Salem Senior Center
Council on Aging had operated at the Salem Senior Center in an inadequate building (5 Broad St.) that needed much repair.
In 2006 they pursued using the location of the old St. Joseph's Church as well as sites at the Willows for a new senior center. None of these sites ultimately went forward.
Finally in 2013 after many years of deliberation and false starts, the City Council voted for going forward with the site called
"The Gateway Center" on the corner of Boston and Bridge Street (site of the old Sylvania plant).
The plans were changed in 2015 to a standalone senior center and mixed-use commercial and residential buildings. The new concept shows 3 buildings on the site.
Ground breaking was on Sept. 8, 2017 for the new Gateway Center which will be home to the Senior Center. Construction was estimated to take 1 year.
The new Senior Center opened in the second week of Sept. 2018. It's new name is the "Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center" or (CLC), at 401 Bridge Street. The 25,000 square
facility will house the Parks and Recreation Dept., the Veterans Office, the Council on Aging, as well as a library and workout room. The opening celebration
took place on Sept. 21, 2018.
See Also
Vertical File in Salem Collection - Senior Center
"Many still say no dice to Driscoll; contention over proposed Boston/Bridge Senior center" Salem News, Feb. 26, 2009, p. 1
"Expert: site not a threat; Vacant lot contaminated due to its industrial past" Salem News, Mar. 5, 2009, p. 1
"Council approves site for seniors" Salem News, Mar. 18, 2009, p. 1
"Senior center plan gets o.k.; Council votes in 10-1 in favor of financing proposal for Gateway Center." Salem News, Mar. 15, 2013, p. 1
"Senior center moves ahead; Mayor Driscoll, developer announce new design, timeline" Salem News, April 18, 2015, p.1
"Breaking ground at long last; new Senior Center is 25 years in the making" Salem News, Sept. 8, 2017, p. 1
"Salem's community life center almost ready to open" Salem News, Sept. 5, 2018, p. 1
