SWAMPSCOTT— Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald, presented two project proposals to the Capital Improvement Committee for approval.
Both projects have a budget of $25,000, and Fitzgerald said there should be enough money to meet the needs of the programs within those budgets.
The first pertains to Veterans Crossing of Swampscott, a program that aims to meet the needs of veterans. The town is looking to create more consistent space to use telemedicine to help veterans who suffer from poor mental health conditions. This program will make sure to keep coordinating surging events, such as, Labor Day and Thanksgiving, or town events such as concerts.
Ideally, the Veterans Crossing agency will show that the town cares to make an investment and not just talk about it. Money will be going into creating private rooms for veterans, safe spaces within their environment to continue with their telemedicine visits.
By taking into consideration the veterans directly, the town hopes to better invest its money where and when necessary. This allows veterans to work on challenges together, and help improve the overall regional health of veterans.
Fitzgerald feels as though this is a big enough issue to be addressed in order to demonstrate an affirmative vote taking action among the approval of the Capital Improvement Committee.
The second proposal deals with the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO). As a single-year request, the stand-alone program with METCO will ensure students’ success and further represent Swampscott’s character, Fitzgerald said. Town administration and the finance team will put together these projects, including the school department.
METCO has received blue ribbons for its social and emotional programs for young students. This new program will continue this legacy of doing the right things for the right reasons, Fitzgerald said, adding that it’s about how METCO will further support students and their families as they make their journey through the town, encouraging one another. Students and staff are able to think critically in order to have this program meet the needs of students, allowing these few dollars to go a long way, he said.
These two projects are set up to be approved now rather than later, given they are high on the list of importance for the town administrator.
“Where we are with the commitment to seed these investments, will bring on a broader conversation,” said Fitzgerald.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
