Council Connection
On the City Council Trail with Ty… Week of March 25-29
MONDAY: I toured 67 Mechanic Street with a group of city leaders. We walked through Sterling Lofts, an historic four story brick building (former unemployment office and jewelry factory), which will have 91 residential units reserved for people 55 and older.
Fifty-six of these units will be reserved for lower income people between 30-60% of the Area Median Income. The remaining 35 units will be market rate. Opening date will be late fall, 2019.
I was impressed by the layout of the apartments, the fitness and yoga space, a community room and lounge, a library, grandchildren’s playroom, media room, laundry, plus an Adult Health Center.
Seniors who are considering selling their homes and moving into good local housing should consider Sterling Lofts with its 72 one -bedroom and 16 two-bedroom units, plus 3 one bedroom/den units.
The view is nice from the fourth floor, the elevators make it possible for people with disabilities to live there, and the inside is beautiful…. and affordable!
The financial partners include:
* City of Attleboro
* Bank of America
* Mass. Department of Housing & Community Development.
* Mass Housing Partnership
* Boston Community Loan Fund
Contact winncompanies.com for more information.
TUESDAY:I toured the Union Street Fire Station with Fire Chief Scott Lachance, Union Rep./Fire Fighter Paul Jacques. I had a terrific sausage and eggs breakfast with the firefighters just going off their 24 hour shift.
We discussed the high rate of cancer among fire fighters, the need for a new gear washer and drying cabinet for the Union Street Fire Station, and the need for two full sets of fire fighting clothes (boots, gloves, pants, shirt, etc.) for every fire fighter. The gear washer they have is old and might not get all the contaminants off their clothing.
Our fire fighters deserve safe and reliable equipment. I pledged to help them be as safe as possible. It was a great learning experience and I am proud of our fire fighters.
CITY COUNCIL: I nominated and our Personnel and Human Services Committee recommended 17 citizens to city positions. These recommendations will be considered by the entire City Council on April 2nd.
I advocated for a new gear washer for the Union Street Fire Station to protect our fire fighters from cancerous contaminants.
WEDNESDAY:
A personal tour of Attleboro High School with Principal Bill Runey. I met with students planning to plant a tree this spring to help with clean air and ultimate beauty. We visited the vocational and music programs, listening to a special needs class play instruments. Then we talked about the deep need for more guidance counselors. In light of the recent gun scare at the high school, I agree that more counselors are needed at the
high school.
THURSDAY:
I was invited to speak to a 8th grade class at Brennan Middle School studying racism and ways they can combat hate crimes. I shared my personal history working with people of different cultures, listened to students concerns about racism and learned they have talked with Attleboro police about local racial issues. We shared a deep, difficult human problem.I suggested anyone with a racial concern may speak with the city Council on Human Rights.
FRIDAY: I had one more tour to complete a very busy week. Superintendent Tom Hayes took me through the Attleboro Waste Water plant. I am very impressed with both his and his staff’s competence and devotion to Attleboro citizens. If you go down to the Attleboro Dog Park you are right on the doorstep of the Waste Water plant. Quite an operation. Many thanks to Tom Hayes and his staff!
Ty Waterman, City Councilor At-Large
Ty Waterman 