Mayor Bettencourt Calls on Governor Baker to Release Funds for Senior Center
Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. has appealed to Governor Baker to release $3,000,000 in funding set aside in the FY2018 Capital Facilities Bond Bill for an expansion of the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center in Peabody.
“The Torigian Center is a hub for thousands of older residents in Peabody and elders living nearby on the North Shore and has long been the envy of the entire region,” Mayor Bettencourt wrote in an April 7th letter to Governor Baker. “From transportation to meals to social services to our Adult Day Health Center; our Senior Center and its’ dedicated staff and volunteers who work here are a big part of what makes Peabody so special.”
The expansion project includes new classroom space, energy improvements in the building and site upgrades. The city has already commissioned a feasibility study and obtained a preliminary budget from its Owner’s Project Manager.
“This funding was earmarked and approved by the appropriate committees, and just awaits your authorization,” Mayor Bettencourt wrote. “The project is approved and shovel ready. We just need the appropriation to be able to break ground.”
Mayor Bettencourt recognized the work of Peabody’s state legislative delegation in securing the initial bond authorization. He plans to enlist their support as well as the support of the public in petitioning Governor Baker to release the funds.
“The Senior Center is a wonderful and vital part of our community,” Mayor Bettencourt said. “I would like Governor Baker to hear directly from Peabody residents because I think that will have a tremendous impact.”
Mayor Bettencourt needs your help!
Please call, email of tweet Governor Baker on this important issue. Let him know how important these funds are to the City of Peabody, particularly our seniors. Feel free to borrow language from Mayor Bettencourt’s letter below.
Tweet:(copy and paste) We respectfully request that @MassGovernor release the $3,000,000 set aside in the 2018 Capital Assets Bond Bill for an expansion of the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center in @CityofPeabodyMA! This funding will let us break ground as early as this summer! #4peabodyseniors
The expansion project includes new classroom space, energy improvements in the building and site upgrades. The city has already commissioned a feasibility study and obtained a preliminary budget from its Owner’s Project Manager.