I recently received an email update from Josh Morse, Public Buildings Commissioner, in charge of the NewCAL project. This was a follow-up to news of the actual construction cost bids received being significantly higher than was predicted.
I am a ‘senior’ and a long time resident of Newton.
I have followed the course of this project for some years, …
- From the site selection process that identified Albemarle Park as the most appropriate site (and quite naturally with a year-round swim facility?)…
- To the politically inspired default determination of the Prescott Library as an adaptive reuse of that historic building…
- Followed by the quite predictable and disturbing announcement that the building program would not fit the site and allow the lovely street front park area and the historic building to remain for us and future generations.
Given those unfortunate circumstances and now the very legitimate fiscal concerns for this ill-fated and non-essential construction, I must suggest that it’s time to reconsider this politically divisive project, and spare our community the senseless architectural, environmental, and historic impacts it requires. This project has become too costly to our community in numerous ways.
Some creative use of existing facilities, and not doing this project, would also be a most thoughtful and unselfish gift from our ‘senior’ generation to our children and grandchildren …and may even be the most significant Climate Action the City could make at this critical time.
Robert Fizek
Newton Highlands
Ed. Note: Mr. Fizek asked that we correct his letter by replacing “Pierce Library” with “Prescott Library.”