COURTESY OF THE CHATHAM COUNCIL ON AGING
CHATHAM – Chatham selectmen unanimously voted in favor of supporting the project to build a new senior center on a private parcel of land in West Chatham last week.
The board’s previously proposed area was rejected at town meeting last year. They now claim the new area at 1610 Main Street along Route 28, next to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance building is an ideal spot compared to other options.
“1610 Main Street, I liked a long time ago because it was near a bus route, near shopping and retail food, near open space and a village center,” said Selectman Cory Metters said.
“So, those components a year or so ago intrigued me about it.”
Three other locations along the Marconi campus have been on the table, but they all pose issues according to board members, including traffic dilemmas and a disruption of scenic areas.
Selectman Dean Nicastro expressed support for the idea of 1610 Main Street over all three Marconi propositions, but noted one reservation: the price of the parcel itself.
“It always had some appeal to me,” Nicastro explained.
“The biggest drawback was the price. It’s not going to come down any lesser than $750,000.”
The new senior center is estimated to cost a total of just under $9 million. Metters conveyed a sense of urgency with securing the land; he argued the price of the parcel would only rise over time.
An article regarding the senior center will be brought forth during a special town meeting over the winter.
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