Neighbors Weary Of Protests At Baker's Swampscott Home

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott police closed Monument Avenue Saturday in anticipation of a protest at Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's home.

The most recent protest at Baker's home was organized by the same group that organized last year's Boston Straight Pride Parade and drew "dozens" of people, according to media reports. The group, which is separate from the group that has been holding weekly protests every Thursday, is also calling on Baker to reopen the state's economy which has been under a state of emergency since March.

"The people will not be terrified into giving up their freedom in exchange for a faux security," Super Happy Fun America wrote in a Facebook post announcing the protest. "The politicians, bureaucrats, and media remain gainfully employed while they callously dismiss concerns about the impact their decisions have upon our jobs, wages, and well-being. Our campaign will continue until the Governor and his minions let the people get back to work."

In addition to closing Monument Avenue to cars, police restricted pedestrian access between Elmwood Road and Walker Road.

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According to Wicked Local Swampscott, which first reported this story, some Swampscott residents are sick of the protesters and standing behind Baker. One couple was seen standig in counter protest with signs that included pictures of COVID-19 patients.

"My feeling is he’s doing it for us, whatever decision, and he’s not making that decision alone," Swampscott resident Rose Barr told the newspaper.

Baker is expected to begin outlining the reopening process at a 11 a.m. news briefing Monday.

"The administration is thankful for the individuals, businesses and organizations that are playing their part to stay home, stop the spread and protect at risk populations, and the administration is working to return to a new normal as safely and as soon as possible," the Baker administration said in a statement released after Saturday's protest.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Record Unemployment Hits Some MA Communities Harder Than Others
• MA Small Business Hit Harder Than Most By Coronavirus Shutdown
• CVS Opens Coronavirus Testing Sites In 10 MA Towns
• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town (Updated May 13)

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).