Politics & Government
New Committee Considers Opening Warming Shelter in Senior Center
Could the Senior Center work as a warming center? The South Chicago Heights government seems to think so.
The South Chicago Heights Village Board of Trustees formed a committee this week to look into the possibility of turning the city's Senior Center into a warming center if the need ever arises.
Last week’s snow event convinced officials that such a step might be necessary. The Senior Center is located at 3140 Enterprise Drive, and already offers blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings every other month.
The Center’s future as a warming shelter hinges on whether or not a generator would be available. Currently it doesn’t have one, but one would have to be on-site in case of a power outage.
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Acquiring a generator brand new would be expensive, between $20,000 and $25,000, Fire Chief Frank Nardoni estimated. However, one might already be available to the town, he said.
“We’ll take a look and see what we can do,” Nardoni said.
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Nardoni and Village Trustee Michael J. Tilton are among those serving on the committee. This group will likely have its first meeting this month.
In addition to acquiring a generator, whether new or used, the town will have to bear the cost of outfitting the Senior Center with supplies, like cots for an overnight stay, Mayor David L. Owen said.
