Submitted by Marge DeBold
(September 29, 2023) — An important meeting is coming up for Haddam Club 60 members. Indeed, the program for the day will be of interest to most town seniors. Non-members will want to get the information and are invited to attend also. On Monday, October 16, 2023, the First Selectman will speak to HC60 members at their regular meeting, to be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Center (located near the beginning of Candlewood Hill Road in the center of Higganum). The First Selectman will give an update on current and proposed projects involving the former Haddam Elementary School site.
Seniors will want to find out more about what is planned for the future of the HES site in Higganum Center and how it will affect them. What we see now, from the road out front, is an interestingly-shaped, but very under-used, building with front yard space where there used to be a playground. (Of interest, in that sandy lot, we currently see a small building housing the Shad Museum, now up on supports waiting for repairs to be done followed by re-location to a visitor-accessible site right in the area.)
As we drive by the schoolyard, we may also be seeing roof repairs going on to the older part of the building. State funding, acquired earlier on behalf of the Town by our State Representative, is helping the Town finance the roofing project. Overall, when we look, we see a site that looks very suitable for development.
And now we want to understand more about plans for the future of the HES site and how those plans will affect Haddam Seniors. At the October 16th meeting, our First Selectman will explain the grant funding proposal (for $4.55 million) received earlier. Ongoing and planned activities related to the grant proposal will be important to Seniors in our town.
There are suggestions for making the school site into a hub of activity, including the following: a new Senior Center, department offices that will service Seniors and other residents, some affordable Senior housing, a multi-generational park on the school site, and sidewalks to Higganum Center.
Seniors want to be fully informed. Knowing more will allow Seniors to help the Town make decisions important to Seniors’ futures. Mark your calendars! On October 16th, the First Selectman will review what is being proposed and what steps are necessary to keep the proposed actions moving forward. So, plan to attend the Haddam Club 60 meeting. Visitors are welcome to take part. Prospective members are welcome to join the club (annual dues are $8). Refreshments will be served. Please join us.
