Seniors in West Harrison hope to see a new center soon

By GERALD MCKINSTRY
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original Publication: July 14, 2007)

WEST HARRISON - About 100 seniors packed into the main room at the Leo Mintzer Center Thursday to play bingo at the Underhill Avenue hot-spot.

"We fit everyone, but it's tight," said Rocco Troiano, director of the town's senior programs. "The two things we need are space and adequate bathrooms. Basically, we've outgrown the space."

With more, he said they'd be able to expand the senior program, which includes about 200 people at one of the town's two senior centers.

"Once we get our new facility, we'll introduce entertainment again," he said. "Our West Harrison group, they're dancers. They're entertainers. We have a lively good group."

The group has crowding and safety concerns. Some there said they feared what would happen if an emergency occurred during a busy afternoon. With some people having limited mobility and only one elevator that fits about six people, the existing space posed problems, they said.

"I really think it's a safety issue, said Nancy DeLeo, a member of the West Harrison Neighborhood Association's senior committee.

For well over a year, town leaders have planned a new center adjacent to the existing building. The plans have changed several times because of questions of quality, space and cost.

Supervisor Stephen Malfitano said the town considered cost effective ways to provide solutions, plans that initially included a less expensive mobile and pre-engineered structure, but have evolved into a more permanent building. "In the meantime, we can't wait. They need new space."

Now under consideration is a roughly 2,400-square-foot space for nearly $1 million with two large rooms, bathrooms, storage and a few smaller rooms for activities such as card games. It could be built later this year or early next year.

"We're looking to do something that meets the community needs," Malfitano said, "and be mindful of the future development of the site and be mindful of cost."

However, the plans and the timing are being criticized by a local resident. Lucille Held said the recent plans are shortsighted. She faulted town board members, saying they lacked the determination to complete the project.

"It's inconceivable that in two years a decision could not be made," she said.

A retired designer, Held came up with her own plan: add about 500 square feet, for things like card games and computers.

"What they're giving them is something that is going to be obsolete," she said. "They're giving them a place to play bingo. ... It doesn't meet the needs of seniors. It may not meet the needs of the future senior citizens."

Town officials are reviewing Held's designs - a reason, officials said, for recent delays. Malfitano said the plans are being tweaked and the board could vote on them later this month.

Town Board member Bob Paladino cited differences in the past over quality and location, but said the board was closer to a decision.

He also said some of Held's designs, such as the location of bathrooms, have improved the town's plan and could save it money.

Moreover, this center doesn't have to address all needs, Paladino said, citing a planned recreational and aquatic center.

"This facility may not be big enough, but the town can add other facilities," he said.

Rosemarie Verano, chairwoman of the West Harrison Neighborhood Association's senior citizen committee, said it was important that seniors get a quality building that is safe. Waiting a few months could be beneficial.