GREENFIELD — The brand-new John Zon Community Center is expected to open for the public next month and Mayor Bill Martin expects the project to be both under budget and ahead of schedule.
The new senior and community center on Davis Street is expected to open officially in mid-March, with two open houses expected this weekend. The project, according to Martin, is not completely done, though it is expected to remain under budget.
“The present balance of budget is roughly under budget by $200,000,” Martin said.
According to Martin, the project is “still waiting for some odds and ends” but said that about 99 percent of expenses are in order.
The project was originally approved for $4.2 million in April 2016.
Martin said that the building is expected to be able to used by the general public by mid-March — roughly two to three months before the city anticipated its opening in May or June.
Before then, the city will hold its two open houses at the community center, first for city councilors and other city officials on Friday, March 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. Then, the public is invited to another open house the following day, March 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Council on Aging will also move into the location March 5.
The community center is about 9,800 square feet, Martin said. Its location includes five offices, four meeting rooms and large and small meeting spaces for the community.
“It’s beautiful,” Hope Marcary, Council on Aging Director, said. “It really positions Greenfield as a community that can meet the needs of the growing senior population — and there are many.”
The new building, which Marcary described as “bright, welcoming, clean” and with “modern lines,” is also energy-efficient, including LED lighting and Energy Saver appliances, according to Martin.
You can reach Dan Desrochers at:
ddesrochers@recorder.com
(413)772-0261 ext. 257