Big Step Forward For Branford Community/Senior Center Expansion Complex

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT – Plans are moving along for the Community House on Church Street to become a combined Community/Senior Center expansion complex.

The plans include the Community House becoming a multi-use facility with senior programs not he upper floor, and the recreation programs remaining on the lower floor.

The entire building including the gym will be renovated, and and elevator will be added.

There will be a new parking configuration, which will provide 102 spaces including five handicapped spaces. There are currently 87 spaces. Plans call for a two-way drive that will enter from Church Street and new sidewalks.

There will also be improvements to the landscaping and drainage.

Recreation Director Alex Paluzzi said the project is going to take approximately one year to finish.

“The Community House is 55 years old and our seniors are going to be coming back home,” Paluzzi said. “The center will be for all ages.”

Paluzzi said the overall project cost is $12.15 million and the project has been bonded for by the town.

The Boards of selectmen and finance and the Representative Town Meeting recently approved the purchase, for just over $300,000, two parcels – 26 and 28 Church Street – right next to the community center.

One of the parcels, 26 Church Street, has a house on it. That house will be demolished and the space will be used for the additional parking.

Branford Community & Senior Center Signing this week in the Selectman's Office. Far right, Dave Secondino. Photo courtesy of Trista Milici.