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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Gracedale Daycare Inches Closer to Reality

Gracedale, the final stop for many seniors, might soon be the launching pad for many toddlers. Public Works Director Mike Emili told Northampton County Council last week that he expects to have a daycare ready by the end of Fall. 

This project is part of Executive Lamont McClure's $15.5 million Gracedale plan to make the nursing home more attractive to employees. This plan was endorsed by County Council last year, with members John Brown and John Goffredo dissenting on the $2 million daycare. It is being built with American Rescue Plan Act funding. At the request of member John Cusick, the daycare was expanded to include employees of the nearby 9-1-1 and Forensic Centers. 

Emili explained that 10 existing bedrooms in a vacant wing are being converted into five larger daycare rooms. There will also be changes to existing bathrooms and a kitchen. A children's playground will be built outside  

Emili estimated this renovation will eliminate about 50 beds. Council member John Cusick noted that licenses for those bed have value, and suggested the county should consider selling them if it has no use for them.

The following day, and without discussion, Northampton County Council unanimously approved three contracts for the renovation at Gracedale. 

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sell ALL the beds and get out of the nursing home/child care business !

Anonymous said...

Would this be just for nursing staff or all county employees?

Bernie O'Hare said...

At this moment, it is just for Gracedale, 9-1-1 and the Forensic Center. It is a pilot program. If successful, I could see it expanding to other departments.

Anonymous said...

It will ultimately cost too much. I love the idea but it's been tried and the cost is prohibitive. And they aren't filling those beds anyway they've been open . Unfortunately no one wants to buy beds anymore. They missed that opportunity years ago

Anonymous said...

Considering the shithole the nursing center is because of the lack of leadership by fat bastard Manure McClure I wouldn't trust the place to care for my turtle let alone a child.