The Petersham Project

The Nichewaug Inn remains vacant and a liability to our town. The Town has issued an RFP to attract potential developers who may propose to re-develop all or part of the property.  Additionally, the town will issue bid specs for total demolition and/or hazardous material abatement. 
Meanwhile, long time Petersham residents who are experiencing health or aging issues find themselves with limited options to stay in the town they  love, including services and supports that would allow them to stay in their homes or a comfortable home to move to that will meet their changing needs.
Additionally, people of all ages face very limited employment market, and are required to work in other communities. Our school-age and young family population is dwindling.
It is time for a change.
Over the last several months, I have been working with a group of Petersham residents, and together we have developed a plan and formed a new entity to see it through. By tapping into the rich natural beauty and huge array of talented people and businesses in our region, The Petersham Committee, Inc. has a bold but realistic and achievable plan to accomplish the following:
· Independent living homes, offices, and community space on the site of the Nichewaug Inn, designed and built to look exactly like they belong in our beautiful town center.
· Homes for people of all ages and abilities  develpoed as a new  community on a site TBD, ranging from independent living to enhanced assisted living.
· Services and supports including aging-in-place supports; home health and personal care; interests and activities for people of all abilities including adapted biking, hiking, kayaking, etc; art, music and other cultural activities.
Utilizing a strategy that attracts a variety of investors, owners, and renters, this plan will create more than 100 full time, decent jobs for our community, will return the property to the tax rolls, and will greatly increase the chances for success of our beloved County Store.

Our immedaite need for funds is to support our efforts to respond to the RFP.  Longer term, we are hoping to raise the funds needed to begin to provide services to Petersham residents in thier homes.

Any support will be sincerely appreciated!