Hundreds of concerned residents filled a Salt Lake County Council meeting Tuesday to oppose a controversial decision threatening to permanently shutter a beloved community facility serving nearly 600 older adults.
The Tenth East Senior Center, currently undergoing renovation at 237 South 1000 East in Salt Lake City, faces permanent closure following a partisan 5-4 council vote earlier this month. The Republican majority approved the measure despite having unanimously authorized a $10 million reconstruction project just three years ago.
Partisan Vote Draws Fire
Council Member Aimee Winder Newton proposed the closure during a November 5 budget discussion, arguing the decision would save approximately $400,000 annually in operational expenses while potentially recovering millions allocated for the renovation project. About $3 million has already been spent on construction work that began in September.
The facility temporarily closed for an 18-month remodel scheduled to add a new cafe-style kitchen, expanded fitness areas, improved grounds, and a redesigned entrance. Participants were informed the center would reopen with enhanced amenities following the construction period.
Newton defended the closure by citing proximity to Liberty Senior Center, located less than two miles away. She acknowledged community anger would likely follow but maintained that consolidation represents sound fiscal management amid challenging budget constraints.
Community Members Voice Opposition
Tuesday’s public comment session attracted numerous seniors and advocates expressing frustration over the lack of public notice before the initial vote. Many characterized the decision as a betrayal after being promised facility improvements.
David Oman, a regular attendee who visited five days weekly, criticized the process for excluding input from affected populations. He participated in French language clubs, art programs, educational lectures, and recreational activities including pickleball during his time at the facility.
Former state legislator Joel Briscoe attended the hearing to express his astonishment at the council’s action. Multiple speakers voiced similar sentiments of anger and dismay at what they perceived as insufficient consideration for vulnerable populations.
One community member described the closure as a fundamental betrayal, using the phrase “bait and switch” to characterize the situation. Another declared the decision left them feeling outraged by what they saw as poor governance.
Social Connection Beyond Services
For many participants, the center provides critical social infrastructure extending far beyond recreational programming. Oman described forming unexpected friendships that became essential support networks for managing mental health challenges including depression.
Members rely on peer connections developed through daily interactions at the facility. These relationships serve as informal mental health support systems where individuals check on each other’s wellbeing and offer assistance during difficult periods.
The proposed alternative of relocating to Liberty Senior Center has proven unsatisfactory for many current participants. Complaints about that facility include overcrowding, insufficient space for programming, and transportation difficulties for seniors with limited mobility or lacking personal vehicles.
Fiscal Responsibility Debate
Democratic council members sharply criticized the closure as fiscally irresponsible given the substantial investment already committed to renovation work. Council Member Jiro Johnson, whose district includes the facility, argued the decision wastes millions in unrecoverable expenditures.
Johnson emphasized that the council had approved renovation funding and actively promoted the planned reopening to senior populations as recently as September. He predicted significant constituent backlash similar to reactions over recent daycare center closures the council also approved.
Council Member Ross Romero raised concerns about transparency and decision-making processes, noting residents received inadequate notification before the vote. He advocated delaying the decision to allow proper public input before making final determinations.
Supporters of the closure cited changing fiscal circumstances since the original renovation approval. Council Member Laurie Stringham, who voted for the initial reconstruction project, argued that evolving federal funding patterns and economic conditions now necessitate different budgetary choices.
Growing Senior Population Context
The closure decision comes as Salt Lake County experiences dramatic demographic shifts toward an aging population. County data shows senior residents increased by 19 percent over the past five years, with projections indicating an additional 28 percent growth by 2035.
Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services requested $926,000 in additional 2026 funding to address increasing demands and rising service delivery costs. Division officials expressed concern about future sustainability given uncertain state funding commitments.
The southwestern region of Salt Lake County contains the highest concentration of senior residents according to demographic analysis. This geographic distribution raises questions about service access and facility placement strategies moving forward.
Historical Significance
The Tenth East Senior Center opened July 11, 1963, following collaborative efforts between multiple organizations including the Salt Lake Community Welfare Council, Council on Aging, County Commission, and City Parks Department. The facility replaced an earlier recreational program launched in 1955 that rapidly outgrew its initial location.
The center has served multiple generations of Salt Lake County seniors over six decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone institution within the community. Programming expanded significantly since its founding to address evolving needs of older adult populations.
Building Ownership Considerations
While Salt Lake County operates the senior center programs, Salt Lake City retains ownership of the physical building. Newton indicated the property would revert to city control for future consideration should the closure proceed.
Salt Lake City officials acknowledged awareness of the county council vote but declined immediate comment on potential plans for the facility. This ownership structure adds complexity to final resolution of the center’s fate.
Budget Timeline and Public Input
The closure will not become official until the council approves the complete 2026 budget in December. A public hearing on budget matters and proposed property tax increases is scheduled for December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
Residents retain opportunities to provide input on the proposal before final budget adoption. Council members emphasized during Tuesday’s session that community voices could still influence the ultimate decision.
The December hearing represents a critical juncture for advocates hoping to reverse the closure decision or negotiate alternative solutions that preserve senior services while addressing county budget concerns.
