There was a lovely moment a few weeks ago when I received a phone call from the Newton Senior Center for the simple purpose of checking in with me, as a senior, to see how I was doing in the midst of the Covid-19 stuff. It was a thoughtful and meaningful gesture on the part of the City, and graciously executed.
That was my first reaction. My second reaction was, this must mean they have a database of those over a certain age. Golly, they could use that same database to conduct a thorough survey of us to see what services we would like in the new senior center and where we would like them to be offered.
Instead, what I see in the recent NewCAL community meeting presentation is mainly a real estate slide show, with little focus on what the program should be for the coming decades. (Note, for example, how the gymnasium dominates the need for space in all cases presented, an item requested by a very, very small number of commenters in some scoping sessions held many months ago.)
I’ve made reference before to Marian Leah Knapp’s thoughtful suggestions on how to make this senior center a really excellent project. Please take a look at these two summaries, one from November and one from December.
As I said back then, start over and decide on the programming in a rigorous and inclusive manner. Widespread community support will follow.
Wait, we aren’t seriously still talking about this, are we? The mayor is asking the school committee to slash its budget and we had a big unfunded OPEB liability when things were good.
Paul’s observations have even greater poignancy given the budgetary crisis facing the city stemming from the pandemic. We must be certain that the needs of seniors in Newton are well understood, and that we build a center that best meets those needs.
A megaproject just won’t fly anymore. I suspect that expanding the current center will seem the best route to travel once the crisis abates. Patrick’s comment probably represents the view of many residents.
Patrick, While I certainly don’t mind that planning should continue for the senior center, for whatever day in the future it might prove financially feasible, I agree with you that spending money on architects’ schematics at this time, given the lack of a viable program plan, is a waste.
Massachusetts has recorded zero coronavirus deaths in children and 1771 in adults 60 and over. Schoolhouses are shut, and children are suffering. How can anybody talk right now about a building that where seniors would congregate?
Sorry, the above statistics are rates per 100,000. It is 0 deaths per child and 6154 deaths in people 60 and over.
My first reaction was: the presumption that the intrusion is welcome does not follow from the fact of owning property here. My neighbors didn’t call 911 with their concerns, so please “we’ll call you if we need anything government is supposed to be providing”. I wonder if Teddy as as much of a nanny ..
My second reaction was: that census data, which shows name, date of birth, etc. (and is available to anyone for the asking) is already better used by businesses, so why does City government perform so poorly with the same resources? Must be a skill thing, which itself is a statement about the likelihood of Newton’s civil servants and those who presume to be managing them well being able to operate such a facility and its programming well rather than just “well enough” to silence objections. How about letting professionals do …
My third reaction was: if politicians or citizen activists think Newton seniors need to exercise more and that justifies a publicly funded gymnasium to crowd-out other demands for funding (above mentioned is OPEB which warrants highlighting as an unfunded obligation balloon about to shortly appear in a couple of decades of more responsible City budgeting), consideration should be given to simpler, better, cheaper solutions that other communities do .. my still more senior seniors still enjoy free and unlimited exercise memberships at their local JCC and YMCA. Hunh .. Wonder what Mark and Jack could do with the opportunity …
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I can’t believe this project is being discussed as if nothing had changed in the world over the past months. It seems likely that once we finally come out the other end of this crisis, the demand for and form of senior services will have changed in ways that can’t yet be foreseen with any certainty. Pretending tomorrow will look just like yesterday but with a fancier building is idiotic.
I think a scaled down Senior Center on the site of the existing one in Newtonville would be a 10 strike for seniors. There are great options for Newton seniors who want a health and fitness regimen. The Y and Jewish Community Center (JCC) are two excellent resources for any Newton senior looking for a great health and fitness center. I’m in my 80s and have maintained pretty good health and fitness at the Y. I so miss the swimming, yoga, weights and informal water polo pickup groups, but the Y leadership has really made a good faith effort to accommodate the ever growing number of seniors who are coming there for all kinds of classes and activities. I have friends who are members of the JCC and they report pretty much the same dynamic there.
I have no problem with having ongoing discussions but, as Paul says, they should concern senior programming. We all have to fill out the Newton census every year so there is a senior database. Surveying us seniors should be the only discussion going on.
I didn’t get a call. I guess they like you, Paul, more than me.
I did not get a call either. maybe one has to be 80 or 90?
Not likely, Marti.
Not at all, Isabelle.
Paul, you surely do well for being 80 or 90!! (Sarcasm font.)