RENSSELAER COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Exactly one year ago this week, plans to buy a vacant property to newly house seniors in Rensselaer County were underway. The work to reinvent the property began shortly after and on Wednesday the center had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening.
What used to be a former Dollar Tree, at 21299 NY 22, is now transformed into a senior center in Hoosick Falls for those living in Rensselaer County. This was a year-long effort to reimagine senior living, and county officials worked together to improve the quality of living for the community's aging population.
The center is one of five in the county and has been moved from the old location at the John A. Murphy Rensselaer County Regional Services Center, which was deteriorating and not accessible for all seniors. Darcie Casey, Commissioner of Aging in Rensselaer County, said the center is made to be modern and more accessible.
"It’s not your typical bingo setting stereotype that is usually linked with a senior center," Casey said. "So we're reimagining, aging, and we’re thinking outside the box with modern technology and activities as well.”
The new center has a cardio area, a movie theater, a kitchen where meals can be prepared in house and even mental health services. The building has significantly more parking, and the county has also put a satellite DMV office in the center to support services in the area.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin said they listened to the seniors’ wants and accommodated their needs.
"So we listen to our seniors," McLaughlin said. "You wanted the exercise room, you got it. We have people there, that was a big thing for you folks. So I’m like oh it’s their center, were going to do what they want."
Casey said the county is looking to involve more seniors and hopes that the new activities will bring a sense of community to those of the same age.
"Social engagement, we obviously want them socialized that’s very important," Casey said.
Harold Stevens, a senior at the center said this center is better than the old one, and the seniors have already had a welcoming experience.
"Most of us are family, you know, not that we’re related," Stevens said. "It’s just is for a family of old-timers."
