December 11, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
Following a presentation by Center for Active Living Building Committee Chair Tom Carey, the Select Board expressed support for the proposed new $34 million senior center at Bare Cove Park.
“Our committee unanimously voted to recommend the BCP site,” he said. “This will be a very appropriate building for what . . . the future holds for us [referring to the growing senior population in town]. This is not a wish list of a handful of seniors; it’a solidly designed concept for a building that’s very feasible that will meet the town’s needs.”
The committee earlier ruled out expanding the current CFAL — located at Town Hall — into the adjacent current police headquarters space once the department moves into the new public safety facility on Rte. 3A — due to parking, space, accessibility, and other issues.
The one-story building proposal includes a patio, gardens, an on-site walking trail, access to the front park gate, lawn areas to accommodate a variety of games and activities, a reception area, large multi-purpose room that could accommodate 150 to 200 people at a time, restrooms, lounge, cafe counter, exercise/dance and arts studios, a fitness room, an auditorium for movies, lectures, musical entertainment and other uses, a conference room, a large room for playing cards — a popular activity — a greenhouse, and other features.
State and federal approvals required
Town Counsel John Coughlin explained that he is working with Real Estate Counsel Susan Murphy to gain the necessary state and federal approvals to potentially build on the park site — first, from the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over the property, and then from the Massachusetts legislature because the new building would constitute a change in the use of the land.
If the legislature approves this change, the town would be required to provide an equivalent parcel of open space to the state at another location or make a payment in lieu of that option. More information will be available at a later date.
Town Meeting will have the final say. Carey anticipates that voters will be asked to approve funding for the full design “to the point of construction drawings” at next Spring’s annual town meeting.
If approved, voters at a subsequent Town Meeting will be asked to then approve funding for the final design and construction of the new building. “The timeframe for the state and federal approvals could impact the timing,” Carey noted.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo noted that BCP consists of 484 acres — including “many miles of paved roads and woodland trails” that are close to two youth sports fields — Lynch and Carlson — and South Shore Country Club, which features golf, a restaurant, bowling, and a proposed pool.
Select board member Liz Klein remarked about the “many details [it takes] to make this a usable space [that seniors will enjoy].”
‘Seniors are thrilled with this action’
Board member William Ramsey said he’s pleased by the unanimous vote of the committee. “I’ve spoken with numerous seniors in town, and they’re thrilled with this action — which will make them happy and proud.”
Council on Aging Chair Joe Nevins explained that its members unanimously support this option and “are doing everything they can to bring this project forward. I want to remind people that this [new senior center] will be a community asset. We are an intergenerational town, and this building will lend itself to multiple uses [beyond as a senior center].”
Potential funding sources in addition to a fundraising campaign have not yet been identified.
Further consideration will be given to the traffic impacts of such a development and whether the proposed 200 parking spaces are adequate.
Chair Joseph Fisher said the message should be “come here and be part of the community” rather than having less parking and staggering events to ensure there’s enough of it.
He also expressed concern about the planned entrance off Fort Hill Street, in particular taking a lefthand turn out of the site — which Fisher called “dangerous” when the traffic is heavy in that area.
For project details, go to https://www.hinghamanchor.com/center-for-active-living-building-committee-recommends-bare-cove-park-site-for-new-33-million-senior-cente/.