Last Thursday, two local residents shared with the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce why they were voting ‘yes? for the proposed tri-township senior center on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Helen Mann, of Oxford, and Jim Milford, of Orion, both spoke about why ‘it makes sense? to have a facility that supports senior independence, preventative health and activities for Oxford, Addison and Orion townships.
With the senior population in the three townships increasing an average of 21 percent over the last 10 years and the 85 and over population increasing 61 percent, according to Mann, she said the center would be a service that ‘allows seniors to remain healthy, vital and independent in the community.?
Voters are being asked to approve a bond issue totaling $9.85 million to construct Phase I (just under 50,000 square feet) of the proposed center.
If the bond is approved, property owners would pay approximately 0.2-mill for 20 years to pay off the bond debt. Voters are also being asked to approve a 10-year, 0.25-mill tax to operate and maintain the center.
Oxford would pay $2.815 million, Addison would pay $1.085 million and Orion would pay $5.95 million towards the center’s construction.
Milford said because Crossroads for Youth ‘generously donated? 10 acres to build the center, ‘we are one half way to making a vision a reality.?
‘The Crossroads campus is a central location for the three communities and is located in a wooded setting with beautiful scenery,? he said.
Milford stressed to the chamber that the costs to achieve the center are ‘reasonable.?
‘The combined total cost for the bond and the millage is only about 12 cents a day, (or) $45 a year for each $100,000 (of) taxable value,? he said.
Mann said senior citizens support the community in many ways, like ‘parks, schools and other amenities which attract residents? to this area.
‘We are part of the community, and as we age we need a place that can help us maintain our independence and our dignity,? she said.