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Avon approves $100,000 supplemental grant for Senior Center project after debate over relocating Social Services
Summary
The Board approved a $100,000 legislative grant and CIP appropriation to begin a Senior Center project that would add 750 sq ft for programming and convert existing craft space to office space to relocate Social Services; the $416,710 total project cost and timing drew split votes (4-2-1).
The Avon Board of Finance voted to add a $100,000 CIFA legislative grant to the FY 25/26 budget and to increase the corresponding CIP appropriation for Senior Center improvements after a lengthy discussion about cost, access and alternative uses for the funds.
Town staff presented a plan—summarized in an Assistant Town Manager memo and described in the meeting minutes—calling for a two-phase project. Phase one would add a 750-square-foot bump-out to create a new craft/program room (estimated $334,063). Phase two would convert the existing craft room into office and conference space to relocate Social Services into the Senior Center (estimated $82,647), for a total projected cost of $416,710. Staff noted $100,000 is a legislative earmark that must be spent by June 30, 2026 and that about $232,000 remained from an existing capital project appropriation; the proposed FY 26/27 budget would add another $200,000 after July 1 if approved, creating an available funding pool of $532,000.
The proposal split the Board. Kathy Randall questioned the need and the cost, saying it was "a lot of money" to relocate essentially two staff and argued immediate Senior Center repairs—carpeting, doors, chimney—might better serve seniors. She also disputed the level of program use, noting she had observed only a few participants on many visits. Randall said she had priced carpet and believed renovations could be completed quickly.
Town staff defended the plan. Brandon (staff) described mobility and confidentiality issues at the current Social Services location, saying the current layout requires some visitors to take a long route to reach an elevator and then return through multiple corridors. "The mobility, the accessibility, and just the overall convenience for the public and the staff of having this in one location," Brandon said, "is primarily the public, and that's why we think it needs to be done and prioritized." Christine Pescatore added operational detail, saying she frequently moves between locations to assist people who "can't come up the stairs." Board members who supported the motion cited consolidation benefits and the availability of the expiring legislative grant. Those opposing said the project scope, timing and price tag were disproportionate to current Senior Center usage.
On the motion to amend the FY 25/26 budget to add the $100,000 grant and the CIP appropriation, Gisnarian, Lowry, Rousey and Szekeres voted in favor; Randall and Salchert opposed and Johnson abstained. The motion carried 4-2-1.
