Leland House holds ribbon-cutting ceremony

Leland House, the recently opened 2Life Communities Senior living community at 21 Newton St., held a ribbon-cutting on March 19 to celebrate its official opening. 

In attendance at the event were residents, 2Life Communities representatives, Waltham and state officials, and the architects, general contractor, engineers, landscape designers and others who designed, financed and built the structure.

Marcia MacClary, a former member of the board of the original Leland Home, which had stood on the site for 140 years and where her mother resided, said she knew her mother “would be smiling if she were here today and would be so happy she’d want to stay.” 

MacClary also pointed out the nods to Leland Home in the new building, including a portrait of Hannah C. Leland, whose bequest enabled the construction and furnishing of the original home.

Leland House resident Cissy Spear, a retired math teacher, was moved to tears several times as she told the story of how she and her husband were facing the reality of being without a home when their rent was increased by 48% and their utility bills went up. They entered Leland House’s  lottery and were chosen for one of the 68 affordable apartments.  

“This is our forever place,” said Spear.

Several residents made their units available for a brief tour. 

Donna Ellis, who entered the lottery at the suggestion of a friend, showed off her one-bedroom apartment where she loves to bake for the community’s gatherings. 

Leland House offers support to its residents through two full-time staff members who assist with things such as navigating insurance and other benefit programs, as well helping residents plan and enjoy activities that foster relationships.

Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy spoke at the ceremony and thanked those involved in the project.   She envisioned other 2Life Communities projects in Waltham and said she has plans for several affordable senior housing sites in the works.

Lizbeth Heyer, president of 2Life Communities, thanked all involved in the project, including Leland House neighbors who were supportive of the concept but wanted input to limit the height, assure a design that fit in with the neighborhood, and minimize the impact of additional traffic.

Ward 5 Councilor Joey LaCava reflected on the spirit of compromise that was demonstrated, saying  “2Life listened to the concerns of the neighborhood and worked closely” with them to adapt the original plan to make the building acceptable to all. He has become a “big fan” of 2Life Communities, he said

This sentiment was echoed by Heyer, who said that Waltham’s contribution of $6 million from  the Community Preservation Act fund gave a significant boost to the project. Heyer said it is common for cities and towns to contribute financially, but Waltham really stepped up and she thanked Mayor McCarthy and the city’s Community Preservation Committee for making this happen.

U.S. Rep Katherine Clark lauded all involved for using local, state and federal funds to make Leland House a community where middle-class seniors who “have worked hard and played by the rules all their lives” are offered a secure future. She said this “should be an expectation, not a lottery win,” alluding to the fact that Leland House now has a long waiting list. She also spoke about the need to fight the threats to programs serving seniors and veterans that are occurring right now within our federal government.

Ed Augustus, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, spoke of a sense of urgency for ongoing zoning reform that will allow for the construction of more housing in addition to the need for tax credits for developers and vouchers for low-income seniors who are at risk of homelessness. “A place to live underpins everything for all of us,” he said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Colleen Brennan is a member of Waltham Inclusive Neighborhoods, an affordable housing advocacy group.