Residents Debate Senior Center in Ward Park
Residents raised concerns over the Ward Park location for the new Senior Center Wednesday night.
Over 30 residents passionately discussed a 13,000 square foot Senior Center at Ward Park Wednesday night.
“It sounds like this is a done deal as far as the politicians in this city go,” said Lou Papile who said the "dug out" that will be built over is the most highly used part of the park.
Many residents near the park raised their concerns that this was essentially a done deal and the only way that improvements would come to the park. Among other concerns were noise and decrease in property values.
Chief among the residents' concerns at the public hearing, organized by Ward Councilor Matt Elder, was a change in the nature of the park which had caused many residents to buy in the area in the first place.
Receive breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here
However, not all residents felt that the Senior Center would detract from the location.
Jennifer Dibuono who lives nearby said she has seen the park go downhill in recent years. There is lots of activity in that park that goes on at night, she said.
“There’s a lot of punks down there and they do drugs and a bunch of stuff," said Dibuono. "If we put [The Senior Center] there and put the effort into the park, it will keep some of these punks, excuse me kids, away from there.”
The Senior Center being in the park would add the benefit of allowing seniors to interact with all the other people in the park. They would be able to play with the children at the park, said Dibuono.
"Why can't the seniors walk with us?" she said.
Many of the residents were concerned with flooding. The area is always wet, said residents who questioned the drainage of the area.
Public Works Commissioner Ronald LaFreniere said this was a known issue with the area. Moving forward, the entire field would be raised up to get it above the groundwater level which it is very close to now. The entire project would also yield more usable field space, said LaFreniere.
“Building a field today is not what it was in the past," he said. “This is a location in the community that has been neglected for a number of years.
Towards the end of the discussion, Mayor Arthur Vigeant said there would be issues with any property the city looks at for placing a Senior Center. This is the site that has gained traction within the city and the one that is being examined now, he said.
“I’m hoping that as we go through this process we can get everyone on board," said the mayor.
City Council President Patricia Pope said there seemed to be agreement in the community that a new Senior Center was needed and that any issues with a particular location could be worked out.
“We have to have an open mind and we have to try and work together," said Pope. "The park is still going to be there. That is what we are losing sight of.”
Chrissy
2:54 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Keep in mind that as long as residents have been waiting for a new Senior Center, the neighborhood has been promised major improvements to Ward Park. What is upsetting is that hope was given last fall when a Ward Park Master Plan was proposed, and although I realize agendas get 'reset' when people in office change, it was insulting to read that a13,000 sq foot building costing over $5million was proposed to be built on a portion of the park with NO FORMAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE PARK's FUTURE. For everyone who can't understand why those opposed to the project can't see how this will 'ultimately' improve the park - please know that the Mayor has not committed to updating the Master Plan of Ward Park - which is why I will not support the proposal until he agrees to rework the most recent Ward Park Master Plan to include the new Senior Center, or spend a little more $ to develop a new Master Plan of the Park that takes into consideration the proposed building. It will only be then that I can make a more informed decision. Right now, it is just another empty promise that it will get done. Again, for those who support the Center's new location in hopes of getting the park updated - wouldn't you want a commitment plan for the rest of the area? - or are you prepared to just "wait and see" for another 15 years. Will Seniors be able to walk the track in its current condition? Will they have to wait another 5+ years AFTER being in the new space to actually use the Park?
resident
6:17 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
It seemed very clear last night that the neighbors of Ward Park are not against a senior center at all, but very passionate about not putting ANY building on park land. I think the mayor was surprised at the amount of resistance to his proposal, but it's the first time anyone was able to give an opinion. The mayor did not give anyone a chance to comment or provide input before it was simply announced that this was "happening". Come on Mr. Mayor, this has been Marlborough's park since the 1920's! Don't start taking it away! How many more buildings will follow after this?!
Donna J.
7:36 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Here's a thought, what if the city bought the building directly behind the senior housing that currently has medical offices in it. I think that would be a perfect location for a new center, behind the senior housing with parking at the city garage across the road (the one by the masonic bldg). It might be cheaper to buy and renovate then build from scratch and it would be easier for the seniors to get to.
Chrissy
8:31 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Mayor Vigeant mentioned last night the possibility of renovating the Bigelow School for the Center (which I think would have been a great location) but was told the cost to renovate the existing space would cost more than starting from scratch. Too bad he jumped without pause and signed a 25 year lease as maybe he would now revisit that consideration. If the Center was located in the school building, no park space would have to be 'released' from the Recreation Commission and construction would be less intrusive to the area (which would allow park use to continue, with exception to parking) and it would force the City to address the upper Hayden / Orchard Street parking lot sooner than later, and at least improve access to the park from that side because you can't roll a baby stroller down a wet grass hill that well - I've tried it. BUT - due to the way the Mayor has chosen to 'move forward' with this proposal, that ship has sailed. The rent money will help pay for the new Senior Center, NOT for any park improvements.
resident
11:46 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Good thought Donna J. At the public meeting suggestions to an alternate sites were shot down by Councilor Elder. He said discussion pertaining to alternate sites would not be entertained.
resident
3:01 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
There's an online petition to stop the taking of Ward Park land. Go to www.savewardpark.com to learn more and sign.
Damon Michaels
8:37 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
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.
resident
10:42 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
Yes it is a bribe. They're saying - we'll improve the park but only if we take a chunk of it away and put up a 13,000 square foot two story building. That is an awful trade off. One that would resonate down to future generations. Leave the park land alone and simply improve it for the sake of the children. Look at the ice skating rink, a wonderful addition to the park and exactly the area the Mayor wants to take away from the children.
www.savewardpark.com