Politics & Government

Montclair Senior Center Update: Public Workshop Will Give Residents A Chance To Share Feedback

The town recently decided not to move forward with the planned senior center at the Mills Building. Hear updates at a meeting on Sept. 11.

A public workshop will take place in Montclair on Thursday, Sept. 11 to discuss the new location of the town’s long-awaited senior center.
A public workshop will take place in Montclair on Thursday, Sept. 11 to discuss the new location of the town’s long-awaited senior center. (Google Maps)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A public workshop will take place in Montclair on Thursday, Sept. 11 to discuss the new location of the town’s long-awaited senior center.

Last month, township manager Stephen Marks gave an update on the town's long-running plan to open a senior center for local residents.

“After a thorough review and due diligence process, we have decided not to move forward with the planned senior center at the Mills Building,” Marks explained. “The lease terms and investment needed for renovations ultimately did not represent the most cost-effective use of taxpayer money.”

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“The mayor and council have approved a contract for an architecture firm to design a senior citizen health and wellness center within the municipal building at 205 Claremont Avenue,” he added.

Local senior advocacy group Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place called the decision a “deeply disappointing setback.”

Find out what's happening in Montclairfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

>> Read More: Plan For Montclair Senior Center Derailed Due To Cost

Montclair residents who want to share comments about the new plan may find an outlet at the first of a series of public “visioning sessions” that will take place in the coming months.

According to a township advisory, the first session is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the council chambers at the municipal building, 205 Claremont Avenue. Municipal officials and the township’s consulting architects will be present to listen and engage with residents.

“We encourage you to attend, bring your perspectives, and help us shape a center that promotes the health and well-being of Montclair's senior citizen community,” the event advisory states.

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