Greetings- I'm writing this email to voice my concerns regarding a possible Compassion Center being located at the former TK Club. I've recently read in the newspaper (Prov Journal/ Pawtucket Times) that this site is gaining some support from the Department of Health. I was under the impression ,from earlier articles, that this idea had been tabled since an alternate private buyer for the TK property had been secured. I had read that this buyer intended to use the space for small businesses and offices.
So, what's the "deal"? If the articles are in error and I'm correct, please let me know. If the articles are accurate, I'd like to voice my opposition.
As a resident of Quality Hill (Longley Ct), I'm concerned that the number of "support" services in this one neighborhood is growing at a somewhat alarming rate. We already claim a half-way house (Wilson House on Summit Street), an HIV rehabilitation facility, a soup kitchen, several group homes, a private high school, a large public high school at its fringes, etc. I happen to truly love my neighborhood and have, for many years, enjoyed the many wonderful historic sites and homes within easy walking distance.
That said, the number of rather "unsavory" looking/acting individuals has increased dramatically and, while nothing overt has happened, I don't feel particularly safe or comfortable walking near Slater Mill area or along Wolcott St as I once did. Weather permitting, I'd often walk my 10 year 85 lb lab- a dog who delights at anything that is remotely breathing or even moves, along this route (daylight only). Lately, her growling at some of those more "unsavory" individuals passing by has not reassured me in any way. How much more can one neighborhood take? We also have the rather picturesque and noisy 95 interstate highway running through it. Easy on-off access for a Compassion Center- perhaps. Do we really need another absentee landlord? Are the owners also residents of this neighborhood? Anyone from the Department of Health reside here? I'm guessing North Kingstown voters won't stand for it.
I'm a compassionate person. I have a close family member who is severely handicapped, and another who suffers from chronic pain so I understand that people often judge someone who's "different" , unfairly. However, my concern is selfish- I want to retain, or improve, the rich heritage of my neighborhood, my property value, my quality of life. How do we do that with one more social "agency" in such a compact area? Agencies may make good neighbors-but their caretakers go home at the end of the day or change positions with little personal investment in improving the area and quality of life of the neighborhood. My many dealings with the Wilson House staff and administrators (another Department of Health facility) have taught me that. Most, rather openly admit, they wouldn't want to live nearby.
Pawtucket remains on the brink of vital redevelopment. Perhaps my sentiment is nothing more than "not in my backyard"...however, my backyard is already pretty full. Let's learn the lessons from the past on the promise of quick gain and profit to solve short-term problems while no one wants to face the long term problems because they're hard, politically unpopular, etc. ...one of those decisions led to the Apex building....did it pass the test of time? Does it add to the landscape? Improve property values? Improve the quality of everyone's life?
Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns. I want MY local representatives to understand that not everyone in this area is OK with the idea of a Compassion Center being located at the TK club. Once we agree to this, there may not be any turning back. Will it stand the test of time or would a better use of this property attract the type of businesses and families that would help revitalize the entire area?
Respectfully,
Eileen Lewandowski
Longley Ct, Pawtucket, RI 02860
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Eileen Carreiro-Lewandowski, Professor
Department of Medical Laboratory Science-Dion 216E
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Rd.
N Dartmouth,MA 02747-2300
w: 508-999-8213
email: ecarreiro@umassd.edu
