By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
This past Tuesday, just as Hill House Board President Sam Telerico was wrapping up a board meeting and everyone was anticipating delving into lunch together, board treasurer Robert Wilson stopped the members from leaving their seats. In his right hand was an envelope.
After singing the praises of Telerico, who played an integral part in expanding Hill House—a residential community in Riverside for elderly people with low to moderate income—to a second building, which opened last October, Wilson unveiled a citation from Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei. It proclaimed June 6, 2017 as Samuel T. Telerico Day.
Telerico was stunned and overjoyed. “It’s a tremendous honor. It isn’t something that would have been expected,” he said following his acceptance of the proclamation.
Telerico, who is stepping down as board president after 12 years, recognized the need for more affordable housing in Greenwich and conceived a Hill House expansion plan that took several years to come to fruition.
“It started eight years ago, with conversations with the state people and department of housing,” Telerico said. “We determined that, given the exceptional need for elderly housing in the area and the success that Hill House had achieved to that point in time, we should think about doing more.”
Hill House first went to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and asked for a half-acre in anticipation of the building. The department answered with 2.7 acres. Hill House now owns the property from Riverside Avenue all the way down to the edge of the Mianus River.
With the building site settled, an architectural plan was hatched. Telerico had determined that Hill House should add 21 more units, or living apartments, and attach them to the old building via a small bridge. There are now 61 living units altogether, with a common dining area blending the two buildings.
The proclamation touted Telerico’s ability to remain steadfast to secure $7 million of state funding for the public-private partnership endeavor.
“I had to rely on corporate experience to get into the financials,” said Telerico, who spent 30 years in domestic and international corporate life.
It took about eight years to push past the paperwork necessary to achieve financing. It took another 14 months to conclude construction.
Telerico met with the construction team every week, going over construction requirements and drawings and making the necessary changes. “It led us to a very positive and a very beautiful conclusion.”
Hill House Two, as it’s known, opened its doors on Oct. 5, 2016.
Telerico never thought he’d be involved in this line of work, but he’s found it to be very rewarding. “I never thought that I would become involved in the octogenarian arena. It’s given me a much greater appreciation, not only of the spirit and the capabilities of our elderly, but in itself it’s a rich resource.
Telerico said that the average age of the residents is 89, and they’re kept very active through the activities offered at Hill House. But most important to Telerico, there’s no geographic restriction stopping people from applying to live at the residence.
For board member Edward Oppedisano, who has known him for nearly 18 years, Telerico has been a model of hard work, dedication and persistence.
“He’s a wonderful exemplar of leadership. He sets the broad picture and then he also delves down into the details of getting things done. He’s tireless,” Oppedisano said. “He was there virtually every day in the building of this building from its inception to its completion. The building would not have been built without Sam.”
While the volunteer board members are quick to commend Telerico with expanding Hill House, Telerico says the board has also contributed greatly, which is what he’ll miss the most about being president.
“I will miss all of the respective board members, the committee chairs, calling or coming to me and asking opinions, a variety of questions about contributions towards making Hill House better. That’s what I will miss,” he said. “The dialogue was endless and of an exceptional nature.”
As an active member of the town, Telerico said this award means a lot to him. His impact on Hill House, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. But he’s not planning on leaving entirely. He’ll serve on the Executive Board for the next two years.
When asked what Samuel T. Telerico Day in Greenwich sounds like to him, Telerico put on a broad smile and shook his head.
“Awesome,” he simply responded. “It’s an award that I’ve not experienced before, and I’m truly grateful to the town.”
