Hopes were high this past January when the idea blossomed to renovate a closed school for seniors.
The reality of the situation has become clear, however.
‘After months of detailed research, the Senior Center Extreme Makeover committee has decided that South Sashabaw Elementary School in Clarkston is not the correct site for a future Independence Township Senior Center,? said Mel Vaara, co-chair of the Senior Center Extreme Makeover Committee, in a letter to The Clarkston News.
The idea to renovate the school, which closed in 1982, was discussed in December by Superintendent Al Roberts and community activist Tom Stone.
A committee of local government officials and volunteers was formed in January. Since then, the committee raised about $3,600 in donations for the project. The money will remain in its account at Clarkston State Bank.
‘My hope is that it would serve as a nest egg that would grow and be used in the future,? Stone said.
The committee voted April 17 to end the effort, Stone said.
Sixteen contruction experts donated their time to carefully examine the building. Their final report: the project would be too expensive.
‘The analogy I would use is a used car ? you would get a couple good mechanics to go over it thoroughly,? he said.
‘They found things that weren’t evident to amateurs like ourselves.?
Examination of floortiles showed most contained asbestos, a fireproof material later showed to cause cancer.
‘They are in worse shape than we judged them to be as amateurs,? he said.
The tiles had grown brittle and warped. The solution would be to remove them, a project that would cost about $40,000, he said.
Air-conditioning costs would also be too expensive. Considered were window units and duct work for a central system. Window units would draw too much power, requiring wiring upgrades, and new ducts would be too expensive, about $60,000-$75,000.
The work would require professionals, not volunteers as envisioned, he said.
The committee had met with community service groups this past winter and spring, many of which pledged their support in the project. The building would have been an interim senior center, probably leased from the school district.
‘It was a really neat possibility ? but we found the cost of renovation was just too prohibitive,? Stone said.
‘While we are disappointed by this outcome, we are buoyed by the enthusiastic support shown by the commuity for this project, and believe it demonstrates the need for continued study of a solution,? Vaara said.
‘Clearly, the community is concerned and cares. We are grateful to everyone who has volunteered and offered their support.?
Clarkston area seniors still need a good senior center, Stone said.
The center in Clintonwood Park was originally a farm house. Halls are narrow, stairs are steep, and accomodations are limited.
‘We haven’t given up ? we’ll keep going,? Stone said. ?(Seniors) are at risk. We’ll continue to explore ways to help them.?
The commitee is set to present its final report to the Independence Township Board next Tuesday. The meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Independence Township Library, 6495 Clarkston Road.
For more information, call the township at 248-625-5111.