An embattled issue for several years, Independence Township is a step closer to a new senior center.
Township Board members voted unanimously June 5 to spend $250,000 out of the general fund for an interim center, and remodel the Carriage House.
‘This is not spending money, but transferring cash into an asset, an asset that far exceeds the cash value,? said Trustee Charles Dunn.
The new one-level, 2,100-square-foot building for the senior center, will be built next to the current center in Clintonwood Park.
It will cost $210,000 to build it, about $100 per square foot. Construction should take about four months.
‘It’s not what we dreamed about or wanted, but greatly appreciated and we support it whole heartedly,? said Sandra Meyer, president of senior advisory committee.
About $100,000 worth of items can be salvaged and relocated in the new building, such as water softener, well tank, fire extinguisher, chrome commercial faucets, 60-inch 10-burner gas range stove, commercial freezer and fridge, stainless steel dishwasher, microwave, flag pole, and exterior security lights.
‘The fundamental purpose of government, whether it be local, state, or national, is to go above and beyond anything else to ensure the public health and safety of its citizens,? said Trustee Larry Rosso.
‘It’s a very necessary move; I am very positively in support of a senior center.?
The current center should be able to be used until about 3-4 weeks before the new building is completed. It will then be closed for a few weeks while items are moved from building to building.
The current farm house will be torn down once the new building is constructed and salvageable items removed.
‘It would be nice to have a new senior center as soon as possible,? said worker Jone Mendelsohn. ‘This is a wonderful community and a great place for seniors. I wish more seniors would come and take advantage of what we have to offer them.?
The center includes activities such as biking club, quilting club, bookworm club, acrylic landscape painting, softball, bingo, ceramics, and euchre.
‘We are excited about the prospects of having a clean and safe building,? said Senior Center Coordinator Margaret Bartos. ‘They are going to start remodeling the Carriage House very soon and make it a little more aesthetically pleasing. It will be a nice place to rent and be used.?
During a lunch discussion at the senior center May 6, Dick Harms, 78, said, ‘we’ve tried three different times through voting (for a new senior center) and been turned down because young kids don’t think they will ever be old.?
He added, ‘as you are, I once was, and as I am, you will be.?
Construction should start shortly after the Fourth of July, officials said.

10 years for a new senior center
?1998 – Plans drawn up for a new senior center with possible gym.

‘Aug. 6, 2002 – Bond proposal to borrow $7.5 million to build a new township hall and make improvements to Clintonwood Park, 0.43 milliage increase for 20 years. Defeated 3,984-2,363.

? Nov, 5, 2002 – Bond proposition to build 23,000-square-foot township hall and 80,000-square-foot rec/senior center for $20 million, defeated 8,501-3,153. Operational Millage proposition for rec/senior center, defeated 9,076-3,231.

? Nov. 7, 2006 – Bond Proposal to borrow $3 million for new township adult acitivity center, defeated 8,592-6,015. Adult Activity Center Millage, defeated 9,191-5,535