Sciortino passes first bill, helps construction on new VNA

By George P. Hassett

The Visiting Nurses Association of Eastern Massachusetts (VNA) will be able to build their new assisted living facility in West Somerville after state Rep. Carl M. Sciortino, D-Somerville, passed legislation this week allowing the project to move forward.  The bill was the first piece of legislation passed by Sciortino since he was sworn in as state Representative in 2005. He previously amended other bills and the state budget, but the VNA legislation was his first stand-alone bill. 

n  ‚ÄúI am extremely proud that my first stand-alone bill to pass is   one that will b enefit seniors in the city of Somerville,‚Äù said Sciortino.  ‚ÄúThis new community will be an asset to the neighborhood and serve an important need for Somerville‚Äôs seniors.‚Äù
  Sciortino‚Äôs bill was necessary for the construction to go forward.  The facility is to be located on land that had a restriction because of a nearby Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water pipe.  Sciortino received agreement from the MWRA to reduce the easement around the pipe, and passed the required legislation.
  The new facility will be located at 405 Alewife Brook Parkway, at the site of the former Conwell School.  It will allow the VNA to meet the needs of more seniors who are at risk of homelessness, or premature placement in nursing homes.  ‚ÄúThis will provide a comfortable, homelike atmosphere for seniors who can still live independently, but may need help with one or more activities of daily living,‚Äù said Sciortino.
  The bill, co-sponsored and moved through the Senate by Senator Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, was signed by Governor Mitt Romney Tuesday Aug. 8.
  ‚ÄúThis piece of legislation was absolutely essential for the VNA senior living community to begin construction.  Both Senator Jehlen and Representative Sciortino took the lead in making this happen,‚Äù said Linda Cornell, President and CEO of the VNA.  ‚ÄúWhen completed the VNA senior living community will provide desperately needed supportive housing for over 100 seniors of low to moderate incomes.‚Äù