The latest efforts to stop the closing of the North End Nursing Home were reviewed at this week’s meeting of the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA). The Spaulding Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, owned by Partners Healthcare, is located at 70 Fulton Street, on the corner of Richmond, in Boston’s North End neighborhood.
North End resident, Jason Aluia, announced the creation of a steering committee to coordinate neighborhood involvement. The committee will begin a series of efforts including participation with local elected officials including State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, City Councilor Sal LaMattina, State Senator Joe Boncore and the Mayor’s Office. All of the elected officials have publicly stated their opposition to the closing and intent to see the property continue as a nursing facility.
NEWRA’s Victor Brogna has been invited and accepted a seat on the steering committee. Marie Simboli will represent the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC). Alissa Passacantilli will also be on the committee as a family member of a current nursing home resident. Other neighborhood representatives are expected to be added shortly to the steering committee.
A Facebook page, Save the North End Nursing Home, has been created to help communicate with the community. The first petition to stop the closing of the North End Nursing Home was delivered to Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh at the recent coffee hour. An online petition is still gaining signatures and is available at NorthEndBoston.com/nursing.
Partners Healthcare has begun notifying family members but has not formally filed papers for the closing. When that happens, it will spur a formal process including at least one public hearing through the Department of Public Health.
The history and restrictions of the parcel were reviewed at the meeting. The property was originally designated for use as a nursing facility under urban renewal authority by the Boston Redevelopment Authority through a Land Disposition Agreement. Such use restrictions may limit sale options by Partners Healthcare.
NEWRA will be submitting its own letter stating its objections to the closing and sale of the facility. View the video above for the full update at the NEWRA meeting. NorthEndWaterfront.com has placed a badge on the front page for the North End Nursing Home linking to all the related articles, posts and videos.
