Eastman Elementary Could Become An Assisted Living Facility [VIDEO]

The last in a series of potential future development projects for empty was unveiled to the public on Jan. 24, and it was the first time that some neighbors were not so hot for the idea presented.

, of the , pitched a 50-plus unit assisted living facility for the recently closed . He said since it was one of the larger school sites, 4.6-acres, it could handle a bit of a larger project, and since the area was already zoned for housing, only a site plan review would needed for the project. Castagna proposed knocking down a portion of the building constructed in the 1960s, and adding a courtyard space in the middle of the project, for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients or others to enjoy.

Castagna said two potential developers are interested in the site for an assisted living facility, with one also considering independent living units at the site. He said they would like to build between 50 and 60 units at the site, “in order to make it work.”

Other interested parties include the military, for a new recruiting and training office, and potentially, NHTI for a satellite campus.

The plan was criticized for being too big, having too many traffic issues, and not fitting in with the current makeup of the neighborhood.

Susanne Smith Meyer, a member of the Planning Board and a neighbor, said she was surprised by the scope of the project, stating that in the fall, Castagna presented a different concept, with small cottages.

“To me, it would lend itself to a lot less activity and use,” she said. “This looks like there are going to be people in and out all day long, as far as employees and care personnel.”

Castagna said he kicked around the cottages idea but he couldn’t get enough units to make it worthwhile. He said it “bogged down the site and wasn’t really a good use.”

Smith Meyer said she disagreed, saying the proposal was a 24-hour use, with light pollution for the abutters.

“I don’t think that that’s really in keeping with the scale of the neighborhood and the current use, which people are more accustomed to,” she said.

After some back and forth, Castagna said, “OK that’s fair.”

Other attendees said they were disappointed that the site wasn’t being looked at for use by the or the city for a community center.

When asked why the site wasn’t considered for workforce housing or apartments, since it was one of the largest sites available, he said it could be, depending on what the school board decided. He said, however, that the historic pieces of the building could not be demolished and this building, along with others, would have deed restrictions and compliance issues. A developer can’t just come in and do whatever they want, Castagna noted.