On the Middle School Site
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposal by Town Council President Jim Letterie to build a Recreation Center at the Old Middle School Site through a public private partnership. I think it is based on pie-in-the-sky projections about the interest in this type of facility among outside organizations willing to utilize such a facility if it is built, and unknown details about the costs of construction, length of a potential lease to a private entity, etc. I also have doubts about the economic stimulus it would provide to our community and concerns about the minimal revenue that it will bring to the Town’s government.
Fortunately, there is an alternative that was developed by a Citizens’ Committee in Winthrop six years ago: the Eruzione Community Center Initiative. It can be found on the Town’s website under the Planning Board’s CBD/Middle School Rezoning Documents.
This initiative would still provide youth and all residents with state-of-the art recreational space in a new community center. It would expand programming to reach residents of all ages. It would use the remaining space on the site for economic development to reinvigorate the downtown area and support our central business district.
For economic development, I would recommend 48-60 condominium units in a 55+ community. This would be similar to developments like Westbrook Crossing in Dedham, and Pheasant Hill in Northborough. More than 20% of the population of Winthrop is 65 or older according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This site would offer low-maintenance living at its best with excellent living options for active adults. The condos are adjacent to Ingleside Park and within walking distance of all the restaurants and stores in the Center Business District.
The Eruzione Initiative would utilize the entire site – middle school, auditorium, gymnasium, and skating rink. It calls for a phased demolition and new construction. It would provide a new hockey rink with improved ice sheet, expanded lockers, stands, etc. It would include an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. It would have multiple multi-purpose rooms for programs serving residents of all ages. It would create an adequate buffer for nearby homes.
The Citizens’ Committee stated in the proposal that the first step is to demolish the area needed to build new facilities and make necessary infrastructure improvements. Second, the new rink/community center would be built, and the current rink would be demolished only after the new rink is opened. Third, an RFP for development of the 55+ community would be issued which would bring economic development benefits and revenue to the Town. A 55+ community would not burden our school system with additional students. Up to six residential townhouses could also be built along Waldemar Avenue as a buffer for nearby homes.
The purpose of this initiative and vision is to serve Winthrop residents of all ages and not be dependent on people coming from outside the community. Cost estimates for site demolition, rink construction and the community center need to be developed, and a variety of financing options need to be pursued. The whole Winthrop community needs to be engaged in this development.
It is my hope that our Town leaders will pursue this alternative.
William Schmidt
In Support of Todd Sacco
Dear Winthrop Voters,
I have been a resident of Winthrop for 53 years and this is the first letter I am writing to support a candidate. That Candidate is Todd Sacco.
Todd has been a friend for most of these years, meeting up later as our children are in school together like we were.
Todd has always been a perfect gentleman with patience and kindness for all who cross his path.
Todd has always voiced what our town needs to move into the future safely, as well Todd is always available to all to shed light on our town’s most urgent issues as well as any issue that is important to our voters.
Todd has insight and is willing to fight for what is right and touches the root of each obstacle with intelligence and heart.
On November 7th please take the time to vote for my friend Todd Sacco for Councilor at-Large
He has what we need to take our “little” town into the future so the future is as bright as it can be.
????????Sincerely,
Renee Ligotti