WESTBOROUGH – Residents of the Del Webb over-55 community off Lyman Street are concerned about their prospective new neighbors.
Since spring, the state has been working to convert the Sharp Building, which is next to Del Webb, into temporary housing for families.
And since last spring, residents have met with town and state officials to air their concerns.
During a meeting on Aug. 25, residents met with Mike Devlin, the chief program officer for the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, the agency that will oversee the shelter.
“I can understand your concerns,” said Devlin.
Resident Dee Angelakis first presented an overview of some of the top concerns – security, who will be coming to the shelter and the rules and regulations.
Devlin said that the opening of the shelter has been delayed. First scheduled to open in May, then in August, the shelter is now scheduled to open sometime in October.
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He said that 20 units will be available — mostly two-bedroom, with some three-bedroom —with priority going to “WPS families” living in extended-stay hotels. However, that could change.
“We don’t know who’s coming,” he said, adding that the families will “most likely” be parents with children, not couples.
Each family will be vetted, said Devlin, and all families will have to follow the shelter’s rules and regulations.
That includes no weapons, no alcohol, no pets and no trespassing onto Del Webb’s property.
Devlin said that security cameras are being installed, and the shelter will include a playground and basketball court. He added a curfew will be enforced so that shelter residents don’t disturb their neighbors at Del Webb.
“You want your privacy and safety,” he said.
Since most shelter residents have no transportation, Devlin said they will have a van and access to Uber, so that they can go to medical appointments and do their shopping.
Although there will be no security personnel, Devlin said staff will be available 24/7.
While staying at the shelter, Devlin said the families will have access to council programs, from language classes to job search, in order to help find more permanent housing.
“We know that shelter life is not ideal for them,” he said.
A major point was the issue of security — what would happen if someone breaks the rules? Some residents asked whether town police and fire personnel would have jurisdiction at the shelter, since it’s on state property.
Interim Police Chief Todd Minardi said Westborough Police will respond in case of 911 emergencies, and it will work with the state police.
Several residents asked what they could do to help once the shelter opened. Devlin said they can get in touch with the council.
For more information about the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, visit https://www.smoc.org/