By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor
The City of Gallup broke ground on the new regional senior center Feb. 3. During the May 27 city council meeting, Gallup City Manager Frank Chiapetti Jr. came in front of the council to request a budget adjustment to cover what he called “Phase 3” of the project.
The project was broken up into three phases. The first phase included building the center’s dining area, offices, lobby, kitchens, storage areas, and restrooms. What the city’s Planning and Development Manager C.B. Strain calls “Phase 2A” will see the completion of a group exercise area, a fitness room, more storage space, an arts and crafts room, a library, and a billiards room. A gymnasium with a basketball court will complete the project in Phase 3.
The city council awarded Murphy Builders Inc. the construction contract for the center in December, but the city originally believed they would need to seek out additional funding for Phase 3.
City staff applied to the State Adult Long-Term Services Division with New Mexico Aging Services for a grant of $3.5 million. But when they didn’t receive the grant, city staff soon realized they didn’t need that much money for the project.
When bids came in for Phase 3, it was estimated that it would only cost $1.8 million to build the gymnasium.
Chiapetti said he worked with the City of Gallup’s CFO Patty Holland to secure the necessary funds, and now the city won’t have to apply for further funding. The city will pay for the gymnasium with funds coming out of its facilities account.
The project is expected to be an 18-months long project, finishing up in 2026.
Before the council approved the budget transfer to cover Phase 3, Councilor Ron Molina, Dist. 4, had an important question.
“I don’t know how to make this sound non-negative, but is there a need for a gym at a senior center?” he asked.
The new senior center will be located in Councilor Linda Garcia’s district, District 1. She responded to Molina’s question with a resounding “Absolutely.”
The current senior center’s gym is host to a multitude of activities, including aerobics and walking activities. When the holiday season rolls around, the room serves as overflow space during the center’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
Chiapetti said these same activities will continue at the new senior center, which is located on the east side of the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center.
