The Thayer School site meets all locational criteria for senior housing in the livable community.
"A livable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, as well as adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life."
It began with a community focus group on senior housing, guided by AARP and The Snelling Center, identifying senior housing needs and quality of life criteria. Then the Ward 4/7 NPA identified a perfect location at the old Thayer School property, which is part of our Neighborhood Activity Center.
A task force of residents met with city housing developers Cathedral Square, CEDO, and the Mayor. Together we took the idea to Montpelier. There, Sen. Mazza and Reps. Wright and Larsen shepherded the proposed purchase of the property through the red tape of selling a state-owned building. At the press conference today, Governor Douglas praised Burlington for our foresight, perseverance, and firm commitment to affordable senior housing, and he pledged his continued support for the project.
On hand to mark the event were Mayor Bob Kiss, CEDO Director, Larry Kupferman; Ward 4 City Councilor, Russ Ellis; Rep. Kurt Wright; NPA steering committee members Linda Deliduka, Lea Terhune, and Larry Solt; Director of the Heineberg Senior Center, Gail Moreau; Janet Paterson, Heineberg Senior Center Board of Directors; Amy Wright, Molly Dugan, and Tim Ashe, Cathedral Square; Brenda Torpy, Champlain Housing Trust; Brian Pine, CEDO Housing; Gerry Myers, State Buildings, and residents Charles Delaney, and Chuck Seleen.
Everyone hopes to return a year from now for the ground breaking, and after a lot of hard work on everyone's part, we will be here for the ribbon cutting.
