Orange County NC Website
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the other senior center and said that we need to pursue <br />the possibilities that have been identified in order to make a decision within the timeframe. <br />Florence Soltys said that there are 15 acres adjacent to the Southern Human Services Center on <br />the Harare Williams property that are slated to remain as open space. She thinks we should try <br />and do something with the University in using more space than just parking space. She made <br />reference to the Institute on Aging and said that it is probably not a viable thing to think about <br />putting here. It is a research and educational institute and should not be part of the senior center <br />planning. It does not provide any kind of clinical services. She talked with Eric Munson, Director of <br />UNC Hospitals, and he is very interested in having the hospital be part of the planning for the <br />senior center. She said that he would be willing to discuss some partnership where the geriatric <br />clinic might become a part of the senior center. She said that as of July 1St there would be a <br />Division of Geriatrics at the hospital. Also, the new inpatient unit for frail elders is now very <br />functional. <br />Chair Brown said that she and Commissioner Jacobs are on the committee with the University for <br />the Horace Williams Tract. She also would like to make sure that representation was there from <br />the other two senior centers in the southern part of the County and in the northern part. She wants <br />to make sure that they are invited to be a part of this planning process. <br />Florence Soltys said that they would involve all people and they need good input. They hope to <br />involve all citizens and not just seniors in this process. <br />Jack Chestnut said that the footprints of the buildings would not really change, so he does not want <br />to get caught up in the selection of the site and delay the process. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked to talk about the potential senior center development process. She <br />suggested that instead of the Department on Aging picking members of this work group that the <br />Board of County Commissioners appoint them. <br />John Link said that they would came back with an appointment process at a later date and make <br />sure that there is good representation. He said that the Board of County Commissioners must give <br />affirmation that this is the timetable that they are going to pursue. <br />Commissioner Carey asked about any sites on the northern end and John Link said that there is <br />potential at Meadowlands. <br />Jack Chestnut said that he knows of a couple of developers that are hoping to build some senior <br />housing in the area and one of them may be interested in putting a senior center on it, but it is too <br />preliminary. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that we might want to consider the place where the developer is <br />considering offering 20 acres far the community college and see if there is additional land. <br />Bond Projects <br />Rod Visser said that this is an informational item and that they would be available to answer any <br />questions. <br />