Working togther for one goal

By BRENDA BURNS
NEWPORT — The Newport Senior Center is preparing for the future needs of seniors in Sullivan County as studies have shown that the senior population is going to double over the next 20 years.

There was a Feasibility Study completed in 2016 to identify the demographics and what needed to be addressed at the center to meet those demographics.

When this study was completed, we had three public sessions to share with community members what was identified in the study and the most cost effective means to meet those needs. The study reviewed the possibility of adding on to both sides of the center. This is not possible because it would reduce the number of parking spaces which would then put us in violation of parking codes.

The next option reviewed was to build up. This was not a viable option because the heating units are on top of the roof. Also, building up could only be done at the back part of the building and would result in not enough space. In addition, the cost of building up was higher than the final review of reconstructing the already established basement.

The Feasibility Study also identified numerous code requirements that needed to be updated. If these code regulations had not been neglected for so long, we would have had more money to put into actual construction and possibly could have had a different solution such as, ideally, a new building built specifically to our needs.

The decision to renovate the basement into usable space was not made hastily and the board of director’s, town officials, Hadfield Associates, Northern Architectural Design Group, engineers and staff have worked numerous hours in exploring the options, asking questions and hashing out the most practical and cost effective approach.

Even as construction continues today, all of these people and United Construction are working together to determine where adjustments can be made in order to reduce costs with as little impact on the project as possible.

Life is about accepting the present moment and the speed bumps along the way. We are thankful for every individual who has given so much of their energy, helped with solutions when complications came to the surface and all those who have donated to the project.

As we continue with this project, we ask for your patience during construction. When you are under construction, ideal situations are not always possible, but working together as a team is what is going to get us to the end.

We are currently $85,000 over budget and working on different possibilities to make that cost up. Save the date for June 24, from 8-10 a.m. The NSC will be preparing an All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet. This 10-plus item buffet will served from the Newport Senior Center for $6. You have tried the rest, now try the best.

The Malool Foundation will consider a donation for our project if we are able to provide them volunteers for their vegetable stand and ice cream shop that supports the Community Center Project. For more details call 863-4422.