An Assisted Living Facility at Marist is neither Harmonious nor Appropriate

PUBLIC Participation Comment made at Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/1/15:

Deborah Butler, TMM Precinct 7 "Debate has been growing in precinct 7 and
10 about plans to build a 55+ community on the old Marist Brother’s
property nestled around a 104 bed (59,600 gross square foot) assisted
living facility. I am joining efforts by neighbors who oppose an assisted
living facility in Framingham’s very first 55+ community for the following
reasons:

1. Framingham has 265 assisted living units in the town. While one might
think this an inadequate number for a town of Framingham’s size, not every
individual who occupies the 265 assisted living units comes from
Framingham. Many assisted living centers market to residents in far off
locations such as Waltham to fill their beds at as much as $4,000 to $9,000
depending on services needed per month.

2. Framingham has no 55+ community forcing many residents to more to
surrounding communities around us. Common sense supports the neighbors’
argument that the Marist location should remain R-3 and offer a housing
option that fills this unmet need.

3. In 1995 the Land Court set a precedence that an assisted living
facility at this location was inappropriate for the location given high
increase of traffic and dangerous intersection at Temple, Woodmere and
Pleasant Streets.

4. An assisted living facility will bring a commercial operations to R-3
neighborhood a mere 300 yards from an elementary school which will attract
commercial traffic patterns 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

5. During the summer months when the concept of the building project was
floated among a select group of residents no mention of an assisted living
facility was mentioned leaving those in attendance to believe the project
would be another Brendon properties “Signature” project of high end
townhouses.

6. In 2013 one member of the ZBA voted against an 80 bed hospital
proposal for the project because the project was “not an appropriate one
for such use in that the Proposed Use introduces a commercial use…”

7. One ZBA member has already introduced to the public record whether
allowing 104 beds on the property is hypocritical given the fact Walden
Behavioral Care was denied a special permit to bring 80 beds to the
property.

8. I hope neighbors will turn out at the next ZBA hearing on Tuesday
December 15th (Blumer Room) to help ensure that the Marist property is
developed to its best and highest use.

Deborah Butler

TMM Precinct 7

From Deborah Butler:

1. Framingham has 265 assisted living units in the town. While one might
think this an inadequate number for a town of Framingham’s size, not every
individual who occupies the 265 assisted living units comes from
Framingham. Many assisted living centers market to residents in far off
locations such as Waltham to fill their beds at as much as $4,000 to $9,000
depending on services needed per month.

My question:

Reading between the lines, should an assisted living facility/residence be
approved, suggesting that it could be made only available to current Framingham
residents?

And, in the same vein,, should a 55+ development also be restricted to
Framingfham residents?

Jonathan

Hi Deborah,

I don't see the validity of most of your points below and have included
questions and comments below. I am still confused as to why you're so
against including an assisted living community along with the 55+
community, since most of the points you list apply to both types of
communities. I don't see that inclusion of an assisted living community
would make the development any less desirable, and it does fulfill a need
in our town. Issues you're concerned about could and should be addressed
as part of today's assessment and approval process, based on the current
proposal, rather than outdated studies, and/or different usage proposals.
Let's look at real facts and data and see if any of your concerns are real
(or at least worse for assisted living vs. 55+ communities), and base our
decisions on that approach.

/Jon Siegel

On Wed, Dec 2, 2015 at 11:20 AM, Deborah Butler <
<email obscured>> wrote:

> PUBLIC Participation Comment made at Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/1/15:
>
>
> Deborah Butler, TMM Precinct 7 "Debate has been growing in precinct 7 and
> 10 about plans to build a 55+ community on the old Marist Brother’s
> property nestled around a 104 bed (59,600 gross square foot) assisted
> living facility. I am joining efforts by neighbors who oppose an assisted
> living facility in Framingham’s very first 55+ community for the following
> reasons:
>
> 1. Framingham has 265 assisted living units in the town. While one might
> think this an inadequate number for a town of Framingham’s size, not every
> individual who occupies the 265 assisted living units comes from
> Framingham. Many assisted living centers market to residents in far off
> locations such as Waltham to fill their beds at as much as $4,000 to $9,000
> depending on services needed per month.
>

JS> Whether this is true or not, why does this matter? The same applies to
55+ homes, as people from other towns could purchase them. And having more
assisted living units still provides more options for those who do want to
stay here.

