LYNN — State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) secured $1 million for the creation of a senior center during an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending bill debate at the State House on Wednesday.
Lynn has been without a senior center for years. The cost of a new center is estimated to be around $4 million.
This funding, and the $200,000 secured by the state delegation in a fiscal year 2020 close-out supplemental budget, will assist the city with these costs.
Crighton said a city of more than 100,000 people needs a senior center where residents can socialize, participate in activities, use computers and interpretation services, eat healthy meals, and learn about health-care resources.
“I know that our city officials continue to work hard on this issue and I hope this funding we secured today can help in their efforts to get this facility up and running for our seniors to enjoy,” Crighton said.
Christopher Gomez-Farewell, director of elder services in Lynn, said he is really happy about receiving this funding and appreciates Crighton for advocating for it.
“This is something that seniors have wanted for such a long time and I’m excited to get to work because it’s something our senior residents really deserve,” Gomez-Farewell said.
Kathy Paul, Mass Senior Action president, said she appreciates Crighton for being a champion for this cause.
“We look forward to working with the senator and the city to secure this funding and make sure that Lynn has a senior center that its residents deserve,” Paul said.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee said he is thankful to Crighton and the state delegation for realizing the urgent need for a senior center in the city and for continuing to push the issue.
“It has been rewarding to work with them on this and to deliver this funding for the seniors of Lynn,” McGee said.
Ward 5 Councilor Dianna Chakoutis said this lifeline is something that has been missing in Lynn and she is proud to have worked together with the state delegation to secure this funding.
“A senior center is more than just a building; it is a source of community and provides residents with a place to interact, connect with each other, and learn about services available to them,” Chakoutis said.
