“WBGC has a choice to either work with First Path in a friendly manner to help it and its families through a difficult time or to continue to wave the stick of eviction over the heads of First Path’s families and staff that include infants, children with special needs, refugees from war in Ukraine and long-term day care teachers. We would like WBGC to remember the Golden Rule that we teach our children, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.”
As a local business, providing daycare services to the community of Watertown for more than 26 years, we were disappointed to read the recent Letter to the Editor from the Chair of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club (WBGC) {Boys & Girls Club Planning to Expand, Obstacle Hindering Its Efforts; July 26}.
Our disappointment arises from Mr. Medville’s incorrect assertion that “now the only barrier to moving forward is First Path Daycare’s consistent failure to live up to their agreements.” In 2020, 3 years prior to its lease expiration First Path wrote to the Club in an e-mail “Our lease is expiring in 3 years. We need to plan ahead and would like to start discussing lease extension… 3 years might sound as a long time, but in reality it is short period relative to long term plans. ” Club’s reply; “Board President … will work … on developing a plan for lease negotiations. So, hang tight. The process is starting!” First Path was hanging tight and waiting for promised lease negotiations, only to find out 18 months later that there will be no lease negotiations and First Path would be forced to vacate premises in 18 months or upon lease expiration in 6/23.
Finding new space for day care in Watertown on such short notice is almost impossible. It must fit programs needs and be nearby, meet all state and local regulations and it also must be economically feasible, so tuition rates can continue to be affordable. Several brokers advised First Path that staying in Watertown was out of the question and we were pessimistic about staying in business.
WBGC was putting First Path in danger of going out of business by not providing sufficient notice, leaving 60 families without care, creating a local childcare crisis, and plus leaving day care teachers without jobs.
During 2022, First Path did its best to try to rent or buy various spaces close to First Path’s current location with absolutely no success. At, the end of 2022, luck smiled on First Path and its principals found and acquired a building to which First Path will relocate and in early 2023 First Path acquired it.
WBGC was constantly updated on First Path’s progress and First Path has been paying 50% more in rent to stay. WBGC is well aware of the difficulty First Path had in finding its new home. It is well aware that First Path was only able to start buildout in May of this year. It is well aware that that the renovation is in full swing. It is an obvious fact that First Path is very, close to relocating.
Most important, the WBGC is well aware that the circumstances First Path is in are beyond First Path’s control.
WBGC knew that the City of Watertown has been obstructing First Path’s project because interests of the City officials and/or the City did not align with the interests of the children of First Path. WBGC knew that First Path had to file two lawsuits against the City and spend 14 months fighting the City’s machine just to be issued its building permit.
The City’s actions to coerce First Path into giving up its right to seek building permit, combined with First Path being subjected to illegal site plan review in violation of the Dover Amendment and the City’s own ordinance with the purpose of denying or delaying First Path resulted in the loss of 10 months!!! Then, the building department’s reversal of two of its determinations close to the expiration of First Path’s occupancy agreement resulted in an additional 4 months loss of time. First Path had to go to court to get its building permit. By no means has City stopped its delaying tactics. Those tactics are still alive, well and setting new records in creativity.
It is worth mentioning that the WBGC building and its lot are owned by the City of Watertown. Many of the Club’s Board Members are connected with the City in one way or another.
It is also worth mentioning that $1.5 million the Club received are federal funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan to help local communities to recover from the pandemic. First Path never fully recovered from the COVID pandemic as well. Now, WBGC having received those federal funds that made their project possible, is wielding the stick of eviction against another childcare to make room for its own so the Club’s child care can open a few month earlier.
To add insult to injury, Mr. Medville and the WBGC Board have decided to take this issue public and accuse us of “making the WBGC out to be the “bad guy.” Seems like they have done that instead. It is a sad end to a more than quarter century productive partnership.
First Path is driven to the verge of insolvency by the actions of the City and the Club had no choice, but to file for bankruptcy. While an automatic stay barring any eviction proceedings is in effect, we have been told by WBGC that they are going to Bankruptcy Court on Monday, August 5th, to ask the Court to lift the Automatic Stay so the can evict First Path.
Mr. Medville states that he values “the service First Path Daycare provides to families and children in and around Watertown” hopes to “settle this with them in a friendly way.” First Path takes Mr. Medville at his word. The solution is very simple. First Path needs a measly few months to complete its renovation and relocate. WBGC has a choice to either work with First Path in a friendly manner to help it and its families through a difficult time or to continue to wave the stick of eviction over the heads of First Path’s families and staff that include infants, children with special needs, refugees from war in Ukraine and long-term day care teachers. We would like WBGC to remember the Golden Rule that we teach our children, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The City of Watertown has choice to make as well. The City says that Watertown is a welcoming place for immigrants like us, to families, and to small businesses; now is the time for them to show us that with actions.
We are looking forward to the City stopping its foot dragging, and creating artificial obstacles and to start addressing First Path’s project in prompt fashion. We are looking forward to the Club making sure that First Path receives the needed time to bridge its transition to its new home.
