In tough times, it is legitimate to fuss over government spending that might be deemed non-essential. And a case can be made that the new Oak Park Township Senior Services building on Oak Park Avenue is non-essential. The programming that will be provided at the center beginning next week was already being offered by the township elsewhere in the village, albeit in cramped and considerably less accessible quarters.
But, to its credit, the township government was always straightforward in its determination to find a single site where its many worthwhile efforts on behalf of seniors could be gathered whole. They searched, they planned, they saved. And in a good deal found at the bottom of the real estate collapse, the township purchased a building at a good price.
The rehab is about complete and it has the appearance of being first rate but not over the top. The services offered to Oak Park and River Forest elders have the same reputation for quality but not excess.
Yes, we have had our misgivings about this project. But as it nears completion we offer our support to township leaders and a welcome to local seniors.
