NASHUA – A Massachusetts firm’s plan to purchase 13 acres adjacent to Greeley Park has churned opposition expressing fears that the residential development would mar the city’s popular 125 acres of recreational greenspace on Concord Street.

Thorndike Development Corporation of Natick, Mass., intends to go forward with a purchase-and-sales agreement of the so-called Barker Forest, owned by a trust in the name of Douglas and Dorothy Barker. The land is located at the top of Bartlett Ave., abutting Greeley Park.

At a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen’s Budget Review Committee on Dec. 7, Ward 3 Alderman Patricia Klee filed a resolution that would authorize $2.5 million in bonds to purchase the land.

Though the resolution was tabled and would have to be filed when the new Board of Alderman takes office in January, Klee expressed her concern that public hearings on the proposed development needed to commence, referring to Greeley Park as “The crowning jewel of the city.”

“It’s important to have this discussion and consider all the options that could possibly be at our disposal,” Klee said. “This is not about NIMBY – Not In My Backyard. It’s about saving my park. That’s how I said it before someone came to me and said ‘It should be our park.’ And that’s the truth. It is our park, the city’s park.”

Since it includes conservation land, Thorndike Development would be required to maintain a certain amount of undeveloped space. In artist’s renditions on its website, Thorndike features a buffer zone between he development and the park.

While concerns have been expressed over an increase in traffic from the proposed condo units, the major sticking point for opponents is how it could impact Greeley Park itself.

“I did hear from the developer’s attorney today and they are still going to honor the purchase and sale agreement with the Barkers,” Budget Committee Chairman Richard Dowd said. “I also heard from the Barkers and they said they have no interest in selling this to the city.

“If the development does go through it has to go through the Planning Board. All the concerns brought up can certainly be aired before the planning board.”

Considering the passion displayed by opponents of the development, it appears that is a certainty.

Paul Metzger began an online petition at change.org that, as of Wednesday afternoon, included 2,895 signatures, from city residents (a majority of which live outside Ward 3) and others from a variety of locations nationwide.

After reciting the roll call of the Board, Metzger said members should be concerned for their long-term legacy as reflected by future generations of Nashuans.

“You will go down in history as the ones who decided the future of Greeley Park,” Metzger said. “Will they look down on you with contempt and disdain for allowing a condo development to be built in the midst of Greeley Park? Or will they look down at you with admiration and pride?”