NEW HARTFORD — In lieu of a senior center located in New Hartford, older adults in the town will be able to travel to 220 Memorial Parkway in Utica, which houses 50 Forward Parkway Center, for health, wellness, social and recreational services programs.  

At a Wednesday, Sept. 7 meeting, the town board voted to partner with 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, an organization that aims to empower older adults to live healthy lives. 

This partnership will allow New Hartford residents who are age 60 and older to partake in the programs and services offered by the Parkway Center, which includes fitness classes, virtual workshops, support groups and more. 

50 Forward will provide transportation and the town of New Hartford is going to pay for the $35 membership fee or the $30 renewal fee for interested residents.

Decision follows debate  

The partnership comes after members of the town council and residents had a heated debate at the Aug. 11 town board meeting, at which councilmen accused residents of bad behavior when the town’s Senior Center was located at the Orchard, and residents accused the council of not understanding or listening to what they wanted.  

Third Ward Councilor David Reynolds said that prior to the Sept. 7 meeting, he had met with a church on Oxford Road, which was receptive to hosting the Senior Center.  

“I think [the 50 Forward Parkway Center] is an excellent stopgap measure, it’s a great program. I also think the town should have its own senior center, and I think we should entertain that at some point, we should review that whole process,” he said. “I think one of the most important things is to have it back in New Hartford, but out of this building. It does not work in this building in any way, shape or form.”   

In response to Reynolds, a resident who had gotten up from her seat and stood at the podium for several minutes said, “Thank you, I hope that works.” 

The council did not recognize the resident.   

At a press conference at 50 Forward on Thursday, Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said, “I am pleased to make this positive announcement with my fellow colleagues. Residents deserve coordination, cooperation and results from local government and nonprofits. We cannot let municipal boundaries become a deterrent and obstacle in improving the quality of life for seniors. This partnership is a win for all involved.”

“The Town of New Hartford believes in shared services, consolidation and reducing costs. This partnership will not only reduce cost but also will expand opportunities and available programs,” said Supervisor Paul A. Miscione. "Our seniors will now be able to access the resources of a full-fledged and well established senior center. I thank Mayor Palmieri and Kelly Walters for working with the Town as this initiative will enhance the quality of life of New Hartford seniors.”

50 Forward Mohawk Valley Executive Director Kelly Walters stated, “We are excited to partner with the Town of New Hartford to encourage more senior residents of the town to access the great programs and services at the Parkway, while making the best use of resources in a more cost effective way.”

Apartment proposal tabled

In addition, the town board also tabled a decision to take the lead on a zone change request, which would jumpstart the process of the construction of an apartment complex adjacent to Sangertown Square. 

Town Attorney Herb Cully said the zone change request would change the current zoning at the mall to a new zone with a shopping mall and residential overlay. 

Cully said that if the board decides to go forward with this, it will send the proposal through the State Environmental Quality Review process, the proposal will then be sent to the planning board for site plan approval and a public hearing will be held. The decision will then go back to the town board for a final vote.   

Representatives from Pyramid Management Group, a real estate development firm, presented the proposal, which they hope will bring new life to Sangertown Square, as the focus at malls has drifted away from strictly retail, and more toward entertainment and dining. 

The representatives said the target demographics for renters will be young millennials and empty nesters. 

The proposal is in very early stages, so the representatives could not provide any specific information about the costs, the location of the building, or how many units the complex would hold.  

First Ward Councilor James Mesa introduced the idea of tabling the request until the next meeting, to give the councilors more time to think about the request. 

The next town board meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 21, at the Orchard in New Hartford.