Council open to supporting new senior center in town

“You guys are headed there too…” 

By Mark Reaman

The idea of a new senior citizen center in the North Valley is gaining traction and a new nonprofit charged with developing such a center asked the Crested Butte town council last week to consider having the town donate the former High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) offices in the Depot for the project. Council was open to the idea while staff said more conversations were needed to flesh out the details of what was being asked and what could be possible.

Spearheaded by Lisbeth Carter, a group of more than a dozen local seniors showed up to speak during the public comment section of the April 15 town council meeting. Eva Veitch of the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging out of Grand Junction said there was an identified need and no current indoor space for seniors to gather for meals and activities in Crested Butte or Mt. Crested Butte. She said a lot of North Valley seniors go to Gunnison for such services. She said the hope was to eventually have an accessible space open Monday through Friday that provided meals and services to local seniors.

“There is an urgent need for such a space,” said Carter. “Having a permanent space is best since setting up and breaking down a space is a burden to volunteers. The unmet need for local seniors is obvious. We would like a sense of permanence and security to proceed and that space at the north end of the Depot where the HCCA offices were located is perfect.”

“That is a tremendous space to get together,” agreed Jerry Deverell. “It is big and light and spacious. Please help us.”

“The space is fantastic, and the intergenerational opportunities really struck me,” said Kate Seeley. “I can envision all sorts of programs there.”

“Older adults are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness,” said Jane Banks. “Having a social network helps and this is a way to support our older community.”

“It is really needed up here. I would like to maintain age diversity in town and this could help,” said Sue Navy. “We need intergenerational opportunities to share knowledge. We have so much in Crested Butte but no senior center. We used to have one on Elk Avenue. It is something really needed.”

“I live in Mt. CB and I know when we do things together we can accomplish great things,” said Donna Walker, who said there were a lot of talented people in the valley who could contribute to a vibrant center.

“It can be a place for resources when people are looking for various kinds of help,” said Annie Starr. “It can be a great gathering place for all locals.”

“I support this wise proposal,” added Jim Starr. “Town has a great history of supporting seniors and I see it as being a great resource center for people of all ages in town. It would be wise for the council to put this on a regular agenda and move forward without a whole lot of delay.”

“I’m hoping this becomes a reality for me when I get old,” said Diana Graves. “It is a commonplace thing to have in communities that care, and we’re nothing if not caring. You guys are headed there too.”

At the end of the council meeting, council members expressed general support for the concept.

“I’m very much in favor of a senior center,” said councilmember Mallika Magner. “It is unfortunate to watch our older residents have to leave town. I think this would help with support. I’d like to find a way to make it happen.”

Town manager Dara MacDonald said the ideas being talked about had shifted quickly so staff needed to pin down the needs of the group and the proposal being offered.

She said that with an impending renovation of the current town hall’s second floor, staff had earmarked that Depot space for temporary offices for staff being moved out of their offices for the construction project that is estimated to start in January of 2025 and last four months.   

“We also want to make sure Beth (Carter) and the group understand the Depot is a very active rental space, especially in the summer,” she said. “There is music and weddings and people using the kitchen at times. We just need to have more conversations.”

In response to a question from councilmember Beth Goldstone, MacDonald said that space would normally be offered up to the entire nonprofit community and then a lottery held to see which group would get the lease. “But council can direct us differently,” she said. “Ultimately that is a political decision if you want the senior center to jump the line.”

“I’m excited to have something like this,” said councilmember Gabi Prochaska. “But I need to know more about the facilities plan and other spaces.”

MacDonald said there was some future potential to use the current fire hall as a community center once the fire district moves out to its new campus north of town.

“I see the intergenerational connection opportunity as a great boon to town,” said councilmember Anna Fenerty.