A lot has been made about the historical value of the Sacred Heart Church. I have a different perspective of what has historical value in my neighborhood.

Three years ago, my husband Paul and I chose Waterville to be our home. Moving to Waterville felt like coming home — to where my parents and grandparents lived many years ago.

We took time to learn the city and its neighborhoods before buying a house. We were in the right place at the right time when a beautiful old house with an amazing front porch in a great neighborhood hit the market. We enjoy our front porch every day of the year.

Our house was built in 1917, 13 years prior to the official opening date of the Sacred Heart Church building. The house across the street was built in 1857. Every house in the neighborhood is of the same era. The neighborhood built the Sacred Heart Church, not the other way around.

We love that the old high school, where my parents were members of the final graduating class in 1963, became affordable housing, day care, a home for community sports, and great neighbors. What an amazing, forward-thinking decision and purposeful move by the city and their partners.

I am concerned that BACAS will not be good neighbors. Based on their disdain for would-be-neighbors the astounding lack of professionalism demonstrated throughout this process, it seems reasonable not to expect BACAS to contribute positively to our historic neighborhood.

The rezoning request before the city should be considered with the same purposeful thought. Citizens of Waterville expect and deserve thorough review of, and adherence to public policy and law. I appreciate the time and attention the Planning Board has given to this request, and I hope the City Council follows suit.

 

Kate Roy

Waterville