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GREENWICH, Conn. Republicans and Democrats from the local, state and federal levels gathered in support of a renovation plan at Greenwichs Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home on Friday afternoon.
There is no Republican or Democrat version of dementia, David Ayers, one of the nursing homes board members, said of the mixed crowd at Witherell.
Gov. Dannel Malloy, who as a kid growing up in Stamford volunteered in a nursing home, described the support of politicians from both parties as proof that people like to do the right thing. I cant imagine any good people of goodwill would not be for the project, Malloy said.
About a week ago, the towns Planning and Zoning Board approved a $22.5 million renovation plan for the nursing home. It mostly calls for the nursing home to fulfill state requirements, including the addition of fire protection sprinklers, replacement of electricity, and installation of a new heating and hot water system. More rooms will be added to the facility and temporary housing for the residents will be set up.
The Board of Estimate & Taxation plans to hold a public forum on the project Oct. 17 before voting on the issue in November. The Representative Town Meeting will hear a presentation on the project Oct. 24 and will likely vote on the project in December, Director Allen Brown said.
If approved by the boards, the state has agreed to pay for about 55 percent of the project. The town will also loan to the nursing home about $600,000 a year for the first three years of construction, and it will reimburse Greenwich over the next 20 years.
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