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Senior center leaders and members urge more space, accessibility improvements at Tanner Building
Summary
Senior center speakers told the board that the Tanner Building senior center has been reduced to one room and half a kitchen, limiting programming as attendance grows; officials said door retrofits and electronic closers are scheduled and staff will pursue larger-space options over time.
Multiple speakers representing the senior center told the Board of Aldermen the senior center’s usable space has been reduced and that members need improved accessibility.
Debbie Carter and Carlene Robinson (senior center director) described program growth: weekly events have grown from about a dozen to more regular attendance of roughly 25 at some activities. They said the center previously occupied an entire floor but now is limited to one room and half the kitchen, which constrains programming and can force visitors into the kitchen when officials or guests present.
Concerns included accessibility at entry doors and bathroom doors. The city responded that Lakeway Glass has been contacted to retrofit existing doors, that electrical work for automatic door openers was completed prior to the flood in the area referenced as "Helene," and that staff have the necessary door-closer hardware and will install the retrofit soon.
Speakers asked the council to help identify more space for senior programming over the long term. City staff and council members said they have discussed potential future facility options and that they will continue exploring opportunities; no formal appropriation or relocation plan was adopted at the meeting. The senior center announced an open house scheduled for Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why it matters: the senior center provides ongoing programming that speakers said supports mobility, social connection and public-health goals for older residents; speakers asked the city to preserve and expand programming space and accessibility features.
