East Columbia Seniors are mobilized to fight for a new 50+ Center

A committee of seniors has formed to lobby the county government to build a new standalone 50+ Center in East Columbia. The current Center, located within the East Columbia Library, is seriously inadequate for the growing 50+ population in Columbia. Other modern, large and amenity-filled 50+ centers have been built elsewhere in Howard County. The Committee members say "it is now our turn." While the County budget provides for funding for a new center, it stretches over 5 years. The Committee is urging the County government to accelerate the project so that a new building can open in 2022, not 2023 as currently envisioned.

The Committee members testified at several recent budget hearings outlining the shortcomings of the current center. There is no dedicated fitness space, there is one multipurpose room and two other very small rooms for activities. The rooms are so small that seniors are often turned away from activities because there simply isn't enough room. Seniors are interested in additional classes and events but there are no rooms available. The corridor is often crowded as is the joint library/50+ center entrance. The center is bursting at the seams.

If you are support the idea of moving ahead more quickly on a new 50+ center, please contact the County Executive and your County Council representative as soon as possible. Stop by the Center and see for yourself and while you are there, you can join the advocacy committee, too. Interested in learning more? Contact Claire Femiano at 410-964-0130 or cfemiano@fastmail.com.