Jamestown council weighs $995,000 "major repair" for West Street senior center while debating long-term alternatives

Jamestown town officials on Tuesday reviewed three design-and-cost options for the West Street senior center and discussed whether to fund an about $995,000 package of urgent repairs or instead pursue a larger capital project.

The senior center discussion followed a staff presentation from the town administrator and public works staff explaining results from Union Studios and cost estimates from a professional estimator. The highest-cost option was a full demolition and rebuild estimated at about $6.1 million; a complete renovation of the existing building was estimated at about $4.7 million. The staff-proposed middle course, labeled a "major repair," totaled about $995,000 and would focus on HVAC replacement, two bathroom renovations, interior plumbing upgrades, electrical upgrades, basement-floor demolition and waterproofing, selective framing and insulation, improved storage and modest accessibility and technology work. Town staff reported $110,000 in available capital and said the remaining $885,000 would need to be identified.

Town Administrator Eric reported that the $4.7 million and $6.1 million figures were cost-estimator numbers that reflect prevailing wages and post‑COVID supply and labor conditions; staff said some municipal in‑house labor could reduce price, but subcontracted trades (electricians, plumbers) drive the larger numbers. "The HVAC replacement alone is a quarter of a million dollars," the administrator said.

Council members and the senior advisory group debated three practical choices: spend roughly $1 million now to address urgent building systems and add modest functional space; use temporary town facilities (the golf clubhouse second floor has been used for programming) while planning and bonding for a new, generational facility; or pursue a larger bond-funded project now. Several council members and the senior advisory chair said the West Street building carries emotional value for seniors and that a renovated West Street could be acceptable if the scope improved staff workspace, privacy for one-on-one meetings, kitchen function and storage. Others urged caution about putting a large band‑aid into an older structure that may need more work in a few years.

Council members also discussed alternative sites: the Lawn Avenue School (already accessible and equipped with a kitchen and ADA access) was proposed as a potential longer-term location that could combine senior programming with school facilities and create multiuse benefits. Several councilors encouraged exploring whether seasonal or interim programming could continue at the golf clubhouse or rec center while a larger plan is developed.

The council did not adopt a capital appropriation at the meeting. Councilors asked staff to include the senior center options in the coming bond/ capital planning discussions, to prepare clear, small-scope plans and drawings for the $995,000 option (so the council and public can see the footprint and proposed interior changes), and to evaluate interim relocation options with the senior advisory group. The council indicated it would consider the major repair candidate alongside other potential bond items at the February meeting.

The senior advisory group representative said the committee favored an option that preserves West Street while improving staff space and privacy. Molly (Senior Services director) confirmed the Second Floor of the golf clubhouse has hosted some programs and said it worked for limited uses but is not a long‑term replacement for the West Street facility.