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Council approves feasibility study for expanding senior center into vacant Walgreens space
Summary
The City Council voted to ask the city manager to explore using part or all of a vacant Walgreens building for an expanded senior center and report potential costs and funding sources after multiple residents, advocacy groups and councilors described the center as over capacity.
The Lowell City Council on Tuesday approved a motion asking the city manager to explore the feasibility of expanding the senior center into all or part of the vacant Walgreens building and to report on potential costs and funding sources.
Speakers from the senior community and allied organizations urged the council to move quickly. "We have completely outgrown the senior center," said Maxine Farkas, co‑chair of the Council on Aging Advisory Board. "We need more than just sitting around in the great room. We want classes. We want yoga." Paul Gardett, president of the Merrimack Valley Project's Lowell chapter, called the opportunity a "golden opportunity" to expand services that include meals programs, polling, warming and cooling center functions and health education.
Councilors described rising demand: Farkas noted local residents aged 60 and older numbered about 14,300 when the facility was built and will grow to about 26,000 by 2025, figures she cited from U.S. Census calculations. Councilor Gichia and others supported a motion that specifically asked the manager to study the feasibility and report potential funding sources, including grants and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
Councilor Getchia raised a separate concern about property‑ownership history related to the senior center site and asked the auditor to review lease payments to a private owner dating to October 2021; Getchia said the city previously expected the property to revert to municipal ownership after 20 years but that accounting of payments and property status must be clarified before further leasing discussions.
The council approved the study request by roll call vote. The motion does not commit the city to a lease or purchase; it directs staff to investigate space options, estimate costs, and identify potential funding sources including grants and partnerships.
Ending: City staff will return with a feasibility report and possible funding paths; several speakers indicated petitions and community support are already being organized.