We believe there is no need for First Path to close its doors unless the Club’s decisionmakers and The City are working together to achieve such goal as retaliation to First Path for standing up for its families.
We are ready to work together if each of these partners are serious about delivering for the families we all serve.
Aleksandra Pikus
Program Director of First Path Day Care Center
Max Bolyasnyy
General Manager, First Path Day Care Center
I was shocked to find out about the treatment First Path Daycare received from its landlord and from the town, and the lack of concern for the children and families who count on First Path for daycare needs. Children form strong bonds with their classmates and teachers, and finding a replacement daycare is virtually impossible without significant disruption to childcare coverage. First Path was essentially forced out of their lease and denied an opportunity to secure an alternative facility. Had they not invested significant efforts and capital to fight for their existence, this would have had a detrimental effect on the children, and parents for whom First Path is a critical part of being able to provide for their families.
It seems that Watertown could benefit from having an elected position of leadership who could be held accountable for disregarding the needs of constituents.
I am a longtime Watertown resident and have taken pride in the Boys and Girls Club’s place in our town. I am saddened to learn of the First Path problems. It doesn’t match with the charitable motives I associate with Watertown at all. I urge all parties to value the role that newcomers play in the vitality of our community and to extend generosity toward
First Path.
We have been exceedingly fortunate to have Aleksandra and her team care for our child in the two yeara we’ve lived in Watertown. The city has thrown roadblocks in their path to relocation, then put an unexpected bayonet in their back to force them from their longstanding current location. It all smacks of self-dealing and conflict of interest, to the detriment of small children and working parents–WHO VOTE.
The city should take a step back and start treating First Path as partner and a valued pillar of the Watertown community.
It is my prayer that everyone come together and put their frustrations aside. During tough times we as people should unite and problem solve together. The children’s best interest should be top priority. It is sad to think of one provider of childcare evicting another. Dozens of families and staff being left scrambling. I pray that the people who have authority do the right thing. If we all work together, have some understanding, sympathy and empathy, the world would be a much better place! Take note!
I am stunned to hear of these difficulties for First Path.
As a parent of a child who benefited from having a child cared for and nurtured by
All the staff and especially Sasha were always professional and wise educators.
I give them a lot of credit for doing such an important Job.
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I am very shocked to hear that First Path is not being allowed time needed for its transition to new place. As a resident of Watertown, this is very sad to hear. It’s also quite harsh for parents like us who don’t know the future of their kids as in where they will find the needed care and support for their little kids if First Path shuts down. I really hope the City’s leadership cares about little kids and can do something about this and not leave First Path and the concerned parents hanging like this.
It is appalling to think that WBGC and the town’s politicians would be so inconsiderate to the families that have supported them for years! Take a moment to realize that First Path Daycare Center plays a critical role in the lives of the families that send their children there. In my own case, an eviction would mean I would have no one to care for and teach my grandson while I spend the day at my daughter’s bedside at a Boston hospital. She doesn’t have much time left, so I would lose the opportunity to be with her for the last weeks of her life. Her son would have his safe routine upended and lose his teachers and friends, as well as his mom. That kind of loss causes lifelong consequences.
Please do not lift the Stay of Eviction. My family is only one of many here that would absolutely be devastated and left floundering for support if First Path cannot remain on Whites Ave. until their new location is ready.
We depend on First Path Daycare and the wonderful teachers and staff.
As a parent of a child enrolled at First Path Daycare, I am deeply troubled by the potential eviction of First Path Daycare, a place that has been a second home to my child. For many families, including mine, First Path has been an invaluable part of our lives, providing not just care but a nurturing and stable environment for our children.
The impact of an eviction would be devastating not only to the families who depend on First Path but also to the dedicated staff who have nurtured and educated our children for years.
I respectfully ask WBGC to allow First Path the time they need to finalize their move. This gesture of goodwill would not only prevent unnecessary hardship for many families but also demonstrate WBGC’s commitment to the community’s well-being. Together, we can ensure that our children continue to receive the care and stability they deserve.
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It is sad that the tuition money that could have gone to improve wellbeing of children and teachers have to be spent on litigation. I hope Watertown voters will take a close look at who is responsible for this manufactured crisis. We hear a lot about how hard it is to find affordable childcare. Well, now we know why.
It sounds like there’s still hope – despite all the headwinds and only thanks to persistence and dedication of a few good people in charge of First Path. It feels wrong though that the people responsible for creating the headwinds are the very people who were put in charge to help the community.
This is devastating news! As a parent I am deeply saddened to hear that I and many other parents may have to begin the search for a loving and nurturing childcare center all over again.
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It’s is disheartening to hear everything that is happening between WBGC and ‘First path’ for the past couple of years. As a parent of a toddler, whose whole world outside of home is the ‘First Path Daycare center’ ; I want to stress that both WBGC and First path have a common goal which is to provide nurturing and safe environment for children of our community. We are all on the same side with same agenda and if the conflict gets dragged further, none but our children are going to suffer the most. Children who are part of the ‘First path community’ right now will be part of WBGC community in 3-4 years. We have to united in our agendas to make wiser decisions for futures of our children.
