Councilor Ray Burton Commons opens in North Woodstock
By SARA YOUNG-KNOX Special to the Union Leader
NORTH WOODSTOCK – Residents of the Councilor Ray Burton Commons at 10 Washington Drive in North Woodstock had visitors on Tuesday when the new two-story structure off Alpine Village Road was officially dedicated to the man whose name is on the building’s sign.
Executive Councilor Ray Burton (center) is joined by other dignitaries and friends as the ribbon is cut to officially open the elderly housing development that bares his name. SNHS photo.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly, built and managed by Southern New Hampshire Services, has a community room, small kitchen, library, laundry room, and an elevator. All 16 units are 550 square feet, with one bedroom each, and can accommodate couples. Residents moved in starting last year.
Front and center at the open house/dedication was District 1 Executive Councilor Ray Burton who wondered if there would be space for him when he’s ready to move.
The housing is designed to allow low-income elderly to live independently. “It’s beautiful, it’s convenient, the amenities are so close,” District 1 Sen. Jeff Woodburn said while viewing the one vacant apartment, which will soon get an occupant.
The location of the building is also convenient – Woodburn joked that that residents could expect parades just outside their front door with Burton – which, as someone pointed out, wasn’t far off the mark. The Woodstock 4th of July parade begins on Alpine Road, and Burton is a regular participant.
Residents do not have to go outside to get their mail. There are mailboxes in the front hallway.
Commons’ resident Ted Bartlett, who assisted at the ribbon cutting, moved in at the beginning of December and likes the place. At 91 – he’ll be 92 next month – he cooks his own meals, as do the other residents, and keeps active. Depending on the weather, Bartlett rides his bike six to 10 miles a day.
Reprinted with permission from The Union Leader, Thursday, June 6, 2012 - www.unionleader.com
