Just my opinion but why a senior center in the middle of a city park? Just doesn't seem like the right place for it. Sort of like putting an adult video store downtown...

How about instead of bribing people with "grants" (which comes from tax payers, so just increases taxes in the long haul) that we instead use some of the rainy day fund money to improve the park. Either rent a building for senior center usage, or repurpose what we already have for buildings. Does Marlborough need to continue to be in the real estate business? Look at the crumbling buildings we already have, obviously we do not do a good job on maintenance.

The petition makes some compelling arguments for revisiting this apparently grossly flawed decision process. It also raises the more fundamental question of whether a "building" is actually NEEDED. Where is the comprehensive study that shows the DESIRES of certain seniors warrant building a new building. Why have other alternatives have not been considered- such as leasing space in another existing building for some period to determine if real utilization warrants such a large and on going expense. So long as the bill goes to someone else there no limit to what is 'needed'.

True that Councilor Elder formed an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the proposal which took place on Dec 19th. Unfortunately communication ceased immediately following the meeting with those who had expressed opposition from the beginning. When those same individuals reached out to him via email on January 7th, he still believed there was only a 'handful' of residents, 'mostly abutters' that seemed to be opposed, and added, and I quote, "As President Pope mentioned at the (Dec 19th) meeting, the neighbors of Ward Park are extremely luck to have ANY recreation areas near them." REALLY?! Is the park new?...was it built after I purchased my property and I am just lucky to have accidentally fallen upon a park on my street? NO - I purposely bought my property near the park and have been volunteering my time for years asking what I can do to help get the park improved. Another email was sent to Elder later in January noting that the perception that there are just a 'handful' of people opposed was simply not true. I sent the email, and did not get a response. It was then that our group decided to take action to be taken seriously. The petition is getting the facts out and learning that more than a 'handful' seem to be opposed - from almost every Ward in the City. www.savewardpark.com
Contact a Ward Councilor and tell him/her your opinion!

Peg - feel free to sign the petition and enter a comment that connects you to the Park. Although we are encouraging current residents so the City does not discount the numbers, we ask that nonresidents choosing to sign leave a a note in the comment section as to why they are signing and what their connection to the Park is. 90% of the (as of now) 380 online petitioners (does not include over 70 hard copy sigs) are from Marlborough and half of the remaining 10% used to live in the City and have mentioned their opposition and why. www.savewardpark.com

Let's talk Vigeants destruction of the city. The forest park project he pushed thru (forcing the resignation of 2 zba officials) is slated to break ground next month.  The cornerstone company of this forest park project announced a whopping 71% decrease in profits in q4.  71%!!!!!  And the projections for 2013 for this company are bleak.  This forest park project is a bust and we will be paying for it for years.  Dont let vigeant bully ward park & be another one of mistakes.  Don't let vigeant destroy Marlborough.  

This petition now has well over 500 online and hand signed supporters. Stop the taking of parkland for the construction of municipal buildings. Sign the petition at www.savewardpark.com