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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - 575 OSGOOD STREET 8/20/2007 MEMORANDUM � .. To: ZONING BOARD/ Town Hall of North Andover PLANNING BOARD/ Town Hall of North Andover From: Sophie Koch-Weser, Apartment 2410, Edgewood Date: September 26`h 2007 Reference: Anonymous Letter, re: Edgewood Life Care Community opinions on new construction Our community has been informed by the Board of Trustees that an anonymous letter was sent to you, pretending to speak for the residents of this Community. As a 10-year plus resident of Edgewood, I am very disturbed about the fact that you would put any credence to a person writing to you anonymously. Our Board of Trustees has over the years informed us all about each and every undertaking that they had in mind and the benefits that would accrue to us as a result. That happened again, when the Strategic Plan for Edgewood and its future was unveiled some time ago. All the necessary steps were explained in great detail, the names of companies that would be engaged were announced and all plans were displayed in our Lobby for further study by the residents. There have been many meetings during which the residents were free to ask questions and to express doubts. At no time, and I have not missed a single meeting on this subject, was a critical statement made; all questions were answered in full, and the final presentation received an enthusiastic round of applause. Everyone here at Edgewood understands that this project will give us the opportunity to realize a fundamental need. The demographics have shown that the longer the elderly live, the medical world having improved the health care they receive,the more there will be cognitively impaired people among us. For them we need to provide(at a ratio of 1 nursing bed to every five living units ) a facility within our nursing center, that will cover this need. We have addressed the Certificate of Need regulations, which state that we are entitled to another 40 living units. All of this and more has been explained to the Community and no negative comments have been heard since. I suggest, together with many others here at Edgewood, that you make it clear that any anonymous letter can not be trusted and that people should attach name and address, if they expect to receive an answer. Let the newspapers print them,but we should not be subject to such intimidation in a situation that is meant to be helpful to a large segment of all residents of North Andover. I hope you will distribute this letter to all members of your respective boards. Thank you, •• k2AX August 20, 20)7 Dear sirs: I think you should know that all the residents of Edgewood do not like the idea of the massive expansion planned there. They bought into Edgewood as a rustic farm setting, and the new plans will alter that radically. Edgewood is a not-for profit organization, thus neatly avoiding taxes . . . but thiplan to dev elop every s quare inch of the farm is designer. to cash iz on the property. I hop�_e that you in your wisdom will at least try to contain this projec^. :t and not make any concessions in regards to the extensive wetlands and conservation area. thank you A concerned resident RECEIVED AUG 27 2007 NOF 1M ANDOVER PLANNING DEPARTMENT V D 0" -f 2 2007 PLANNING DEPARTMENT LETTER TO: ZONING BOARD of APPEALS,PLANNING BOARD,& CONSERVATION COMMISSION As a resident of the Edgewood Retirement Community I am fully aware of the Community's plan to expand its Health Center. The objective is to provide additional bed capacity,include special provisions for those with cognitive impairment,and make improvements for resident services. Throughout the Community of residents there is general endorsement of the need for the Health Center expansion. The funding for such expansion would have to come from substantial increases in resident fees or from investments by providing additional residences. In general,the residents are content with the present resident facilities and services. Some would prefer no changes to total resident capacity. Since the additional fees required would be prohibitive,a no change means no Health Center vgmsion. As residents, our prime ink are in obtaining beneficial services while living within a pleasant rural.surrounding. Above all,being at Edgewood is our insurance that an adequate Health Center will be available in time of need. The planned cottages will provide the assurance of having a continuing adequate Health Center. We maintain awareness of plans and activities:affecting the welfare of the Commumty. The residents are kept informed of plans and Progress by the Community an a continuing basis; some of us serve on committees including reviews of the plans being developed by the Architects. The residents have come to Edgewood from many areas: from North Andover and surrounding towns,and from other states. This not-for-profit Community was established about ten years ago-, and at this time, it is seeking a small amount of additional housing with no adverse environmental v� not a new and large housing development. In becoming residents of Edgewood,we have become viable residents of North Andover. We attend town meetings,we vote,and we participate in town activities. Most of us havenot been here long enough to be called"townies"but we are getting there. There is no question in our minds on the meed for the expansion of the Health Center and the need for the cottages to support the expansion. The additions planned will be of real benefit for all of the current residents and future residents from North Andover and other towns. I urge diligent and expeditious c nsi I -i -n of the Edgewood plans involved and the benefits intended for its residents who are now established North Andover residents.