PEABODY — Peabody Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. has appealed to Gov. Charlie Baker to release $3 million for an expansion of the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center.
The $3 million would come out of funding set aside in the FY2018 Capital Facilities Bond Bill.
“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,” Bettencourt wrote in a letter to Baker. “From transportation to meals to social services to our Adult Day Health Center, our Senior Center and its dedicated staff and volunteers are a big part of what makes Peabody so special.”
Managed by the Peabody Council on Aging, the center services residents with entertainment, fitness, education, social services, recreation and more.
Bettencourt said 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,” Bettencourt wrote.
State Rep. Thomas P. Walsh said the city’s desire to further augment services for Peabody’s seniors has been in discussion for several years, but “there is a proper process that needs to be followed to work with local officials and Administration and Finance within the Baker administration.”
“It is my expectation that by all working together, the money authorized, but not yet appropriated, may at some point become available,” Walsh added.
Bettencourt feels that now is the ideal time to release those funds, as the project has been approved and is shovel-ready.
“We just need the appropriation to be able to break ground,” Bettencourt said. “The Commonwealth is currently experiencing a surplus. We have additional local funding available once state funding is released.”
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 Baker to release the funds.
The mayor encourages residents to visit www.peabody-ma.gov/peabodyseniors.html for information about the expansion project, as well as contact information for the governor.
“The Senior Center is a wonderful and vital part of our community,” Bettencourt said. “I would like Gov. Baker to hear directly from Peabody residents, because I think that will have a tremendous impact.
“The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how very important senior centers are to our communities. The $3 million in funding is crucial to help us complete this much-needed project. Thank you for your consideration of this request.”
