To the Editor:

Historically, whenever a facility to host senior programming has been proposed, they called it a senior center, and seniors have been opposed to the idea of sharing that space. So using the term “Senior Center” to describe part of the proposed community center, is getting people of all ages riled up. Let’s all stop calling it a senior center....period. Seniors are members of the community, so they and their programming are inherently included and welcomed at a community center, just like any other community group or demographic.

Both the community center advisory commission, and Pat Llodra should state clearly, in no uncertain terms, that this will be a community center, shared by all, and disassociate from the idea of any one group having any exclusive access to any part of the building, during any phase of the project. At the end of the day, when programs are planned for seniors, or any other group, they will come. Further, if/when the town takes over the NYA, let’s remove the "Y", or better yet, just make it a part of the “Newtown Community Center”! 

Newtown desperately needs an inviting, functioning and vibrant town center… a place for people of all ages, from all sides of our geographically dispersed town, to come together to play, shop, dine, relax and otherwise enjoy themselves.  Fairfield Hills is the ideal location for this.  The NYA and municipal buildings are a good start.  A community center would be a great addition.   The more people spend time there, the more outside investors will take notice and invest there.

 Residents of all ages should focus on the big picture here, and not the same old divisive politics.  Let’s graciously accept and approve GE’s generous $15MM donation, and invest it to bring as many people to the center of our community as possible.

David Ackert

6 Cider Mill Road, Sandy Hook                   March 27, 2015