The Worcester Telegram has a story today about an issue that’s very important for my district: the potential closure of the Irving A. Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury.
I oppose the closure of this facility because of the unique services it provides dozens of patients and their families that I represent in and around the town of Shrewsbury.
Governor Patrick has discussed closing the facility several times in the past. Last year, there was an agreement that there would be a cost-benefit study conducted before any further steps were taken. The results of that study are due this summer. But now, Governor Patrick has included language in his FY2011 budget proposal to allow the state to declare the Glavin Center as “surplus” property and to sell it to a private developer.
The 120-acre Glavin Center property, which is along the Route 9 business district, obviously would be attractive to private developers if it were sold by the state. And its reuse could have certain economic benefits for the town.
But it would be devastating for the 55 residents who call the Glavin Center home, and for their families, who would be left with no alternative for their care.
The Glavin Center stands out from many other state facilities because it is a community-based center. Its residents are encouraged to become an active part of the Shrewsbury community by holding jobs at local businesses and by participating in local activities. The facility itself already provides benefits to the community by providing agricultural land to a local farmer and by providing soccer fields for community use. The Glavin Center also contains three group homes for higher-functioning residents, homes offered by the local Shrewsbury Housing Authority. I helped to secure state funding for the construction of these homes just a few years ago.
The Glavin Center also stands out from other state facilities because it is an efficiently-run campus. It has a modern physical plant that places few demands on state resources. It also employs 165 staff members, serving a vital need in the local economy.
To be honest, I fail to see how closing such a modern, well-run facility could be a cost-cutting priority for the state when there are so many other programs we could cut from our budget that would not have such a profound impact on vulnerable individuals. That’s why I am working with State Senator Michael Moore to see Governor Patrick’s language removed from the state budget.
What do you think? Is allowing the state to declare the Glavin Center surplus a good idea, or is the price just too much to pay? Please post a comment below and let me know what you think.
