The Senior Center poses an immediate problem for Independence Township.
‘We need to deal with it ? it’s been too long,? said Trustee Daniel Kelly.
The current center in Clinton Wood Park, a repurposed house, needs too much maintenance and renovation work, hallways are too narrow, and stairways too steep, Kelly said.
Trustees Charles Dunn and Kelly propose constructing an interim center to replace it, using existing funds. The 2,100-square-foot building, also in Clintonwood, would cost about $250,000, out of the township general fund and fund balance. Concept includes a couple meeting rooms, kitchen, offices, and restrooms.
The project would also include partial renovation of Carriage House, used by the senior center for banquets and other gatherings.
Getting seniors out of the current facility is critical, Dunn said.
‘I think the time has come,? he said. ‘Seniors? use of that building is not proper.?
The building would serve temporarily. When replaced by more permanent facilities, it would be transferred to the township Parks and Recreation Department for use in the park, Kelly said.
‘The building would be an asset to the township ? a capital improvement,? he said. ‘We wouldn’t be throwing money away. It would be used by the seniors, then parks and recreation.?
Requests to build a permanent center with new tax millages have been rejected by voters, most recently in November.
Another option, closing the center without replacement, is not a good idea, Kelly said.
‘It’s a vital part of what the township offers its citizens,? he said. ‘Closing it is not an option.?
Other ideas considered recently for a new senior center include repurposing the former South Sashabaw Elementary School and expanding existing facilities at Bay Court Park, at the southwestern corner of the township.
After investigation, renovation of South Sashabaw was found to be too expensive. Seniors have voiced opposition to Bay Court’s location.
Dunn and Kelly have met with Senior Advisory, and parks and recreation members about their idea, and are placing it on the June 5 Township Board meeting agenda.