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March 16, 2010

Our view: Assisted-living complex not high priority in Peabody

Given the flooding problems that continue to plague the downtown area, it's little wonder that construction of an assisted-living facility is not of highest priority Peabody.

Mayor Michael Bonfanti's frequently-expressed desire to see such a facility added to the array of services available to the city's elderly is commendable. And a site near the corner of Central and Tremont streets, close to an existing elderly housing complex and the senior center, is a good location for one.

The mayor envisions a private entity operating the facility. But we'd prefer to leave the financing and siting of any assisted-living facility to the private or nonprofit sector as well.

This certainly isn't anything taxpayers should finance, anymore that it makes sense for municipalities to be in the nursing-home or hospital business. (In fact, Peabody residents owe a continuing debt of thanks to Bonfanti's predecessor, the late Peter Torigian, for making the difficult decision to close the former J.B. Thomas Hospital before it became too much of a financial drain on the city.)

A recent story noted how the city is having difficulty determining ownership of the property Bonfanti is eyeing for a small (40 to 50 units) assisted-living complex. While it's appropriate for the city to be supportive, there are other matters — like fixing the downtown — more demanding of its attention.

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