Fulton Funds Milton Senior Center

Milton will be getting a new senior center with $295,000 in funds from Fulton County, thanks to Commissioner Liz Hausmann.

Hausmann's action put the funds into the county budget for operations of a Milton Senior Center, saying it will add much-needed senior services in North Fulton.

"I am glad to have this opportunity to add to the quality of life for older adults living in the Milton community. There is definitely an unmet need for quality senior programming.

The city has offered the historic Hopewell House for the Milton Senior Center. The house dates back to the 1800s, with documentation back to the 1830s, and some evidence for the 1820s.

Funds to renovate the building will come from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Day-to-day operations will be under contract with North Fulton Senior Services, a release from Hausmann's office said. Planned services for Milton Senior Center include group meals and activities that promote safe, active, healthy and meaningful and productive lives for seniors.

The city was to get $53,750 from Community Development Block Grant funds toward the renovation of the building. In November 2011, consultant Lew Oliver told City Council it would cost around $50,000 to tear out what was done to the old house in the 1970s and demolish the upstairs. Oliver suggested the Hopewell house could serve as a community building with a partial restoration, adding an accessible bathroom and catering kitchen.