The daycare has been a cornerstone of the community for 26 years, nurturing children and providing stable employment for dedicated teachers. An eviction now would not only disrupt the lives of these children and their families but also result in job losses for the teachers who have been committed to their roles.
The daycare management has shown commendable initiative by purchasing a property on Boyd Street and actively working on renovations to ensure a smooth transition. Given these efforts and the significant impact of an eviction, it seems only fair and reasonable for WBGC to grant an extension of a few more months.
Why is WBGC so insistent on evicting a tenant who has proven their value and reliability over such a long period? The consequences of eviction in this case are far-reaching, and a short extension could make a world of difference. It’s a matter of community well-being and compassion.
It is quite unfortunate that a business relationship that is two & half decades long has soured so quickly and out in the open. Come what may, the threat of eviction hanging over a daycare center that has been part of the community for so long is plain unjust. The sad irony of wanting to displace very young children (and disrupt their families & teachers), for the purpose of providing a different kind of childcare service is just lost in all the fighting.
I hope the city of Watertown plays an appropriate role in this process and utilizes it’s resources to amicably settle both party’s concerns, and puts the needs of young children and their families first.
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We are so fortunate to have First Path Day Care as a resource for us working parents in Watertown. Child care is such a critical necessity and limited resource, especially for our youngest children in the community. It takes a great deal of time to find an adequate site and renovate it to fit a child care center needs. The Watertown boys and girls club should be understanding of this precious resource and work with First Path to be patient in forcing them to relocate. The real estate market has been challenging. First path is an integral part of the Watertown community.
As a resident of watertown, it is disturbing to see an institution like First Path being in such a situation especially after being in the community for decades. As a parent of a toddler who attends first path its even more worrying. Without First Path the lives of the kids attending it and their families will be completely disrupted and brought to a stand still.
WBGC themselves being a child care center should understand that ultimately the children suffer in this ongoing dispute. Getting into a daycare institute is an ordeal especially in the Cambridge/ Boston area with it taking more than 10 -12 months of waiting at anytime of the year. Also First Path and its excellant contribution make it impossible for kids and their families to move on from them without a vaccum being felt in their lives.
As a parent of a toddler who attends first path its both disturbing and worrying to think of the situation that First Path is going through. As a institution, First Path has been in the community for 26 years giving so many kids the first step in their educational journey and with providing employment for all the teachers and staff that help shape kids lives.
Without First Path the lives of the kids attending it and their families will be completely disrupted and brought to a stand still.
Finding new daycare facility in the area is impossible and with the wait times being close to a year its taking away kids from the only world they know apart from their home and leaving a hole in their development.
With rising cost of living requiring both parents to work full time jobs, First Path provides extremely important and affordable services to the parents of Watertown. City of Watertown represents, and is responsible for the kids, teachers, and parents of First Path, who are its constituents. Evicting First Path will destroy this small community, separating children who are just learning to bond with each other.
The city shouldn’t act in such a way to evict a childcare – it is unethical and immoral. It goes without saying, it’s in everyone’s interest to oversee a smooth transition that doesn’t involve upending young children’s delicate lives.
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Hi Charlie,
Why are you breaking your own rule and publishing a comment that does not have the author’s full name? And, it’s the one negative comment to date. It looks peculiar. Did you publish it in error? The comment should be taken down given your rule or the author should identity themselves.
Sorry, I missed that one. Thanks for the heads up
As a current First Path parent, this entire process has been beyond dismaying to learn about on both sides. However, may I suggest to my fellow parents who are distressed – comments in the paper are fine, but if we want to have an actual impact, you need to write to the people in charge. Write a letter to the WBGC. Write a letter to your town councillor. Write a letter to the zoning board. Say everything you said here. Ask for leniency and continuity of care for our kids. Our voices matter but only if we use them effectively.
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We are newer members to the First Path Day Care center family with one of the youngest and most vulnerable of children enrolled in the infant program. It was agonizing to research someplace you trust your baby to spend most of their time with while you work to provide for said child. We are so blessed to find such a compassionate well run and organized day care in First Path. We looked past the facade knowing that Sasha and the wonderful teachers were the important piece to our daughter’s well being and ability to thrive throughout her years of education ahead of her. Sasha was very direct in saying she had been fighting for upkeep of the facility for years. But to us, we would rather have love, kindness and experience than a coat of paint.
It is so distressing to know that a mutually beneficial timeframe cannot be agreed upon by WBGC. The selfish urgency is having a direct negative impact on the community they claim to serve. The courtesy of a few extra months isn’t an egregious ask from loyal long standing tenants of 26 years. If it weren’t for ongoing red tape it wouldn’t have even been necessary, but unfortunately that’s not the current circumstances. Our politicians and legal system should put the needs of all our children first. This is not a matter to select one group of children over another.
I’m sure the children and families of WBGC wouldn’t mind a delay in renovations to guarantee First Paths children and families are not left with no child care options. It is an unreasonable expectation that all the first path families find alternative care options in such a short period of time, and disregards that they’d prefer to stay with their trusted care providers, educators and friends.
Reminder that comments must be signed with your full name.
Reminder that comments must be signed with your full name.