Of the nearly 700 Swampscott residents who recently completed a survey distributed by the Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force, 84% said they are very or somewhat likely to support the proposed project, while just 7% said they oppose it.
The task force and licensed architect David Eisen of Abacus, the firm assisting the town with the project, held a meeting Thursday to present the survey results and take questions and comments from the public. The survey was created and sent out in May to gauge interest in a community life center for all ages.
The survey asked participants to select some amenities and offerings they would like included in a potential life center. The top five responses included classes and lectures, outdoor walking paths, a cafe or snack bar, yoga and concerts.
Eisen said the vision for a potential life center is a flexible facility that could serve residents with a range of interests by providing space for arts, recreation and social activities.
“What we understand right now is that there are not enough places in town to meet everyone’s needs,” said Eisen.
Eisen said the current results of the survey show a real interest in the project from the community,and that the wishes of the public will continue to be taken into consideration when it comes to starting to figure out what a life center may look like.
“We are experts on planning and development,” said Eisen. “You are experts on your town and what you need.”
Task Force Chair Anneka Kumli said preliminary evaluations of sites across town are underway as the group begins developing an initial list of potential locations for the project. Kumli said the priority is to find a location on land already owned by the town.
“One of the things we don’t want to do is purchase land from somebody that owns it privately,” Kumli said.
Factors including development costs, parking availability and other site constraints will be considered as the task force evaluates potential locations. Kumli said the cost of the project remains a top consideration, but the task force has not yet reached the stage of determining how it would be financed.
Nearly 700 residents completed the survey, with women accounting for 72% of respondents. The largest age group was 40 to 49 years old, followed closely by residents ages 30 to 39.
Task Force Member Mary DeChillo said she supports the proposal because she believes many residents are seeking greater support and social connection. She said a community life center would help bring people together, foster relationships among neighbors and make it easier for new residents to become part of the community.
“I think the intention to convene is there,” said Kumli. “That intention needs to be fostered.”
Eisen said now that it has been determined there is an interest from the community, Abacus and the task force can start to envision and work through what the life center may look like.
“We heard you asking for this, now we can think about how to provide it,” said Eisen.
