Senior Center Committee Backs 141 Parker Lease Request in FY26 Budget

MAYNARD -- October 17, 2024, Maynard's Senior Center Committee reviewed a UMass Boston aging study and endorsed a budget strategy to fund a potential lease at 141 Parker Street. Council on Aging Director Amy reported that 976 Maynard residents over age 60 responded to the "Aging in Maynard" survey, roughly 30 percent of those contacted, with findings showing 22 percent of respondents struggling to cover at least one major expense, nearly double the rate seen in comparable communities; of that group, 32 percent cited food insecurity. Town Administrator Greg Johnson has given the COA explicit permission to submit an incremental FY26 budget line item covering projected lease costs for 141 Parker Street, beyond the standard level-funded request, with a final decision going to Town Meeting in May 2025. Select Board member David Gavin was quoted at the prior week's presentation as saying he was "emotionally affected" by the findings, particularly what he called the painful conundrum that the cost of improving senior services would fall hardest on those with the least financial means.