>
> 2. Framingham has no 55+ community forcing many residents to more to
> surrounding communities around us. Common sense supports the neighbors’
> argument that the Marist location should remain R-3 and offer a housing
> option that fills this unmet need.
>
> JS> The plan as you explained it will provide a 55+ community, helping to
fulfill the need you state. In addition, including assisted living units
will also help fulfill an unmet need. And as has been noted by a previous
poster, the building of an assisted living community is an allowable use in
a R-3 zone with a special permit from the ZBA, so the location would remain
R3.

> 3. In 1995 the Land Court set a precedence that an assisted living
> facility at this location was inappropriate for the location given high
> increase of traffic and dangerous intersection at Temple, Woodmere and
> Pleasant Streets.\
>

JS> Traffic is likely much different today than 20 years ago, so I don't
know how applicable that "precedence" is. I'm sure a traffic study
could/would be required for this to move forward, and the issues assessed
based upon more current data. That said, a 55+ community would likely
result in at least as much, if not much more traffic than an assisted
living community.

>
> 4. An assisted living facility will bring a commercial operations to R-3
> neighborhood a mere 300 yards from an elementary school which will attract
> commercial traffic patterns 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
>
> JS> The traffic study that should be done would be better than guessing at
the likely impact of including an assisted living community. And as has
been noted by a prior poster who lives next to a larger assisted living
facility in Framingham, the traffic is not noticeable.

> 5. During the summer months when the concept of the building project was
> floated among a select group of residents no mention of an assisted living
> facility was mentioned leaving those in attendance to believe the project
> would be another Brendon properties “Signature” project of high end
> townhouses.
>
> JS> Again, why does this matter? The scope of the project is being shared
and discussed now.

> 6. In 2013 one member of the ZBA voted against an 80 bed hospital
> proposal for the project because the project was “not an appropriate one
> for such use in that the Proposed Use introduces a commercial use…”
>
> JS> Many issues here: 1. One vote doesn't mean that's the consensus. 2.
This is not a hospital being proposed. 3. I'd argue that an assisted
living community does not constitute a commercial use.

> 7. One ZBA member has already introduced to the public record whether
> allowing 104 beds on the property is hypocritical given the fact Walden
> Behavioral Care was denied a special permit to bring 80 beds to the
> property.
>

JS> Since when is being hypocritical a meaningful rationale for denying a
given use of the property? And again, just because one person feels that
it's hypocritical, doesn't mean that's true. The type of facility that
Walden proposed was much different than what is now being proposed, so
should be judged on its own merits.

Rest of post

I have yet to see a comment by an actual neighbor speaking out against an
assisted living residence in their neighborhood.

I'm starting to see the traffic argument as something of a canard. From what
I've read, there would be no appreciable increase in the intersection's traffic
by adding an assisted living component. There are also traffic mitigation
proposals from the Walden plan which could likely be repurposed for the Brendon
plan (Walden had agreed to 25 conditions in its quest to gain the ZBA's
approval, some of which undoubtedly addressed the traffic concerns:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/x1155600722/Framingham-ZBA-turns-down-Walden-plan)

I'm also starting to object to the classification of assisted living as
"commercial." Seems disingenuous to me. It's not like they'll be building auto
repair shops and landscaping concerns on the property.

Lastly, I've yet to see a proposal from anyone who's against the Brendon plan
as to what exactly they would consider to be the property's "best and highest
use."

Ms. Butler, it's probably advisable to sit tight and wait for the rest of the
comments to come flooding in before responding. I'm sure you're going to get an
earful.

Keith Wagner

My only negative reaction to the current project is that the Walden proposal
would have preserved the existing buildings and open space and had a limited
traffic impact, while funding mitigation and paying taxes. But we lost that
option. Now I hope we can work with the applicant to get the best deal for
Framingham and stay out of court at the same time.

Ten years ago I was looking for over-55 style housing, but would have had to
leave Framingham to find what I wanted. By the time this is built, perhaps I
(and some of my contemporaries) will be happy to also have an assisted living
option right here in town.

