Santa Rosa may close Bennett Valley Senior Center

Cash-strapped Santa Rosa is planning to close the beloved Bennett Valley Senior Center in an effort to bridge a massive budget gap.

The city took over operations of the center in 2002, allowing seniors to continue enjoying billiards, card games and hot meals. But facing a $14.2 million budget gap, the city is now scrambling for ways to save money.

In 2012, the city partnered with a nonprofit group to build the Person Senior Wing of the Finley Community Center. Some seniors have resisted moving to the new building in west Santa Rosa, saying they enjoy the schedule of activities at the Bennett Valley Road center and don’t want to drive across town.

During recent budget deliberations, the council considered closing the aging Bennett Valley center, which was built in 1924 and needs upgrades. But the City Council held off closing it out of concern that seniors hadn’t been given enough time to share their thoughts about the plan.

Moving services for seniors to the Person Wing would save about $54,000 annually, the city estimated.

The council will address the issue at its 4 p.m. Tuesday meeting.

You can reach Staff Writer Kevin McCallum at 521-5207 or kevin.mccallum@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @srcitybeat.