Some say, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words.?
For Independence Township seniors, the saying becomes ‘A picture leads to a thousand questions.?
Earlier this week, Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner released the first proposed renderings of the new township senior center ? and the $3 million, 14,000-square-foot structure pictured above is a far cry from original discussions of a combined senior center/ community building with a pole barn shape.
‘It is an entirely different look than anything we had talked about before,? said Wagner. ‘This is nice. I think the look matches better with the new school structure and library in the area.?
The artist’s rendering was drawn by local architect Jay Noonan about four months ago. Wagner said township Building Director David Belcher worked directly on the drawing. The design in made to fit on the parcel of land located between the Independence Township Library and the new Clarkston Schools administration building on Clarkston Road.
‘This is not extravagant, it fits with our community. There are so many pluses to this building,? said Wagner. The current 2,400-square-foot building (located in Clintonwood Park) is a disaster waiting to happen.?
Some of the pluses Wagner sees with the structure includes:
? senior citizens being able to get out of the weather and not risk slippery walks when arriving at the center,
? plenty of space available for activities,
? and all the specifics a center would need including a storage room, exercise room, commercial kitchen, dining hall, pool hall, administration offices, meeting room and craft room.
‘We have a tentative floor plan in the building department, but nothing set in stone,? said Wagner.
Even so, the Senior Advisory Board feels more discussion with senior center staff, particularly Director Margaret Bartos, is needed before any further plans are drawn.
‘I think it looks pretty terrific,? said Board Vice-President Nancy Knitter, ‘but there are still things we need to know about the internal set-up.?
President Sandy Meyer agreed, ‘It’s okay as far as the picture goes, but we’ve not had input on what should be inside.?
When asked about the specifics she would like to see inside, Meyer’s list matched Wagner’s closely. However, Meyer’s list also included a gymnasium (even if constructed as a separate building), an elevator to any second floor space, centrally located bathrooms and a senior Alzheimer’s daycare area.
?’The outside looks good, we still need to work inside,? Meyer concluded.
Wagner confirmed he initially received some negative feedback concerning the design.
‘Originally, the seniors were disappointed because they felt they hadn’t had any input on it,? Wagner stated. ‘I guaranteed them it’s not set. We just needed something to show people and get the ball rolling. Now they like it.?
Wagner said if a bond issue is passed during the August election, he would like to see a shovel in the ground come Spring 2006.
When asked about any possible millages or bond issues for the new senior center, both Meyer and Knitter spoke favorably.
‘Absolutely. The parks and recreation commission sounds like they are right on target,? said Meyer. ‘It’s all looking positive. We’re all up and excited about this.?
‘Oh yes, because we need something so desperately,? said Knitter. ‘I think this is a start and will help bring more of the needs of our seniors together.?
Senior Center Director Margaret Bartos was unavailable for comment last week. The senior center, located on Clarkston Road, was closed on Monday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.