Senior Center Forum March 23, 2010 Approximately eighty residents attended the two public forums that were held on March 23 to update the community on the progress of the Senior Center Project.  The program, sponsored  by the COA board, featured presentations by Terri Tsagaris, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the Selectman, and the building’s architect, Bill Sterling. Those attending viewed a  slide presentation and received copies of the plans for the proposed  building. A description of the extensive review process required to build within Wellesley helped explain the reasons for the delay encountered on this project. While the study of the parking situation concluded that the space available is adequate, that issue has remained a major concern. Several possible solutions are being considered, including increased bus transportation, satellite parking and a volunteer driver program. The presentations noted a substantial reduction in the current estimate of building costs compared with the original estimate.  The data on demographics indicated that since the study for this project began, the percentage of seniors within Wellesley has risen from 19% to 29% of the total population. Pictures were displayed of senior centers in three neighboring communities that were visited by members of the Senior Study Committee.  Another display showed that the number of individual participants using these new/expanded facilities doubled or tripled within 18 months of opening. A number of individuals responded to the request for volunteers to help as this project moves forward. Anyone interested in joining the effort, can leave their name with the COA office and will be contacted by someone from the Public Relations Committee. Mary Dummer Public Relations Committee