Norma (oops, my age is no longer secret…)

On Dec 2, 2015, at 12:07 PM, Keith Wagner
<<email obscured>> wrote:
I have yet to see a comment by an actual neighbor speaking out against an
assisted living residence in their neighborhood.
I'm starting to see the traffic argument as something of a canard. From what
I've read, there would be no appreciable increase in the intersection's traffic
by adding an assisted living component. There are also traffic mitigation
proposals from the Walden plan which could likely be repurposed for the Brendon
plan (Walden had agreed to 25 conditions in its quest to gain the ZBA's
approval, some of which undoubtedly addressed the traffic concerns:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/x1155600722/Framingham-ZBA-turns-down-Walden-plan)
Lastly, I've yet to see a proposal from anyone who's against the Brendon plan
as to what exactly they would consider to be the property's "best and highest
use."

if we were to do away with school choice and kids started walking to school
like they are supposed to then traffic would be so light we could have assisted
living at every corner.
walter siggins......just an old geezer

On Wednesday, December 2, 2015 12:42 PM, Keith Wagner
<<email obscured>> wrote:

I have yet to see a comment by an actual neighbor speaking out against an
assisted living residence in their neighborhood.

I'm starting to see the traffic argument as something of a canard. From what
I've read, there would be no appreciable increase in the intersection's traffic
by adding an assisted living component. There are also traffic mitigation
proposals from the Walden plan which could likely be repurposed for the Brendon
plan (Walden had agreed to 25 conditions in its quest to gain the ZBA's
approval, some of which undoubtedly addressed the traffic concerns:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/x1155600722/Framingham-ZBA-turns-down-Walden-plan)

I'm also starting to object to the classification of assisted living as
"commercial." Seems disingenuous to me. It's not like they'll be building auto
repair shops and landscaping concerns on the property.

Lastly, I've yet to see a proposal from anyone who's against the Brendon plan
as to what exactly they would consider to be the property's "best and highest
use."

Ms. Butler, it's probably advisable to sit tight and wait for the rest of the
comments to come flooding in before responding. I'm sure you're going to get an
earful.

Keith Wagner

Keith Wagner
Nobscot, Framingham
About/contact Keith Wagner: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/keithwagner

Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.

"Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).

Rest of post

Wondering if the proposed Assisted Living Facility is going to be a
non-profit. If so, what are the property tax implications that may affect
Framingham? Curious to know if the facility will include independent
living, memory care and respite care.

The facility will probably be bringing in over 7 million per year in
revenues. Most definitely "commercial." 55+ Units become more
"residential" and independent once they are sold. Haven't heard how many
55+ units and what their configuration would be -- then again, maybe
haven't been paying enough attention.

Rick McKenna

Rest of post

Ms. Butler,

If you were not home and available to assist your parents when
necessary, and they became unable stay in their home due to issues
incurred with aging or medical needs, where would you like to see
them go? All things being equal, wouldn't it be nice for them to be
able to stay in their own neighborhood?

You still have not answered the original question. Nor has anyone
else. I also am not sure why you directed your comments to the BOS
since this is clearly within the purview of the ZBA. Others have
already made very clear responses to your post, so I will not rehash that.

Just askin',

Vanessa Stern

Rest of post

Haven't we learned anything? A year ago the town dodged a bullet with Walden.
The property was very nearly purchased as an educational facility. There would
have been no property taxes or financial assistance for traffic mediation.
There could have been an expensive court case. It was lucky for us that Walden
backed off. It was stupid to block Walden's initial proposal and it almost cost
us dearly. Deborah Butler and Phil Ottaviani would have been largely to blame.
Now we have a second chance with Brendon to have the property back on the tax
rolls under a perfectly acceptable use. Let's not screw it up.
Chris Kelley TMM P9 From: Deborah Butler
<<email obscured>>
To: framgov e.democracy.com <framgov@forums.e-democracy.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 2, 2015 11:20 AM
Subject: [FramGov] An Assisted Living Facility at Marist is neither Harmonious
nor Appropriate

PUBLIC Participation Comment made at Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/1/15:

