EBNHC Looking to Build New Facility in City

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) is looking to expand its services in Revere with a new building on Garofola Street on the site of the Mottola Post for its PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program for the elderly.

The healthcare provider is requesting a variance for front, side and rear yard setbacks, also open space requirements and a landscape buffer screen. In addition, parking for medical office use, and a minimum setback for dumpster pads.

They are also requesting permission to the raze the current VFW Post on the site.

Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso is pleased the project will be coming to his ward. He said the design is reminiscent of a Cape Cod resort.

“It’s going to be a nice quality place to service the elderly of Revere and around,” Guinasso said. “They are a first class neighborhood organization to work with.”

The $10 million project includes a new building of 15,550 sq. ft., single story with a porch overlooking the marsh. EBNHC hopes to have the project completed by mid-2018. EBNHC held a meeting with the neighbors in November to explain the project. At that time the neighbors expressed concerns about traffic and noise, especially during construction. EBNHC purchased the property late last summer.

“Some neighbors have relatives in the PACE program,” said Michelle Hagerty, marketing manager for EBNHC.

The PACE program gives elders all of the services included under Medicare and Medicaid, including adult day care, dentistry, home care, occupational therapy and prescription drugs. PACE also covers lab and X-ray services, meals, physical therapy and hospital care. Elders also receive nursing home care, emergency services and nutritional counseling.

PACE currently has offices in Revere at 300 Ocean Ave.

To qualify for PACE, applicants must be at least 55 years old and in the service area of a PACE organization. Applicants must be able to receive in-home care and live safely in their communities. Once in the program, members are free to leave it at any time.

The zoning board of appeals will hear the application on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. in the City Council chambers.