The Independence Township Board is looking to Clarkston Community Schools for help in making a new senior center a reality.
The board hopes to build a new senior center on land near the Independence Township Library, but that land is owned by the school district. The board will attempt to obtain an extension of their property line south 200 to 300 feet to build the center.
They will also ask the schools to grant them an easement for road purposes that is 50 to 100 feet in width, running along the east border of the library property. The board would commit in advance to share that drive with the schools to give them a second access to their property.
‘The library area is a very appropriate site,? Clerk Joan McCrary said. ‘It is the perfect answer. I hope the school district sees our dilemma and the dilemma of the seniors and helps us out. We really need their help.?
In a memo to the board, Stuart wrote, ‘I approached Dr. Al Roberts to ascertain if the school district would consider allowing us to obtain one-two acres from them. After reviewing their published plans for the administrative building site, it appeared that they were not planning on developing the land that abuts the library property. Dr. Roberts indicated to me that he would recommend that the School Board accommodate our requests, subject to working out the details.?
As part of the most recent bond proposal passing, the schools are set to begin construction on an early childhood center and an expansion of the administrative offices. There has also been talk about a possible new elementary school by the administrative building if needed in the future.
While Roberts did not return phone calls from The Clarkston News, in a prepared release issued by his secretary Roberts said, ‘The school district has been and continues to be very interested in exploring any partnerships that have the potential to positively impact our community.?
The plan call for a 12,100-square-foot senior center facility with two levels. The estimated project cost, without factoring the acquisition of land, is $1.2 to $1.4 million.
The ground level includes a 2,400-square-foot room used for dining/conference needs along with a reception area, library space and storage area.
The second floor will include conference rooms, offices, employee lounge, billiards room and a craft room. The basement will include an exercise room and multipurpose room with daylight windows.
‘Our current senior center facilities are deplorable at best,? Stuart said. ‘They need to be improved. We went to the voters combining it with a township hall, soccer fields and community center but we never talked about a senior center alone. This is a different situation. I view this like any other municipal need.?
At the May 4 meeting, the board of trustees approved the library site, allowed Stuart to enter into negotiations with the schools and hired Design Resources, in Clarkston, to design the center.
‘I am humbled to be a small part of this and excited to get started,? Jay Noonan of Design Resources said. ‘This facility will have a great impact on the quality of life.?
The proposal came out of meetings between the Senior Center Steering Committee and officials from Independence Township. The groups talked about other sites for the center but BayCourt Park was eliminated due to location, Clintonwood Park due to water/sewer restrictions and the Department of Public Works site due to congestion.
‘As we developed plans for the new center, our perspective has leaned toward the conservative side, yet the plan that we have seen seemed to meet our most immediate needs,? committee member Harry Knitter said. ‘Construction of a gymnasium should be included in the current building proposal but we understand that because of the additional cost might be prohibitive at this time but would be considered in two to three years.?
Stuart recommended funding this project by borrowing from the sewer or water fund, selling bonds or debt millage. He did not recommend going to the voters for millage approval.
The board did not vote or discuss how to fund the center at the board meeting.
‘It is way past time to do something for the seniors,? Trustee Dan Travis said. ‘I think this plan contains coast and creates an opportunity for gift giving and grant funding in the future. It is important to point out this is not a community center.?