Grover Site Finds Detractors During Senior Center Hearing

20 months after the Senior Center Exploratory Committee (SCEC) was given the task of selecting a new senior center site, five sites remain standing and two, Emery Grover and Needham Heights MBTA, were passionately discussed by residents during a public meeting Tuesday night.

In two weeks time, the SCEC will present its recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, but before they reach that point Committee members first wanted offer Needham residents their own say.

"We're on our timeline to make a recommendation, but we want to hear your input, too," said SCEC co-chair Denise Garlick.

Throughout the two and a half hour hearing, dozens of residents voiced their feelings on a new center, but the overall tone of the evening was that of overwhelming opposition to the Grover site.

Bill Betcher, who weeks ago presented evidence to the SCEC suggesting that the Grover area is a hazardous one in relation to traffic, reiterated his desire for safety Tuesday night.

"I think it's very important that we have a study (on traffic in the area) before we select the site," he said. Betcher added that he would like to see a "quality center" constructed and that the facilities offered by Grover represented a "step backwards."

St. Joseph Elementary School Principal Paul Kelly voiced several concerns over the Grover location, addressing parking in the area, drop-off and pick-up traffic, and safety of students. Kelly stated that 57 members of the school's faculty and staff require a parking space, 28 of which can be found on the school's property. Every other space, said Kelly, has to be found on the street. If spots were taken away for a new senior center, he said, "We'd be crippled in a lot of ways."

Kelly added that the Grover/St. Joseph's area experiences a high level of traffic as it is and that adding a center would put children at greater risk.

"We have concerns," Kelly said. "I appreciate the good qualities that this site presents seniors, but we can't in good conscious recommend the site with the safety of children in mind."

Irwin Silverstein of Reservoir Ave. mentioned the fact that the space at Grover would fall short of the 20,000 sq. ft. recommended by the Council on Aging, saying that such a fact is "shortsighted" and that a new facility should be viable for the next 50 years. Carol Whitmore, meanwhile, was concerned with where the Public School Administration would locate should the Grover building be commandeered.

Not all of the comments were negative, though, as many voiced their support for the Needham Heights MBTA location.

"I feel the MBTA site is a much better choice," said Barbara McDonald of Pickering St.

Sandra Jaszek of Crescent Rd. voiced her MBTA support, saying that she and her neighbors regard that part of town as a vibrant one that has witnessed much growth in the way of new buildings.

"As someone who's down the street, I think this would be wonderful," she said.

Retiring Town Meeting member Russell Broad cited a favorable parking situation as one of his reasons to support the MBTA location, while Laurie Katz of Oakland Ave. said that the site represented an "in-town location and there's a lot around it that's nice."

So strong was the sentiment for the MBTA site, that Susan Smoland of Laurel Dr. was compelled to ask the SCEC, "What are some negatives to the site at the Heights?"

SCEC co-chair Jim Healy joked that "those of us who like the site aren't answering that" before stating that cons include the possibility that there won't be an option to expand the site in the near future due to the footprint and parking situation, as well as the fact that no CPA money would be available.

"But every site has various strengths and weaknesses," he said.

One weakness brought up by residents regarding the MBTA site was the intersection at Hillside and West, which several audience members called "dangerous."

"Collisions there are an ongoing issue," said Molly Line of Hillside Ave. "I can see the benefits of having a senior center in our neighborhood, but I'm concerned about where the entrance and exits would be."

Ron Hylen of Thurston Ln. was one of the few in attendance to offer some Grover positives, stating his belief that the location is "where seniors want to be" and that it preserves a historical building.

"It seems to be the perfect choice," he said.

Others, it seemed, simply want a new senior center, no matter where the site may be.

"I'm here to ask officials to have an open mind. No site will be perfect," said Penny Warden, a Broadmeadow resident and Senior Center employee. "Many people don't use the current center because of the facilities. I ask that the Selectmen please stop the delays and the infighting."

Haulden Pepper of Highland Court felt even stronger, saying that he has watched as the town renovated facilities like the library and high school, but have not yet constructed a new senior center.

"We're (treated like) second class citizens," he said. "Build something for the senior citizens. The current facility is appalling."

The SCEC related that Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick will be offering a report on the MBTA site at the next SCEC meeting, which is due to take place on Sept. 16.

"I want to assure you that these committee members hold true to their hearts every comment by residents," Healy parted with. "We may not always agree with some opinions, but we always listen. We will come up with a recommendation and we will build you a senior center."

Editor's Note: A letter, which was read aloud by Garlick Tuesday evening, can be found at this link.