Senior center director details services as neighbors warn a new garage would harm adjacent seniors

Laura Rondos, the senior life director, told council the senior center serves more than 500 active members, with roughly 60% from Fairview Park. She described weekly exercise classes, educational and social programs, a restaurant‑grade kitchen that serves about 200 federally funded meals per week (suggested $1 donation) and the center’s role as an emergency evacuation site because it has a generator.

Several residents who live near the proposed 22100 Mastic Road purchase stressed that the senior population in the neighborhood — including those with COPD, asthma and mobility limitations — could face increased exposure to dust, diesel and salt storage if a service garage and heavy equipment were placed adjacent to their homes and the senior center. Speakers asked the city to explore alternate sites that would not place industrial operations next to senior housing and community facilities.