Support built for Sgt. Ecker's new home
Date: 5/11/2009
By Courtney Llewellyn
Reminder Assistant Editor
EAST LONGMEADOW Abutters to the land that has been proposed for the future home of Sgt. Mark Ecker had their questions answered and their fears quelled last Monday evening by Selectman Jim Driscoll and Dan Hellyer, the town's Building Inspector.
Ecker, an East Longmeadow resident and a veteran who was severely injured during a tour of duty in Iraq, was selected by the non-profit Home For Our Troops for a brand new, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant home earlier this year. The organization will present the land and the home to Ecker free of charge, but it takes a lot of fundraising and work to do so.
To make the process easier, Driscoll placed an article on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting on May 18 to donate a parcel of land between Gaskell, Lindendale and Arch streets to the organization and Ecker.
"He's a remarkable young man," Driscoll said of Ecker. "I think this project is not only good for Sgt. Ecker but good for the town of East Longmeadow."
Abutter Bob Hildreth said he is supporting the donation and the project because he is "in favor of doing what we can for our veterans they earned it, they deserve it."
Tony Fazio said that part of his property abuts the land being considered for the project and that he would be willing to donate some of his land to help with the project if needed.
Voters will decide whether or not to donate several parcels of town-owned land to the project, which Driscoll said were previously valued at $110,000 by a potential buyer.
Hellyer explained that a total of eight lots were looked at for donation, and that the one on Arch Street was the only viable one. Four were too small for the proposed home for Ecker, which will measure 68 feet wide by 52 feet deep. The other parcels were deemed "too wet."
Because of the size of the home and setback requirements, only one building will fit on the parcels, which will become one lot, according to Driscoll.
Patricia Cooke, of Lindendale Avenue, asked what specific improvements would be made to her street and shared her concerns about the paving process, as some residents of that street have special needs.
Driscoll said water and sewer lines, along with electricity, would have to be brought in for Ecker's new home, but the cost of the hookups would be borne by Homes For Our Troops. The improvements to the road will be done by local volunteers and Driscoll said the work would be done "with sensitivity to the needs of disabled persons."
Residents also shared concerns about having all this work done for Ecker and they did not want him to turn around the sell the home in the next few years. Driscoll explained that Ecker is bound by Homes For Our Troops to live in the home for a certain amount of time, and noted that he is working with Sen. Stephen Buoniconti on legislation to allow Ecker to live in his new home tax free for 10 years.
If he were to move out before that 10-year period, he would have to pay for the value of the land and its back taxes.
The project is partially being funded by a $60,000 grant from the Veterans' Association, and most of the labor will be provided by volunteers from the East Longmeadow Small Business Association (ELSBA).
"The roofing, framing, plumbing, landscaping...pretty much everything is all set," Sandro Meccia, president of ELSBA, told Reminder Publications, "but we're still willing to take help."
He said the group is looking for donations of materials and more volunteers.
To help drum up support for the project, Keller Williams Realty will be hosting a "Red Day" event.
"'Red Day' is a nationwide event held by Keller Williams agents across the country," Dawn Currier of Keller Williams Realty stated. "Keller Williams Realty of Longmeadow will be holding their fundraiser to benefit KW Cares and Homes For Our Troops towards their upcoming project for our own hometown hero Sgt. Mark Ecker. Ninety percent of the proceeds to go to Homes For Our Troops, and 10 percent to go to KW Cares for families in need." The event, taking place May 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 66 Dwight Rd. in Longmeadow, will include valet car washes, home baked goods and a raffle, which includes a pair of Red Sox tickets and an Onyx Fusion Bar and Restaurant gift certificate.
Similarly, Romito's, 21 North Main St., will be hosting Mark Ecker Day on May 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. Free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available, as will music and family entertainment. To raise funds for the Ecker home project, a silent auction will be available, as will a raffle. Donations will also be accepted at the door.
