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Politics & Government

Senior-Youth Center Gains Traction for Old Avery

Avery Re-use Committee hopes to have recommendation by the end of the year.

A senior/youth center is gaining traction to becoming the permanent use of the current once it closes next spring.

The Avery Re-use Committee is looking create a recommendation for the building by the end of the calendar year, and find a temporary use for it if there is a hiatus.

Over the summer, the committee researched what other towns have done with surplus buildings, and some developers inquired about the property, committee chairman Joe Heisler said at a meeting Monday evening.

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“It’s a good to sign to see that there is legitimate interest," he said.

Dedham Police Officer Fred Matthies, who works with youths, agreed that the school should become a youth and senior center. The Precinct 3 Town Meeting member also said he is often asking kids to leave the public courts late at night when neighbors complain of noise.

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A mix-use center would give teens something to do in a town where not much exists, said one Dedham High School senior.

Colleen McGurty said there are really only two things for teens to do in Dedham, dinner or shop, and “both are expensive."

McGurty said she envisions a center where the youth teach the seniors and seniors teach the youth. A place, she added, where people could relearn “the art of conversation."

Knowing that such a center could cost taxpayers money, Dedham Youth Commission Director Rob Blaney offered to apply for grants and work on a committee that would seek alternate sources of funding. 

Blaney said the center could be a place where people could work on their resumes, students could get help on their college applications and they could play in an open gym.

In an effort to gauge community feedback, the Re-use Committee sent a survey out, but only received 25 forms back. Eleven of the 25 supported a senior-youth facility, according to committee member Marie Naughton.

Naughton said in the future a survey like that would need more press and perhaps use online resources.

“As Town Meeting gets closer, it would be worthwhile to use a tool like that," Naughton said.

Because the town hasn't budgeted money for a temporary use, town officials said they want to get a permanent use on the warrant for Town Meeting next May.

Keegan also noted that there is a market right now for senior housing. He said there are seniors in Dedham who cannot afford to stay in their homes, but love the community. 

The Avery Re-use Committee will appear before the Board of Selectmen Thursday to give an update.

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