Q. What are the new plans for an adult community center? How are they different than what was proposed last year?

A. Plans now call for a one-story adult community center of 8,000 square feet, which is significantly smaller than what was proposed last year. The new facility is down to the basics, and will be comprised of a multi-purpose room, three rooms to hold classes and other programs, offices for the staff and a kitchen.

The new facility will house all the activities and services provided for seniors now at the Pfaff Center, as well as new ones, which would meet the needs of residents from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

We originally thought we would receive a federal grant, which would defray much of the cost to building a center, but would carry restrictions on its use. While we have since learned we do not qualify, the good news is that we can now broaden the use of the center.

Thus, while the new facility will be primarily for seniors, when space is available, it may be used by adult community, and nonprofit and profit groups for meetings and functions for a small fee.

Q. Why do we need a center? Why can't we continue to use the Pfaff Center?

A. The space at the Pfaff Center is inadequate and dangerous for seniors. Seniors currently have one room, and share a second room with youth programs. This lack of space severely limits the number and type of programs that can be offered.

Further, sharing space with energetic young children poses a significant risk of injury to seniors, who can be unsteady on their feet.

Parking is also a major problem at the Pfaff Center; there is so little space that seniors have had to park up and down North Street.

In winter conditions, this can be especially treacherous for them. The new senior-friendly facility will provide both a safe and secure environment, but also an opportunity to offer programs and services currently not possible because of space constraints.

This will foster mind and body wellness, and improve the overall quality of life for seniors in town.

Q. If the center is built, how do we know seniors will use it?

A. The Pfaff Center is, to many of Medfield's seniors, a "home away from home," providing companionship and stimulation, which prevents social isolation.

In 2002, the Council on Aging increased the number of programs offered and saw participation increase by 33%. There is every reason to expect this trend would continue.

Q. Besides seniors, who else will be able to use the center?

A. When space is available, as noted earlier, Medfield adult community groups, as well as public and private groups, will be able use the facilities for a fee.

The multipurpose room will be large enough to even accommodate wedding receptions and other special occasion functions. With limited space now available to these groups, the MACC can fill a need for the town.

Q. How will we pay for it?

A. The cost to build the new center will be $2.8 million. With a debt exclusion override, the tax impact to residents is spread over 20 years, making the total average annual cost to taxpayers about $70 / year.

Moreover, this does not get added to the tax base once it is paid for, the tax is removed.

There will also be a fee imposed on public and private groups using the facility, which will help offset the cost of building and maintaining the center.

Q. Why should we act on this now?

A. The town has long been in favor of an adult community center. The project was started in 2001, when the town set aside land on Marvin Road for this purpose. It is time for the project to move forward, and approve funds for construction.

The building will take about 12 months to build, so if we start now, the facility wouldn't be ready until early 2007.

Moreover, with building costs continuing to rise, a delay in construction will mean more funds would be needed to build the facility.

Q. Beyond providing more space for seniors and community groups, are there any other benefits to this facility?

A. Medfield is nearly the only town in the surrounding area without a center for seniors. This hurts competition for homeowners, particularly those who may be caring for older parents, and may adversely affect property values.

A center would not only improve the quality of life for Medfield's seniors, but for all of Medfield's residents. When seniors are able to enjoy an active lifestyle, they contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Medfield community, which makes it a special place for all of us.

Moreover, residents 60 years and older, who comprise 14% of the town's population, maintain a balance in the mix of residents, which moderates the tax burden for the town. Residents 50 and older comprise another 14% of the population; making a total of 28% or the Town's residents in the target population of older adults. An adult community center not only has value in the present, but is also an investment in Medfield's future.

4/16/2006