The survey says… ‘yes.?
The Older Persons Task Force, consisting of representatives from Addison, Orion and Oxford townships, were charged with looking into the feasiblity of a combined senior center for the three communities, and it now appears they have an answer.
Surveys were dropped off at random spots throughout the three townships, over the course of the past two months.
In all, 420 responses on the four-question survey were collected.
More than 70 percent of those surveyed said they would support the concept of a combined senior center.
More than 50 percent of the respondents said that each of the listed ‘possible services? were ‘very important,? while most of the other surveyed said the services were ‘somewhat important.?
This list of services included health and wellness, transportation, adult day care services, programs, and outreach services for families.
Of the 420 respondents, 45 percent said they would ‘definitely? support the concept of the center, while 27 percent said ‘maybe yes.?
The percentages of those in favor of a construction bond and an operating millage, which would be required to make a combined center a reality, were both over 50 percent, for ‘total yes.?
Pat Piskulich, Director of the Public Affairs Research Laboratory at Oakland University, helped in both the creation of the survey and its interpretation.
He employed a sampling strategy used by the Older Persons Center (OPC) in Rochester. ‘I think the idea that they’re running with is that there’s great support for the concept, and a little less support for passing a millage on it,? Piskulich said of the results.
He said the manner in which the surveys were conducted made them more suggestive than representative. ‘You can’t call it scientific, but the results were positive enough that (the task force is) moving forward,? Piskulich said.
‘Positive? was a word used by many when members of the task force, which met to discuss the results on June 9 at Orion Township Hall.
‘I think it was very positive,? said Orion Senior Center Director Lisa Sokol of the surveys. ‘We’re real optimistic.?
In fact, the group is so optimistic that they are looking into a possible inclusion on the November general election ballots.
The task force’s discussions are still ongoing, and the group will meet again in the coming weeks.
North Oakland Transportation Authority Director Pat Fitchena agreed that the survey response was positive, but noted that the next steps in the process are critical.
‘A lot of work has gone into this,? she said. ‘We want to make sure it gets done right.?
A vote on the combined center could be delayed until 2008, if ballot language is not ready by this year’s November election.
The task force is currently looking into building facility costs and the language that would be required.
This ‘language? would have to be approved by each township’s respective board by August 20, meaning that the proposal would likely need to be turned in to the boards no later than early July.
Regardless of whether it happens now or down the road, the task force members said they will remain committed to their goal.
‘We’re looking forward to meeting the needs of seniors in the three communities,? Sokol said, noting there will be many new programs available in the combined center. ‘The more we can offer diverse programs, the better,? she added.