Chelsea eyes spring 2014 to start construction on community center

Chelsea’s planned community and senior center is moving ahead, and according to Mayor Earl Niven could be open before the end of 2015.

In October, the Chelsea City Council got its first look at the plans for the proposed $3 million center, designed by architect and former city clerk Bob Wanninger. Niven said engineering plans for the facility are currently being finalized. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2014 and require 16-18 months to complete.

The new community center will be located on County Road 47 across from Liberty Baptist Church. Niven said the facility will be approximately 29,000 square feet and house multiple new features for Chelsea residents.

“We’re bringing a facility to Chelsea that gives senior adults more activities, provides youth with more basketball courts, a walking track for young and old and places for light exercise,” he said.

The community center is one of several current projects for the City, which borrowed $6 million earlier this year to kick them off. It also increased sales tax by 1 percent in 2013 to cover the cost of the loan and fund additional needs.

Other projects include the purchase of 105 acres behind Chelsea High School and constructing a sports complex. Niven said up first at the site will be the addition of baseball and softball fields and six tennis courts.

The City is also paving multiple roads and is constructing a new road leading to Forest Oaks Elementary, which Niven said is expected to open during Christmas break.

“So, we’ve got a lot going on,” Niven said. “This is still a growing community. Last year the City issued 170 building permits, and this year we’re on pace for more than 200. Chelsea is just attracting people because of the quality of life out here, and these projects show our desire to provide for the people.”