Senior center moves ahead





Calabasas officials took a step closer to the creation of a new community center dedicated to seniors at a meeting on Nov. 28.

In response to the pleas of a large group calling themselves “Savvy Seniors,” the City Council agreed to start conceptual designs for a new senior center.

Last year the Savvy Seniors worked with the city to create numerous new classes and programs for people over the age of 50 who want to stay active and involved in the community.

A senior task force consisting of two council members and six citizens determined the city should have a dedicated place for seniors because it would promote dignity and self-esteem, foster independence and encourage social interaction among local seniors.

“We are elated with the City Council’s consensus that the City of Calabasas will have a senior center,” said task force member Sue Somberg.

After evaluating several possible sites throughout Calabasas, the task force and council agreed the Civic Center would be an ideal place for the senior center because it’s close to many other amenities, such as The Commons shopping center and the library.

“It is a fact that as we age we become more reluctant to drive,” said public speaker Bill Davis, remarking that the Civic Center is a perfect location because a majority of the city’s seniors live on the east end of Calabasas.

Other speakers agreed. They said seniors are familiar with the Civic Center area, which is flat and well-lit. Some suggested trolley and city shuttle schedules should be adjusted to make sure seniors who live at the other end of town can use public transit to get to the center.

The size and exact location of the proposed senior center has not been determined, though it may be built in the back parking lot at city hall. The city allocated $25,000 to start the project.

“I’m thrilled and very excited about this,” Councilmember David Shapiro said.

In coming months, the city will host meetings and workshops to gain ideas and feedback from the public.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *