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Agreement between city, Roper paves way for new senior center in West Ashley


Agreement between city, Roper paves way for new senior center in West Ashley
Agreement between city, Roper paves way for new senior center in West Ashley
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WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCIV) -- Charleston City Council will soon decide the next step in a proposed senior citizens' center in West Ashley. The plan is to build the Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital campus and allow the hospital to to manage the facility.

Late Monday afternoon, the city's committee on real estate voted unanimously to execute a letter of agreement between the City of Charleston and Roper St. Francis Hospital. It's a similar agreement to an already popular location for older residents to gather during their retirement.

Terry and Elizabeth Brown enjoy exercising at Lowcountry Senior Center on Riverland Drive on James Island, but they say making the trip to the island from their home in West Ashley is time-consuming.

That's why they hope a new center will be built on property near the Roper St. Francis Hospital.

"A senior center in that area would be next door or much more convenient to seniors in the West Ashley area," said Terry Brown.

The Browns are just two of many retirees who have asked local leaders to look at options to build a new facility similar to the Lowcountry Senior Center. The city owns the building, but it's managed by the hospital.

"It's been a wonderful way to bring a much needed community service, bring it to the older adults in our community without it being a financial burden really on either party," said Elizabeth Bernat, the Director of Senior Services at Roper St. Francis.

So far, hospital officials and city leaders are moving forward with plans to build a new facility near Henry Tecklenburg Drive. It's another step in helping retirees living in West Ashley find a more local spot to stay active.

"Convenience and being a short ways away from their home is absolutely critical to their being able to use a senior center as a gathering place," said Terry Brown.

Research from Roper St. Francis shows in the zip codes of 29414 and 29407, there are 25,000 people who are over the age of 50. That's why there's a demand for a new senior center in West Ashley.

On Tuesday night, city council members will talk about a contract for an architectural firm that will design the new building.

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