During this week’s Salt Lake County Council meeting the Republican majority voted to close the beloved 10th East Senior Center.
Similar to the daycare closure, the action came without any specific notification to the public or to the seniors who rely on the services provided at the center. Nearly 600 seniors visit the center for meals, recreational opportunities, and critical social interactions with their peers and community.
In November 2022, the County Council voted unanimously to fund a $10 million re-build of the aging senior center. The decision to rebuild the center was made after residents expressed significant support for the project.
All four Democratic members of the County Council voted to keep the center open, and to honor the commitment made by the County to its seniors to rebuild the facility.
Reconstruction of the center began in September of this year, and approximately $3 million has already been spent on the project. The County will need to spend additional funds to ramp down the project and to demolish the building.
Closing this senior center will result in millions of taxpayers dollars being completely wasted.
Salt Lake County residents who may be concerned by the closure, or by the process used to implement it, should reach out to Council Members who voted to close the center and voice their concerns. They can also attend weekly Council meetings to make comments. More information can be found at https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/council/.
