Rendering of new Senior Center (Courtesy of Secaucus Township)
October 16, 2023: It was a perfect Fall weather day--crisp air and warm sunshine peeking through the clouds, as dignitaries and Secaucus residents gathered to mark the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Community Center. Congressman William Pascrell, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, Incoming Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Mayor Michael Gonnelli, members of the Secaucus Town Council, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas, and Director of Senior Services Lisa Snedeker picked up the ceremonial shovel to mark the beginning of construction. By unanimous Town Council vote, the center will be named “Mayor Michael J. Gonnelli Community Center”.
The new building is estimated to cost $6.1 million and is expected to be ready in one year. The Town received a federal grant of $950,000.00 from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will allocate up to $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plans funds for the project. A Community Development Building Grant (CDBG) of $90,000.00 was used for architectural costs by architectural firm Clarke, Caton and Hintz. Brockwell and Carrington was awarded the construction of the project.
When completed, the two-story building will house the community center, a full kitchen, Meals-on-Wheels and offices for the Department of Senior Services. The community hall, with a seating capacity of 175, will be home to currently well-attended senior activities including bingo, Arts and Crafts, recreation, senior clubs, Social Fridays, and seasonal senior events. The first floor will also house a full-sized kitchen that will serve the needs of senior congregate meals and Meals-on-Wheels program. The second floor will remain as an open shell with plans for future expansion and use to be decided after the first phase of the project is complete.
“A community is known by how they treat their seniors. I know Secaucus does a great job with it and this project is part of that effort,” said Congressman Pascrell, one of the most ardent supporters of the project at the federal level.
Mayor Gonnelli thanked the members after Mr. Clancy announced that the Town Council unanimously voted to name the Center after him. “It was a big surprise that they want to do this, especially when I’m still alive,” he joked. The Mayor went on to thank all involved in the project and is excited about how the new building will assist in his Administration’s goal to continue to enhance services for our senior community.
County Executive Tom DeGise also addressed the gathering and said he was looking forward to coming back to the completed building, after he retires this year. Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council President Patrick Kelleher noted that the project will employ union workers and applauded the Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Secaucus Social Services Director Lisa Snedeker said she is looking forward to welcoming seniors into the new building and thanked the Mayor and Town Council for their support during the entire planning phase.