Deborah Butler, TMM Precinct 7 "Debate has been growing in precinct 7 and
10 about plans to build a 55+ community on the old Marist Brother’s
property nestled around a 104 bed (59,600 gross square foot) assisted
living facility. I am joining efforts by neighbors who oppose an assisted
living facility in Framingham’s very first 55+ community for the following
reasons:

1. Framingham has 265 assisted living units in the town. While one might
think this an inadequate number for a town of Framingham’s size, not every
individual who occupies the 265 assisted living units comes from
Framingham. Many assisted living centers market to residents in far off
locations such as Waltham to fill their beds at as much as $4,000 to $9,000
depending on services needed per month.

2. Framingham has no 55+ community forcing many residents to more to
surrounding communities around us. Common sense supports the neighbors’
argument that the Marist location should remain R-3 and offer a housing
option that fills this unmet need.

3. In 1995 the Land Court set a precedence that an assisted living
facility at this location was inappropriate for the location given high
increase of traffic and dangerous intersection at Temple, Woodmere and
Pleasant Streets.

4. An assisted living facility will bring a commercial operations to R-3
neighborhood a mere 300 yards from an elementary school which will attract
commercial traffic patterns 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

5. During the summer months when the concept of the building project was
floated among a select group of residents no mention of an assisted living
facility was mentioned leaving those in attendance to believe the project
would be another Brendon properties “Signature” project of high end
townhouses.

6. In 2013 one member of the ZBA voted against an 80 bed hospital
proposal for the project because the project was “not an appropriate one
for such use in that the Proposed Use introduces a commercial use…”

7. One ZBA member has already introduced to the public record whether
allowing 104 beds on the property is hypocritical given the fact Walden
Behavioral Care was denied a special permit to bring 80 beds to the
property.

8. I hope neighbors will turn out at the next ZBA hearing on Tuesday
December 15th (Blumer Room) to help ensure that the Marist property is
developed to its best and highest use.

Deborah Butler

TMM Precinct 7

Deborah Butler
Framingham
About/contact Deborah Butler: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/deborahbutler

Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.

"Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).

Rest of post

Would it be practically possible to utilize Marist property for both 55+
housing and limited (less than 104), assisted living residences. Could
doing so accommodate most of Deborah Butler's neighborly concerns; town
taxing/zoning issues and economics/marketing concerns of Brendon builders?

Roy Pologe
Framingham

On 12/2/2015 3:48 PM, Chris Kelley wrote:
> Haven't we learned anything? A year ago the town dodged a bullet with Walden.
The property was very nearly purchased as an educational facility. There would
have been no property taxes or financial assistance for traffic mediation.
There could have been an expensive court case. It was lucky for us that Walden
backed off.
>
> PUBLIC Participation Comment made at Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/1/15:
>
>
> Deborah Butler, TMM Precinct 7 "Debate has been growing in precinct 7 and
> 10 about plans to build a 55+ community on the old Marist Brother’s
> property nestled around a 104 bed (59,600 gross square foot) assisted
> living facility. I am joining efforts by neighbors who oppose an assisted
> living facility in Framingham’s very first 55+ community for the following
> reasons:
>
> 1. Framingham has 265 assisted living units in the town. While one might
> think this an inadequate number for a town of Framingham’s size, not every
> individual who occupies the 265 assisted living units comes from
> Framingham. Many assisted living centers market to residents in far off
> locations such as Waltham to fill their beds at as much as $4,000 to $9,000
> depending on services needed per month.
>
> 2. Framingham has no 55+ community forcing many residents to more to
> surrounding communities around us. Common sense supports the neighbors’
> argument that the Marist location should remain R-3 and offer a housing
> option that fills this unmet need.
>
> 3. In 1995 the Land Court set a precedence that an assisted living
> facility at this location was inappropriate for the location given high
> increase of traffic and dangerous intersection at Temple, Woodmere and
> Pleasant Streets.
>
> 4. An assisted living facility will bring a commercial operations to R-3
> neighborhood a mere 300 yards from an elementary school which will attract
> commercial traffic patterns 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
>
> 5. During the summer months when the concept of the building project was
> floated among a select group of residents no mention of an assisted living
> facility was mentioned leaving those in attendance to believe the project
> would be another Brendon properties “Signature” project of high end
> townhouses.
>
> 6. In 2013 one member of the ZBA voted against an 80 bed hospital
> proposal for the project because the project was “not an appropriate one
> for such use in that the Proposed Use introduces a commercial use…”
>
> 7. One ZBA member has already introduced to the public record whether
> allowing 104 beds on the property is hypocritical given the fact Walden
> Behavioral Care was denied a special permit to bring 80 beds to the
> property.
>
> 8. I hope neighbors will turn out at the next ZBA hearing on Tuesday
> December 15th (Blumer Room) to help ensure that the Marist property is
> developed to its best and highest use.
>
> Deborah Butler
>
> TMM Precinct 7
>
>
> Deborah Butler
> Framingham
> About/contact Deborah Butler: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/deborahbutler
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).
>
>
> ------------------------
> Reply: Reply-All or visit
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/7rf5VzLfMok3wY8jnfxrmc
> New Topic: framgov@forums.e-democracy.org
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> Chris Kelley
> Framingham
> About/contact Chris Kelley: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/chriskelley
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).
>
>
> ------------------------
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Rest of post

