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Council liaison reports progress, outreach for Waterford Community Center project; seniors, archives and tenants discussed
Summary
Councilor Hegland reported a series of public outreach events, a well‑attended senior information session, archival planning with the historical commission, and tenant interest from Growing Places; the council placed the communication on file.
Councilor Hegland, Gardner’s council liaison for the Waterford Community Center project, told the City Council on Oct. 6 that recent work has focused on communication, community input and planning for moving the senior center into the new space.
Hegland said the mayor, the council president and she held an information session with senior center patrons to discuss timelines, safety and vision for the new location. She described the session as well attended and said a follow-up focus group of senior staff and volunteers toured the space; attendees expressed excitement about the larger footprint and suggested program ideas.
Hegland told the council the update covered federal, state and nonprofit investments in the project and noted that multiple inspections and contractor coordination are ongoing. She said director Julie Meehan and other stakeholders are organizing work on the CAC (Community Activity Center) and that historical commission member Alan McNelly is advising on archive display and climate-control needs. Hegland said Growing Places director Anne Eagle reported satisfaction with current space and interest in expanding into an office area; the mayor will present a lease amendment to the council for that request.
Councilors praised the outreach and stressed the importance of accurate, transparent information as the project continues. Councilor Kacinskas and Councilor Mack thanked Hegland for holding public sessions; Councilor Heath described visiting the site and reported positive impressions of tenant energy.
The council voted to place the Waterford Community Center update on file, a procedural action that makes the report part of the public record and committee materials for future reference. Hegland said the work is proceeding with coordination among contractors and state and federal reviewers, and that the project team continues to track safety and preservation concerns as the buildout proceeds.
