DERRY — Derry seniors hold out hope they will soon have a place to call their own.
As plans for the Nutfield Senior Center move forward, organizers still hope the town will pitch in money to help support the cause.
Members of the Nutfield Senior Center Corp., led by Dr. John Moody, approached the Town Council earlier this year and requested $396,000 to help fund the center. The proposal calls for a 5,000-square-foot addition to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry's existing 30,000-square-foot facility.
Approximately $1.2 million is needed to get the center project built and to establish an operating reserve.
Right now, many questions remain unanswered concerning some of the details of the center, including insurance, liability, and fee structure for activities and programs. Councilors questioned center proponents on these and other issues about the senior space.
"We still have a long way to go," Moody told councilors. "These are very legitimate questions we will get answers to."
Derry resident Roberta Robie questioned the location of the center and said many of her older friends say they don't like the location.
"They want a center closer to the downtown," Robie said. "They want a senior center of their own."
Robie added she liked the idea of mixing generations, but said older citizens also appreciate a place of their own.
"(They want) some peace and quiet," she said. "They deserve that and earned that."
Robie urged councilors to consider a town-owned facility for the senior population.
"They are your parents and grandparents," she said.
Moody said he planned to come before the Town Council this month and answer some of the remaining questions. Councilors may consider a public hearing on the senior issue so residents could express their opinions.
