NJ converts vacant space to newly renovated senior center: 'it's beautiful'

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - It's a place that's 40 years in the making.

That's how long it's been since Jersey City opened a new senior center. On Wednesday, hundreds of the City's seniors and older adults got to take in a newly renovated space that's built for them.

"Beautiful, it's beautiful," said City resident Marta Ruiz. "I can't believe it. I was surprised - when I came in, I was... shocked. Shocked. Everything is beautiful here. I love it."

What was a mostly unused space in this City office building on Central Avenue in The Heights, the Joseph Connors Senior Center now offers seniors parking, elevators, and expanded programming. All three levels of the building offer resources, including Veterans, Immigrant, and Senior Affairs offices, a game room, a new kitchen, and even a vertical farm where microgreens are grown.

"We envisioned a place that reflected how we view the importance of our seniors," said Mayor Steven Fulop. "We wanted someplace that was lively, someplace that was open, someplace that was inviting, someplace that people would go to and feel appreciated."

That's exactly how Susan Egbert feels.

"This is a new beginning," said Egbert. "This is a good start. I'm thrilled, we're thrilled, and we're excited about what new adventures are going to be here for us."