Huntington Senior Center getting $1.25M in state funds to replace roof

When it rains, water soaks part of the ceiling at the Huntington Senior Center, creating a safety hazard, said Kevin Thorbourne, director of the town's Department of Human Services, which oversees the center.

“When the seniors are sitting there having a nice lunch and you look up, and you’re missing tiles or they are dirty from water stains, it doesn’t look nice," he said.

Soon "we can provide a new dining area for the seniors to come in and enjoy, feel safe and eat in a clean environment,” Thorbourne said.

The senior center is getting $1.25 million in state funds for upgrades, including replacing the roof, which features a glass atrium covering a portion of the dining area, and new countertops, stove, refrigerator and other equipment for the kitchen.

Town Supervisor Ed Smyth estimated it will cost $1.6 million to fix the roof. The grant was secured through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability and Technology Program, which funds capital projects. Of the grant, $1 million will be used for the roof, with the remainder for the kitchen work.

The town will use $600,000 from reserves to pay the balance of the roof replacement, Smyth said. The town will have to lay out the entire cost of the project and will be reimbursed by the state. 

The senior center, at 423 Park Ave., which celebrated its 50th anniversary in March, is a hub of activity for about 2,500 Huntington Town residents 60 and older who grab lunch or participate in a variety of activities, from exercise classes to bingo.

The town is contracting with North Babylon-based Milcon Construction Corp. for the roof replacement. Town officials said it has not yet been determined who will do the kitchen work.

Smyth said work is expected to begin in September and should take three months.