To the Editor:
We are writing in regard to the plans by the town to create a Community/Senior Center at the recently purchased property at 1500 Union Street. Although some of the ideas sound excellent, we believe there are things that need to be considered:
First, determine what programs and facilities exist in other town entities so we are not wasting tax-payer money duplicating efforts. For example, the Westborough Public Library already provides many things being proposed for this facility. It should be noted that if voters hadn’t rejected the library expansion, it might have made the purchase of 1500 Union unnecessary, and we would have had $9 million in state money to spend instead of spending nearly that amount of taxpayer money to buy a 62,000 sq ft building which town officials have acknowledged is too large for our needs. It is estimated that 20,000 to 40,000 sq ft of space, the size of many entire town buildings such as the Library, Town Hall, Fire Department, Golf Club Building, Forbes Community Center, and Harvey School building, we may not even use!
Secondly, ensure we don’t spend millions at other town-owned properties, such as the Golf Club building, on things proposed for this one, like meeting rooms, event rooms, social spaces, a commercial kitchen, etc. We don’t need two facilities with the exact same offerings.
Finally, for years the town has been a poor steward of its property. This is clearly evident in the historic Golf Club building, with almost a million dollars in deferred maintenance and repairs. Ironic that some officials are saying it should be torn down without acknowledging that the town’s neglect is how it got into its current sorry state. Before beginning work on 1500 Union Street, which is 17 years old and in need of code upgrades and other improvements, we encourage the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen to develop a transparent and truly professional management system for its property, facilities, and leasing activities, one accessible by residents on the town website. This step in the right direction might engender more support from residents for this latest project.
Sincerely,
R. Christopher Noonan and Luanne Crosby
