* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Welch
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Informational Hearing - The Waxter Center
FOR the purpose of requesting the Executive Director of the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education and the Director of the Waxter Center to report to the City Council on the physical condition of the facility, the prognosis for a building upgrade, and plans for future delivery of services to Baltimore's aged population at the Center.
Body
Recitals
When the Waxter Center opened on May 12, 1974, it was hailed as the largest and most comprehensive senior center in the United States, with the stated concept and mission "as an alternative to institutionalizing older people, emphasis should be on prevention of illness, on socialization processes, and on maintaining independence".
The Waxter Center, utilizing the services of many public and private agencies, offered program services in education, recreation, music, dance, and creative skill classes; health services including free health monitoring, podiatry, and dentistry; employment services in job placement and training; food services in Eating Together breakfasts and lunches; and adult day care specialty services for the aged impaired and disabled, to over 3,000 members.
Almost 4 decades later, on May 4, 2006, the occasion of the 102 year birthday celebration of the widow of the man that the Waxter Center was named after brought attention to the pressing need for an estimated $5.8 million upgrade for a building that is "wearing out", with leaking plumbing and erratic heating and air conditioning.
In 2006, consultants suggested building an entrance on Eager Street and adding more natural light, in addition to upgrading the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire-protection systems. A fitness center, a library, a café, and a garden at Park Avenue and Eager Street were also seen as desirable additions to the site.
The historic center is not only important to the approximately 175 people who use it each and every day or to the 3,200 people who are registered there; it is an important part of Baltimore City government's continuum of services to its citizens in each of life's stages.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Executive Director of the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education and the Director of the Waxter Center are requested to report to the City Council on the physical condition of the facility, the prognosis for a building upgrade, and plans for future delivery of services to Baltimore's aged population at the Center.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Executive Director of CARE, the Director of the Waxter Center, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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