Abutters 'Begging' City Council to Deny East Woburn Senior Living Plans

Residents on both sides of the issue stepped to the microphone at Monday’s City Council meeting to share their opinions on a proposed senior living project in East Woburn.

Several residents spoke in favor of a proposed $26 million project by Benchmark Senior Living, which seeks City Council approval to rezone the residential zoning to construct an assisted living and memory care facility in the area of Washington Street, Salem Street and Cedar Street.

Following the voices of support, however, a long line of opposing abutters voiced concern about traffic, noise, and emergency sirens the building would bring to the area.

City Council Chambers were full for the Monday meeting, and the majority of the residents were in attendance to debate the senior living issue. The room all but cleared out after discussion ended.

Proponents of the project said there will be little to no traffic impact caused by the construction of what would be a 105-bed facility. In addition, developers told City Council that if approved, the facility would generate $150,000 annually for the city in new real estate taxes along with $140,000 in building permit fees.

A traffic study showed that there would be an impact of one half of one percent in cars on the roads in the area. In addition, those in favor of the project said that the facility would provide the means for the city to complete roadwork in the area.

“In Woburn, there is a great need for elder care. There just is not enough,” said one resident speaking in favor of Benchmark. “I hope that you think hard and see that we’re not trying to change the neighborhood in a drastic way, but are trying to provide something that Woburn needs for its residents. The need for elder care service is going to grow, and we need to think ahead of time before it’s too late.”

A large group of East Woburn abutters, however, said the project would encroach on their residential neighborhood and set a dangerous precedent.

“I applaud Benchmark for coming to the City of Woburn and wanting to take this facility to the city,” said Washington Street resident Larry Larsen. “I believe it would be a plus for the city, but also believe it’s in the wrong spot for the city. Residents of East Woburn have taken the burden of industrial development with traffic and noise. The zoning was put there for a reason.”

Another resident echoed those sentiments, and said that East Woburn currently has too much traffic, too much noise and does not need a facility that would operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

“We are begging you here. Vote this zoning down and please give us a break,” said another opposing abutter, who received a round of applause from the audience following his speech to City Council. “We’ve had enough. How many times do we have to suffer?”