A previous speaker has it right. ....the ORIGINAL Walden proposal. should have
been a slam dunk 3-0 approval resulting in preserved buildings, agreement to
keep the front of the property as is, and ON THE TAX roles --for 300K annually
or about 1 million every 3 years.

Ok--so here we are.....not to go thru it all again---but....now-- all buildings
on the subject site are to be demolished......with approval from the
historical society....if it gets to that point. ...

1st project- the 55+ which I would like increased to 70 units.
the 2nd project.....the Assisted living...which I would like to see limited to
27 units.
Total units 97.....(Less than the 100+ that is proposed)

On the tax roles for an estimated 500K+ annually.
Ok.....with additional modifications to keep the frontage green
and I would like to see as many old trees preserved as possible on
the site. ALSO- quarterly or bi annual reports to the Health department
concerning any and all issues with the assisted living units and its residence.

The need is obvious for such services and projects. We all know that. We need
the revenue. There needs to be signage and lights at the corner of Pleasant and
Temple.....its needed now by the way. The company can pay for it.
This should satisfy the profit margins of the builders and satisfy the town
with a slightly more down scalled total unit count and intact green area.
Lloyd Kaye
TMM 16 Framingham
Local Discussion.

Rest of post

For the record, I will NOT be goaded to reply to any question(s) directed
to me on FramGov on FramGov. I hope no one else will either. Instead,
effective immediately I will provide my direct email address for
discussions off line and use my daily two post maximum for matters near and
dear to me. If you don't want to communicate to me directly your question
probably isn't genuine. Every email that I have received to date from
residents in my precinct and precinct 10 thanking me for my efforts to
bring a dedicated 55+ community to the Marist property strengthens my
resolve. To those who clearly don’t know what a 55+ community is I hope
you will educate yourself before saying things like “people 55 years and
older can live anywhere they want.” Seriously?! Sadly, no one in my family
can afford to pay $9K a month to live in an assisted living facility. I
wonder if any FramGov poster who supports an assisted living facility on
the Marist can either. Congrats if price is no option for you. Given that
so few Framingham residents occupy the 265 beds current available within
the town limits I would be in favor of a moratorium on assisted living
units. Say “No” to Benchmark.

Deborah Butler

TMM Precinct 7

On Wed, Dec 2, 2015 at 7:43 PM, Lloyd Kaye <

Rest of post

<email obscured>> wrote:

