The West Windsor Senior Center, two years in the planning, will cost more than originally anticipated. Its projected cost now stands at $1.5 million, a $350,”000 increase over the architect’s initial estimates. ##M:[more]##The balance of its funding will be built into this year’s municipal budget. Business administrator Chris Marion is expected to present the budget revisions to council on Monday, March 12.
The township received grants from the county and state for $650,”000 total, and was given an additional $50,”000 by the state Department of Community Affairs.
“We want to make sure we’re meeting the needs for the people that use the senior center, while still being fiscally responsible. We need to budget appropriately,” said Marion.
At a council meeting on Monday, March 5, Marion mentioned that a group of seniors have asked for the installation of a dance floor “with a little bounce,” but the cost appears to be prohibitive.
Lynn Thornton, director of the senior center, said no changes have been made to plans for the expansion. The additional cost is due to the fact that the initial numbers were budgeted in 2005. Marion said the majority of cost increases are due to planned upgrades to the HVAC system in the existing building.
Thornton says she still expects the project to be completed by mid-2008. Michael Winkler, of Saizan Winkler, is the architect who will oversee the project.
The current structure has been a part of the town’s municipal center since 1989. The addition will include a new entrance and vestibule, in the location of the current entrance. It is intended to make the building more easily accessible for disabled citizens.
The addition will include a lounge and an activity room with a stage. The 7,”500 square foot room will seat up to 400, and can be divided by a temporary wall.
“We have a number of events throughout the year that feature live entertainment. The stage will facilitate those performances,” says Lynn Thornton, director of the senior center.
The center will have a covered walkway from the existing entrance to the vestibule connecting the expansion to the current center.
While the construction and furnishing of the addition has been paid by the township, county, and state, an independent organization, Friends of West Windsor Senior Center is organizing a fund drive to provide amenities such as a quality audio/visual system for the center. The group aims to raise $50,”000 by the time the expansion is completed.
