ATHOL — Selectmen approved a lodging/boarding house license application from GAAMHA Inc. for sober veterans and other to be located at the former Cass Farm on Chestnut Hill.
GAAMHA representative Shawn Hayden and manager Christopher Jones presented information on the program. Hayden reported that there is a need in the Athol-Royalson-Phillipston area for sober housing for veterans. GAAMHA, however, is open to all people in substance recovery and is licensed by the state.
The program offers a stable, supportive and sober living environment with staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on site. GAAMHA operates five other homes in the area — four in Gardner and one in Greenfield.
Selectboard Chairman Lee Chauvette reached out to area towns and heard nothing but praise for the GAAMHA-run facilities. He said GAAMHA works hard to maintain the building and grounds and do not advertise their presence. Chauvette invited Brian Blanchette of Old Keene Road to ask any questions.
The answers to his questions included that there will be eight people housed there and the age range will be 21 and older.
Blanchette said neighbors are concerned about the grounds of the property, especially in the back, and its impact on property valuation. Hayden responded that research shows this type of supportive housing actually improved property values, provided they were well run and maintained.
Jones reported there would be two case managers and a facility manager on site. Residents are expected to work, enter behavior contracts and follow curfew rules. The average stay is three months to two years. Jones went on to say he has seen many success stories and the program works.
Selectwoman Rebecca Bialecki expressed this would be a wonderful addition to the area and a nice complement to Quabbin Retreat, a treatment facility.
One-day peddler permits/licenses were approved for Action Enterprise and Andy’s to sell balloons and novelties at the River Rat Parade on April 14.
Chauvette reported the Salvation Army would like to hold a Sunrise Service at the Veterans Park on Easter Sunday morning and have a food truck present. Chauvette said he wanted to hear from the rest of the board before making a decision. Previously the board has said “no” to any political use of the park.
Bialecki said she remembered some discussion that use of the Veterans Park should be veteran-related. She asked if there was a written policy for use of the park. The board did not object to looking into a written policy.
Bialecki said she was concerned this would set a precedent. She asked if the Salvation Army would be open to looking at another venue, such as the Riverfront Park behind the library.
Selectman Steve Raymond agreed to take Bialecki’s suggestion back to the Salvation Army and he agreed having a written policy in place would keep things consistent.
Raymond announced the Baptist church will hold it’s Last Supper re-enactment on March 27, 29 and 30 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
It was also reminded that the annual Town Election is April 2, and voting for all precincts will take place at the Athol Senior Center on Main Street from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski reported a target spending figure of $292,400 for FY ‘19 capital improvements. The FY ‘19 budget is tight due to increased costs for dispatch personnel, retirement assessment increase and expected 5 percent hike in health insurance costs, he said.
“Ideally, two percent of the Town’s budgeted annual expenditures should be set aside to pay for capital improvements for vehicles and building maintenance items that cost under $100,000 and are not funded by a debt issuance,” said Suhoski. “Any balance remaining from the 2 percent set aside will be placed in a Capital Stabilization Fund for future projects.”
He reported the town has received $11,595.50 in grant reimbursement for the demolition of 1911 Main St. The final phase of work involves the DPW to install an updated pedestrian crosswalk across from the hospital.
The town received 10 RFP proposals to lease the former landfill for purposes of a solar project. The proposals include a range of sizing, pricing, and other contingencies that will require a fairly intensive review. Suhoski asked if a board member could help in the review process, and Raymond volunteered .