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Community leaders propose privately funded community‑center overhaul; council asked to commit to staff support
Summary
The Community Center Advisory Board and the Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation presented a plan on Sept. 3 to renovate the existing community center interior and expand senior programming without enlarging the building footprint. Private donors have pledged a lead gift estimated at $120,000–$140,000 for capital; the boards asked the council
A coalition of community volunteers and the Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation told the council on Sept. 3 they have a fundraising plan and a private lead gift to renovate the community center's downstairs space to expand senior services, and they asked the village to commit to hiring staff to operate the expanded program.
Gwen Hauck, president of the Community Center of Ridgewood Foundation, described a multi‑year vision to create a welcoming, accessible senior hub that would add social, wellness and program space "without expanding [the] footprint" of the building. Foundation and advisory board members emphasized the demographic case: about 25 percent of Ridgewood's population is 55 and older and roughly 13–14 percent is 65 and older. They cited AARP age‑friendly designation and state policy encouraging communities to provide age‑friendly services.
The foundation reported a lead private commitment of roughly $120,000–$140,000 to cover most near‑term capital upgrades and asked the council to support the initiative by approving staff additions in the 2026 budget: a full‑time program coordinator (estimated salary $54,000) and two part‑time recreation professionals (15 hours/week at $25/hour; estimated $25,000/year). The presentation also requested a $75,000 village line item to support project administration and a village project specialist to act as general contractor for renovations; foundation members said most capital costs would be privately raised and the foundation will continue community fundraising and a planned larger public appeal.
Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Bigos, who addressed operations and flood risk for the basement facility, said staff will include flood‑mitigation work in the design and the department will explore grant opportunities to offset operating costs. Council discussion was broadly supportive of the concept, though members asked staff to confirm budget timing and explore ways to absorb headcount as retirements occur or to offset cost through grants. One council member urged conservatism in adding permanent headcount and recommended the village evaluate the full budgetary impact in the 2026 budget process.
Why it matters: The proposal aims to expand senior programs and reduce social isolation with relatively limited local capital investment by leveraging private philanthropy while asking the village to commit to ongoing staffing for programming and operations.
Attributions: The presentation was delivered by Gwen Hauck (Community Center Foundation), Liz Cloke (Foundation), Sheila Brogan (board member) and Nancy Bigos (Parks & Recreation director). Direct quotes and program details originated with those speakers.
