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Northside seniors press commission to preserve Broadway Station space; potential relocation draws concern
Summary
Speakers at public comment urged the county to help sustain Northside senior programming at Broadway Station, saying alternative spaces would be inferior. Advocates said rental costs total about $107,000 annually and they have identified several potential funding sources but requested county engagement.
Three public commentators addressed the commission during the scheduled public comment period about the future of the Northside Senior Center at Broadway Station.
Cindy Zimmer (identified as a Northside resident) said she and other seniors expected a county presentation on Valley Senior Services funding but found the item was not on the agenda. She apologized for any confusion and said the group had compiled letters and funding information to leave with county staff. Zimmer told commissioners she had identified about five potential funding sources for the center’s rent, which she said is roughly $107,000 per year. She said seniors were resistant to a proposed relocation into smaller interior rooms without windows and emphasized the center’s social value.
Jill Mel said Broadway Station is an essential community space for older residents, many in their 80s and 90s, and described proposed alternate rooms as lacking windows, difficult to access and unsuitable for the center’s activities. Mel asked commissioners to consider the center’s importance to seniors’ social and emotional health and said she feared services were shifting away from the North Side.
Both speakers asked that commissioners and staff review the materials they left with county administration. County staff acknowledged receipt and said the materials would be left with Mr. Wilson for follow‑up.
Ending: Commissioners did not take immediate action during public comment but were asked to review the letters and consider options; staff acknowledged the submission and said it would be passed along for administrative follow up.
