On April 6, 2010, the Kentucky Department for Local Government awarded the City of Florence with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the construction of a new Senior Citizen Center. This grant, along with a $100,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and $1.35 million of City funds, is an investment into the lives of over 6,500 current Florence seniors over the age of 55.

Following two years of planning with various stakeholders and citizens, the City has adopted plans for the new 8,700 sq. ft. single-story Center that will include multi-purpose rooms for exercise and other group activities, wellness room, a reading room, computer room with laptops and wireless capability, reception area, and a commercial-grade kitchen capable of preparing meals for 100 people. In addition, the center will have a large, covered patio area that will be accessible from one of the multi-purpose rooms. As the City is dedicated to utilizing and promoting the use of “green” design elements, the Center will also include a geothermal HVAC system with radiant floors, gas-filled and triple-paned windows, and a green roof system.

The Center will be ADA accessible throughout and contain emergency call buttons in restrooms, low friction flooring, and handrails in strategic locations. A variety services and programs will be offered, all designed to enrich the lives of Florence senior residents. Some of these programs and activities include health screening and testing, counseling, congregate meals, wellness and recreational activities, and other social and educational activities and programs as well. The City will hire an outside agency to operate the facility and administer the various programs.

The Center will be located at the site of the former Florence City Building property, located at 7341 U.S. 42. This location was chosen in part for its central location and ease of access, as well as its close proximity to other public and private facilities, such as the Florence Branch of the Boone County Public Library and existing senior living facilities. A twelve-month construction period is anticipated, and completion is expected mid- to late 2011.

Andy Baker, Northern Kentucky Area Development District, prepared the CDBG application for the grant and will serve as the Administrator for the project. Please contact Andy Baker with any questions at 859.283.1885.