The Tankerhoosen

Vernon's New Senior Center

The Town Council is holding a Public Hearing on the proposed new Vernon Senior Center on Tuesday, February 21. There seems to have been limited publicity on the event so I've pulled together available information in this post. It's an important issue and everyone should be aware and have an opportunity to participate at the hearing.

The information compiled here is from the February 15 Public Notice, the February 16 Journal Inquirer article, and the February 17 Town of Vernon letter to Senior Center Members. The links will take you to each document.

 

Vernon Senior Center February 21 Public Hearing

There will be a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the Town Council Chamber, 14 Park Place, Vernon at 8 p.m. to discuss passing an ordinance for the purchase and renovation of the parcel known as 135 Bolton Road for a new SENIOR CENTER.

The Ordinance is to establish a referendum to authorize the bonds for three million, two hundred forty-five thousand dollars ($3,245,000) for the purchase and renovation of the property into a new SENIOR CENTER.                                

An estimated $1.2 million would go to purchase the property, while over $800,000 would be for building renovation and $700,000 for furniture and equipment. There is also a good possibility of receiving grant money to help offset our costs.

A Vision For The Tankerhoosen Valley

On June 9, 2011 the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to present and receive input on the Plan Of Conservation & Development that will be adopted later this year and will guide the town for the next decade. Following is my testimony to the Commission outlining a vision for the Tankerhoosen Valley:

In reviewing the Draft one of our largest challenges is our aging population and attracting young families to town. At one of the POCD public input meetings several people mentioned that Vernon does not have a memorable positive identity to people living in other towns, which  might encourage people to move here.

In the POCD telephone surveys residents valued our natural resources - forests, lakes and rivers - and favored promoting and preserving our open space and greenways as well as preserving and promoting our historic resources.

I think we are missing an opportunity to create an additional positive, recognizable image, while protecting and preserving our natural resources that will also attract young families to town.