> A previous speaker has it right. ....the ORIGINAL Walden proposal. should
> have been a slam dunk 3-0 approval resulting in preserved buildings,
> agreement to keep the front of the property as is, and ON THE TAX roles
> --for 300K annually or about 1 million every 3 years.
>
> Ok--so here we are.....not to go thru it all again---but....now-- all
> buildings on the subject site are to be demolished......with approval from
> the historical society....if it gets to that point. ...
>
> 1st project- the 55+ which I would like increased to 70 units.
> the 2nd project.....the Assisted living...which I would like to see
> limited to 27 units.
> Total units 97.....(Less than the 100+ that is proposed)
>
> On the tax roles for an estimated 500K+ annually.
> Ok.....with additional modifications to keep the frontage green
> and I would like to see as many old trees preserved as possible on
> the site. ALSO- quarterly or bi annual reports to the Health department
> concerning any and all issues with the assisted living units and its
> residence.
>
> The need is obvious for such services and projects. We all know that. We
> need the revenue. There needs to be signage and lights at the corner of
> Pleasant and Temple.....its needed now by the way. The company can pay for
> it.
> This should satisfy the profit margins of the builders and satisfy the
> town with a slightly more down scalled total unit count and intact green
> area.
> Lloyd Kaye
> TMM 16 Framingham
> Local Discussion.
>
>
>
>
> Lloyd Kaye
> framingham
> About/contact Lloyd Kaye: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lloydkaye
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to
> Steve Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).
>
>
> ------------------------
> Reply: Reply-All or visit
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/6AOvirtRpwVjFyPNokDXBr
> New Topic: framgov@forums.e-democracy.org
> Digest: Subject: digest on
> Leave: Subject: unsubscribe
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov
>
>
> *** #GivingTuesday Results ***
> 29 more members donated an additional $832, bringing us to $4,657
> - very close to 1/3 of goal! Add your donation today!
> http://e-democracy.org/donate
> Holiday Invitation - Shop local - but if you do shop Amazon, make
> E-Democracy
> your Amazon Smile nonprofit!
> http://po.st/amazonsmile
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting: http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
>
>

How, pray tell, does one engage in a discussion (which is the purpose of this
list) if one does not respond to questions? The approach by the prior poster
amounts to turning this into a proclamation list rather than a discussion list.

This is not a comment on the Marist, but on the purpose of any discussion of
any topic on this list.

Suze Craighead

Rest of post

-----Original Message-----
From: Framingham Government Forum - FramGov - Massachusetts
[mailto:framgov@forums.e-democracy.org] On Behalf Of Deborah Butler
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 8:35 PM
To: Deborah Butler <<email obscured>>
Cc: framgov e.democracy.com <framgov@forums.e-democracy.org>
Subject: Re: [FramGov] An Assisted Living Facility at Marist is neither
Harmonious nor Appropriate

For the record, I will NOT be goaded to reply to any question(s) directed to me
on FramGov on FramGov. I hope no one else will either. Instead, effective
immediately I will provide my direct email address for discussions off line and
use my daily two post maximum for matters near and dear to me. If you don't
want to communicate to me directly your question probably isn't genuine. Every
email that I have received to date from residents in my precinct and precinct
10 thanking me for my efforts to bring a dedicated 55+ community to the Marist
property strengthens my
resolve. To those who clearly don’t know what a 55+ community is I hope
you will educate yourself before saying things like “people 55 years and older
can live anywhere they want.” Seriously?! Sadly, no one in my family can
afford to pay $9K a month to live in an assisted living facility. I wonder if
any FramGov poster who supports an assisted living facility on the Marist can
either. Congrats if price is no option for you. Given that so few Framingham
residents occupy the 265 beds current available within the town limits I would
be in favor of a moratorium on assisted living units. Say “No” to Benchmark.

Deborah Butler

TMM Precinct 7

On Wed, Dec 2, 2015 at 7:43 PM, Lloyd Kaye <
<email obscured>> wrote:

