Proposed Senior Center renovation goes to ballot box
By Louis DeFelippi Contributing Writer

Seniors (standing, l to r) Ray Lussier, Ernie and Jackie Kapopoulos, (seated, l to r) Ann Lussier, and Sheila Caty show their support for the Feb. 5 ballot question to fund the proposed Senior Center Renovation and Expansion Project. PHOTO/LOUIS DEFELIPPI

Hudson - A public meeting at the Hudson Senior Center Jan. 22 started with a tour of the facility by Center Director Janice Long, followed by a presentation by Hudson's Community Development Director Michelle Ciccolo. The presentation, including the details of the $4.4 million renovation proposed for the Senior Center, was designed to educate voters about the issue, which will be on the ballot Election Day Tuesday Feb. 5.

As part of the planning process for the project, alternatives other than the proposed plan were found to be either inadequate or more expensive to achieve the desired results of having a Senior Center that meets code and is capable of accommodating the rapidly growing senior population.

The proposed plan details a 14,000-square-foot facility with safe access to all levels, better use of space, and supporting infrastructure improvements, including added parking (nine on site and 35 shared on-street parking).

Should the ballot question pass and the plans move ahead, the actual cost to the taxpayers could be reduced from the $4.4 million because the town would seek other sources, including a $540,000 block grant and organized fundraisers.