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Seniors urge council to reopen Lakeview Center; council hears repair bids and FEMA status
Summary
Residents asked the Black Mountain Town Council on Oct. 13 to prioritize reopening the Lakeview Center for seniors; councilors discussed engineering reports and local contractor bids but did not record a formal funding authorization at the meeting.
Dozens of public commenters during the Oct. 13 meeting pressed the Black Mountain Town Council to prioritize reopening the Lakeview Center for active aging and senior services.
Speakers described the center as the main site for exercise classes, socialization, tax-aide and medication education, and congregate meals for seniors who rely on Mountain Mobility for transportation. “A lot of these people don’t have family members,” said Linda Shiflett, who identified herself as a 70‑year‑old long‑time community volunteer. Others, including Carl Bartlett and Joyce Miles, said the closure has left seniors isolated and noted possible funding and compliance implications under the Older Americans Act if a congregate site is not available.
Council discussion included a review of engineering assessments and contractor bids for structural repair of the Lakeview Center’s lower level and main-floor joists. Councilor discussion referenced engineering reports from Meadowlark Engineering and Ruggles, and a contractor (Ewing Construction) submitted a bid—described in the meeting—to install additional 1x10 scab/joists and related repairs, with a figure discussed near $9,600 (the board noted that bid omitted some plumbing and electrical items and that final cost estimates vary). One council member said FEMA had determined the specific joist issue was a preexisting condition and that FEMA did not need to sign off on the quoted scope.
Several council members urged staff to put the repair authorization on the agenda for potential immediate action during the meeting; town staff and council discussed options including using general-fund reserves and recovering costs through rental revenue once the facility reopens.
Ending: Residents asked the council to act quickly; staff and some council members said the board could place the repair authorization on a future agenda or move to approve repairs by motion if the council so chose. No formal council authorization to spend general-fund dollars for the repair was recorded in the Oct. 13 minutes; council members asked staff to return with documentation and next steps for possible immediate action.