> A previous speaker has it right. ....the ORIGINAL Walden proposal.
> should have been a slam dunk 3-0 approval resulting in preserved
> buildings, agreement to keep the front of the property as is, and ON
> THE TAX roles --for 300K annually or about 1 million every 3 years.
>
> Ok--so here we are.....not to go thru it all again---but....now-- all
> buildings on the subject site are to be demolished......with approval
> from the historical society....if it gets to that point. ...
>
> 1st project- the 55+ which I would like increased to 70 units.
> the 2nd project.....the Assisted living...which I would like to see
> limited to 27 units.
> Total units 97.....(Less than the 100+ that is proposed)
>
> On the tax roles for an estimated 500K+ annually.
> Ok.....with additional modifications to keep the frontage green and I
> would like to see as many old trees preserved as possible on the site.
> ALSO- quarterly or bi annual reports to the Health department
> concerning any and all issues with the assisted living units and its
> residence.
>
> The need is obvious for such services and projects. We all know that.
> We need the revenue. There needs to be signage and lights at the
> corner of Pleasant and Temple.....its needed now by the way. The
> company can pay for it.
> This should satisfy the profit margins of the builders and satisfy the
> town with a slightly more down scalled total unit count and intact
> green area.
> Lloyd Kaye
> TMM 16 Framingham
> Local Discussion.
>
>
>
>
> Lloyd Kaye
> framingham
> About/contact Lloyd Kaye: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lloydkaye
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to
> Steve Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).
>
>
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Deborah Butler
Framingham
About/contact Deborah Butler: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/deborahbutler

Be sure to read our charter at
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"Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).

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After reading through the reasons given as to why there should not be an
assisted living component on the Marist property, it seems to me there
really is only one that is hidden behind the smokescreen of all the
others...

NIMBY.

Keith Nelson
TMM, Pct. 8

Deborah Butler would like to restrict the sale of property in Framingham to
just Framingham residences. OK, just property intended for those over 55. OK,
OK, just property intended for those over 55 that need assistance getting
around. She refuses to subject herself to public questioning about why that
would be appropriate and now she is in favor of a moratorium on assisted living
units. That’s right -- “ASSISTED LIVING UNITS!” (Sorry for yelling.) Evidently
any more assisted living units in Framingham would not be in anyone’s best
interest. No, there must be some other reason that Ms. Butler would make such a
weird statement. I would be interested in knowing where she believes it would
be appropriate for assisted living residences to be located. Perhaps a 100 feet
further south over the Mass. Pike.

As a resident in Deborah Butler's precinct, let me go on record that I
vigorously oppose Ms. Butler's point of view regarding Benchmark and so does
every neighbor in Precinct 7 with whom I have had the opportunity to discuss
the matter (four, to be exact). So, now Ms. Butler will no longer be able to
claim, "Every email that I have received to date from residents in my precinct
and precinct 10 thanking me for my efforts to bring a dedicated 55+ community
to the Marist property strengthens my resolve."

Mel Warshaw
TMM
Precinct 7

I don’t usually join these framgov conversations, but I have to chime in on
this one.

I have been singing with the Golden Tones chorus for twelve and a half years.
We are a group of retired people who sing about 60 concerts a year for assisted
living complexes, nursing homes and civic groups all over metrowest. In the
time I have been in the group I have spent time in over 200 assisted living
facilities. We have sung in every single one of the assisted living complexes
in Framingham (several times in most of them), an also several times in
assisted living facilities in every town (you name it) within a 20+ mile radius
of Framingham. I have never seen or heard of any negative impact that any of
these places has on the neighborhood they are in ! In fact, quite the
opposite. People who live in assisted living are quiet, stay to themselves and
have many very capable and expertly trained professionals to take care of any
problems when they very rarely arise.

All I can think of is that some people who object to assisted living
properties, and have not yet arrived at “senior citizenhood” themselves simply
have a misconception of what assisted living is !

And I think Keith is right with the perception that the problem is “NIMBY” !

Judy

Rest of post

JUdy
Thank you for doing what you do.....The people who provide some smiles for
those in the nursing home where my brother is located.....are all very
special...
Thank you
Lloyd Kaye
Framingham

From Judy Kazunas <<email obscured>>

......In fact, quite the opposite. People who live in assisted living are
quiet, stay to themselves and have many very capable and expertly trained
professionals to take care of any problems when they very rarely arise. ....

My Response:

Ah, there's the rub. All those very capable and expertly trained professionals
have to drive there every day, and then back home again, and who knows maybe
make several other trips to patronize a local establishment. And, let's not
forgot the people who'll have to drive there to visit their family members who
reside in the assisted living facility, and add in any trips they might make to
bring thei rfamily members somewhere else. How will Framingham control this
added traffic? Please disregard the fact that a single family home
development will generate far more traffic than this proposal.

By the way, I was all in favor the Walden proposal and have no issues with this
one.

Jonathan.

