Taking A Stand On A New Senior Center
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New Plans For Johnson City Senior Center
Senior groups come up with a plan for a new senior center in Johnson City.After delays and numerous proposed sites for a new senior center in Johnson City, some seniors believe it’s taking the city way too long to move forward.
“The seniors I think feel like they’ve been let down by the city,“ said Dave Hogan, Senior Council member.
Several years ago city leaders dedicated about 7 million dollars to build a new center. The problem: deciding where to put it.
On Tuesday members of the senior advisory council and the senior foundation talked about a new location for the senior center. They are proposing a site on Moreland Drive, near John Exum Parkway.
Mayor Jane Myron sat in on the meeting.
“I’m very committed I know other commissioners are and I feel very confident that something will go forward,“ said Jane Myron, Johnson City Mayor.
She said some of the past delays were caused by bids that were over budget and a change in commissioners. Myron said whether it’s this new site or another one, the city wants seniors to have a new building as soon as possible. As for the seniors, they hope the city commission will approve the new site. The proposal is expected to go before the city commission sometime in July.
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doochie…..yes there are funds that were allocated for the senior center although this was SEVERAL YEARS ago (bout 4 to 5 I believe). It has been a long time but I believe the amount was in the area of $5 million - $7 million. First it started out at Liberty Bell & Guaranda, over to Oakland, downtown to the library, back up to Browns Mill & Knob Creek, back down to the current building, over to Memorial Stadium and know sounds like its back up to Moreland Drive next. Sounds like we have the makings for a new book, Where’s Senior Center? What would have been a 5-7 million dollar center 5 years ago is know going to cost 8-10 million I bet. I watch the commission meetings broadcast on Comcast’s government channel on a regular basis. The problem is the commissioners go back on their word and try to use the excuse they do not want to rush into things although they sure dont mind to on other pet projects. They did this same thing when they widened East Oakland Avenue to five lanes. The city transportation department promised in meetings with the neighborhood residents that a red light would be placed at Princeton & Oakland to make the intersection safer and make it easier for residents to pull out from the side streets on up Oakland during peak travel times. Well Phil, its been….I can’t remember, about 10 years maybe and we’re still waiting on that red light. Sure hope the senior citizens don’t end up waiting that long?
Are there really actual funds set aside for this project, or is this another one of those things that is designated and promised, and then the funding has to be found? If there is money allready collected and sitting collecting interest for this project, then I am all for it. BUT IF THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE SITUATIONS WHERE THE CITY GOES HUNTING FOR FUNDS, AND SEEKING WHERE TO STICK IT TO THE TAXPAYER TO GET THE FUNDING, I AM AGAINST IT BIG TIME!!!!!As senior citizens,of which I am one, do we not remember what we did and our parents did when there was no money for something we thought we needed? We waited until we had saved enough money to fund the need…we and our parents did not go out on a limb and buy and fund items we did not have money for. That is what is wrong with this country now, and also with local governments. We do not have to have everything we desire. What is the status of funds for this center? I tell you now that the taxpayers of this country can not bear much more taxation!
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