of park for everyone to enjoy. 
  90. This space holds so many memories for myself and others! I would love to be able to bring my kids to this free space where I attended middle school 
  91. Pleas leave it Green I worked at every school for 20 years as a Sub-Secretary
  92. Thank you!
  93. Community garden 
  94. Where can I donate! 
  95. I was a resident of the village of Romeo until July of 2024. I also was a 1996 graduate of Romeo High School. I attended Romeo Junior High School before it was torn down. I lived on Turner Street before moving and enjoyed playing fetch with my dog on the green space property and feel it would benefit the community to have a public park space in the location versus more housing. Please consider moving forward with the conservation of the property as a green space. 
  96. As a 1983 graduate of RHS and a former Romeo resident of Hollister St until 2003 this site needs to be preserved as green space 
  97. Thank you for all you do 😊
  98. When we know better… we do better!
  99. Definitely make this property a green space for the residents of Romeo. We need it.
  100. I went to school there and I would like to see a park of some sort that people can sit and relax, read a book
  101. We have two students in Romeo schools and would love to have this valuable green space for their growth and the enrichment of the Romeo community as a whole.

Green Space Romeo is an IRS 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization.  Our mission is to increase access to public green space for the benefit of all community members and to promote and support green spaces for health and wellness benefits, educational opportunities and improvement to the environment and the quality of life.

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