The staff at an assisted living facility depends, of course, on how big the
facility is. But whatever the size it’s not like a business of dozens of
employees. Assisted living staff have, of necessity, very staggered hours. At
any given time there will be very few driving up and down Pleasant St. going to
or coming from an assisted living complex. There wouldn’t be a whole bunch of
people heading in at the AM rush hour and then exiting at the PM rush hour. And
there might not be, sadly, as many visitors as you think.

Judy

On Dec 3, 2015, at 2:01 PM, Jonathan Gilvarg wrote:

>
>> From Judy Kazunas <<email obscured>>
>
>
> ......In fact, quite the opposite. People who live in assisted living are
quiet, stay to themselves and have many very capable and expertly trained
professionals to take care of any problems when they very rarely arise. ....
>
>
>
> My Response:
>
>
> Ah, there's the rub. All those very capable and expertly trained
professionals have to drive there every day, and then back home again, and who
knows maybe make several other trips to patronize a local establishment. And,
let's not forgot the people who'll have to drive there to visit their family
members who reside in the assisted living facility, and add in any trips they
might make to bring thei rfamily members somewhere else. How will Framingham
control this added traffic? Please disregard the fact that a single family
home development will generate far more traffic than this proposal.
>
>
> By the way, I was all in favor the Walden proposal and have no issues with
this one.
>
>
> Jonathan.
>
>
> Jonathan Gilvarg
> Framingham
> About/contact Jonathan Gilvarg:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/jonathangilvarg
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).
>
>
> ------------------------
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Rest of post

Live next to Heritage assisted living residence on Water St. Rarely do
vehicles go in and out. No problem with traffic contributed by
Heritage. Would prefer to see Marist matters discussed w/o so much
obvious contention
by posters. All comments provided by Ms. Butler and others are
legitimate points of view presented by Town residents who have
contributed much personal time to resolve open issues. More common
courtesy and less rhetoric would be welcome assist to clarify and
understand various viewpoints. Meanwhile thanks to all for considering
these Town related issues.

Roy Pologe
Framingham

On 12/3/2015 2:01 PM, Jonathan Gilvarg wrote:
> >From Judy Kazunas <<email obscured>>
>
>
> ......In fact, quite the opposite. People who live in assisted living are
quiet, stay to themselves and have many very capable and expertly trained
professionals to take care of any problems when they very rarely arise. ....
>
>
>
> My Response:
>
>
> Ah, there's the rub. All those very capable and expertly trained
professionals have to drive there every day, and then back home again, and who
knows maybe make several other trips to patronize a local establishment. And,
let's not forgot the people who'll have to drive there to visit their family
members who reside in the assisted living facility, and add in any trips they
might make to bring thei rfamily members somewhere else. How will Framingham
control this added traffic? Please disregard the fact that a single family
home development will generate far more traffic than this proposal.
>
>
> By the way, I was all in favor the Walden proposal and have no issues with
this one.
>
>
> Jonathan.
>
>
> Jonathan Gilvarg
> Framingham
> About/contact Jonathan Gilvarg:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/jonathangilvarg
>
>
> Be sure to read our charter at
http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/framgov/charter.
>
> "Time flies like the wind; fruit flies like a banana." (in tribute to Steve
Orr, who had this quote in his personal footer).

Rest of post

>From Ms. Blumer's MWDN letter to the editor:

"I hope neighbors will call the ZBA at 508-532-5456 or email Phil Ottaviani at
<email obscured> and share their opinion. Letters can be mailed to the ZBA
at 150 Concord Street, Room B-2, Framingham, MA 01702."
(http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20151203/OPINION/151207943/2014/OPINION)

My response:

I intend to do just that, Ms. Blumer -- except to make my vocal, impassioned
support of the project. I encourage everyone on this list who believes the
Brendon Properties project will be a benefit to the town to do the same. The
ZBA hearing is Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Thanks for the contact info.

Keith Wagner

“The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in
the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the
elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the
handicapped.”

Early a.m. posting, pre-coffee. "Blumer" should read "Butler" in my previous
post. My apologies to everyone for the error.

Keith Wagner

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An Assisted Living Facility at Marist is neither Harmonious nor Appropriate

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