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Board clears plan to expand counseling, medical services at senior center property
Summary
The board granted a variance allowing DCRT LLC to convert and renovate the senior center building at 2517 West 8th Street to host expanded counseling and medical services alongside the senior center and a veterans project; supporters said the move will address local behavioral‑health gaps and stabilize the center's finances.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance that will let DCRT LLC move forward with plans at 2517 West 8th Street — the longtime home of the Muny Delaware County Senior Center — to host counseling, medical services and expanded programming meant to serve seniors, veterans and the wider community.
Jay Deutschman, manager for DCRT LLC, told the board the developer is acquiring the 40,000‑square‑foot property and will lease space to the senior center and a veterans project for $1 per month while renovating the other half of the building for counseling and medical services. "We're looking to renovate the other building and increase services," Deutschman said, describing plans for behavioral‑health partners and continuing‑education programs.
Julie Mirs, executive director of the senior center, said the center has struggled to keep the old building maintained and that DCRT’s proposed investment would address safety and accessibility issues. "This is an enormous and beautiful gift that DCRT is giving us," Mirs said, adding that operating costs have strained the nonprofit.
Supporters included City Mayor Dan Rydenower, county staff and veterans advocates who highlighted the need for accessible counseling and medical services for seniors and local veterans. The board approved the variance by unanimous vote after it placed a condition that the variance be specific to the applicant (i.e., not automatically transferable to future owners) so that future use remains tied to the current arrangements unless new approvals are sought.
The applicant and city staff are to continue coordinating on permit reviews and any additional land‑use steps needed for construction and occupancy.
