To the Editor:

Upon retirement after 49 years of work, I started using the facilities in the Newtown Senior Center. My wife and I enjoy going to the Senior Center and have made several friends. The director of the center Marilyn Place and staff do a great job helping seniors, but they are constrained by the very limited space in the senior center. The center is located in an old small multipurpose building which also houses a daycare center and the VNA. The space is very small and is being juggled among activities. This might have been good enough space in 80s or 90s but is certainly very small for 2016. No wonder out of approximately 5,000 seniors not many are able to use the facility.

Now that we have new public officials sworn in who promise to serve Newtown, I earnestly ask them, as well as Board of Education members and schools superintendent, to visit the Senior Center to acquaint themselves of the inadequacy of space. We have always supported education budget wholeheartedly and are all for good education. However, in a situation of declining school enrolment it is surprising that Mr Erardi is asking for increase in the education budget.  If a sizeable decline in enrolment is expected in coming years, should the BOE not be actively considering the possibility of closing a school and save money for the community? The BOE should not be muted by a few naysayers. Reducing edu-cation budget is sensitive subject but sometimes actions need to be taken for the good of the town in spite of opposition from a vocal group. Remember a few years ago when it became necessary to make change in schools transportation system and there was fierce opposition. In spite of hundreds of letters to The Newtown Bee and perhaps threats of lawsuits, the BOE stood firm and saved lot of money for Newtown. If declining enrollment warrants closing a school, it would save money and the space can very well be used to house proper senior center as well as other town departments.

By no means I am suggesting for any reduction in services to schools. I am very moved by the random acts of kindness by the children in our community and am very proud of our schools. However, the seniors are also an integral part of the community and I earnestly request the elected/appointed leaders and members of the community to please pay attention for a proper senior center in Newtown to serve the needs of the sizable senior population which is likely to grow.    

Let us strive to make Newtown age-friendly and nicer for all.

Sincerely,

Sushil Gupta

7 Lincoln Road, Newtown         January 13, 2016