Springfield needs senior village
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I love the town of Springfield. I was born in Springfield Center, have paid both real estate and school taxes for 64 years to the town and operated three successful businesses through those years. I have lived in my present home for 59 years. Springfield is dear to my heart.
The first week of July, I wrote the following letter to David Staley, the head of the comprehensive planning committee. My letter was read at one of the meetings.
Dear Mr. Staley:
You probably do not remember me but when the comprehensive planning committee was just in its very early formation, you met with a few Springfield Historical Society members. I attended that meeting and remember suggesting to you I would like to see living quarters for senior citizens to which you seemed to be in agreement.
Because of a real hearing problem, I have not attended any of the later meetings.
I am not in agreement with the plans now brought to the table. If I may quote from the Bible, ‘Where there is no vision the people perish.’
My vision is a senior citizen village on that land, perhaps little cottages for those who winter in Florida but need a summer home, apartment for two with a full dining room for evening dining if they so desire, and a third facility for assisted living.
On the grounds could be a building with a room for general use, an exercise room, a barber shop, a beauty parlor and perhaps a little convenience store.
I am thinking in terms of helping our senior citizens to remain in their home town. It would provide many year-round jobs. It would make the town of Springfield an outstanding community.
Thanking you for letting me share my thoughts and vision.
Janice M. Maine Springfield Center
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