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The proposed Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project is quite interesting, and I hope voters of all ages take 5-10 minutes to educate themselves about the true value of this community project. Hats off to the planning and building committee who have taken the broader and future-generation mindset to create the building program and layout for a building that will serve a lot more than seniors: this building will provide services and benefits to a large swath of town residents.
The existing senior center building on Pleasant Street is a lovely, old building – and that indeed is the challenge. Upgrading an outdated building to modern code requirements and expanding the facility to provide services and resources for not just the seniors would be a significant and costly challenge. The proposed facility provides all residents with a brand new and efficient floor plan with multiple benefits.
As a middle-aged resident about to turn 60, I recently reviewed the proposed floor plans and it is truly a well-designed building for all ages. A running track, pickle ball courts, games room, arts/crafts room, billiard/pool room are just a few of the tangible features. And, an essential emergency shelter space is included, which is commendable.
And what about the price tag? Yes, $27.9M is the number, but let’s put that in perspective. In a community with homes valued and selling regularly between $750k-$1M+, this number is not out of proportion. The estimated annual cost for the typical home is approximately $22 per month – less than $1 per day, which is a lot less than what many folks spend on coffee or even a bagel.
Please take some time before voting to educate yourself about this valuable, affordable and community-benefitting project that will serve young, middle-aged and seniors for generations to come.
Paul Millett
Fairview Avenue
