DANA POINT : Building to Be Used as Community Center

After nine months of debating what to do with a building donated to the city by developer Barry Brief, the City Council has approved plans to turn it into a community center for senior citizens and other residents.

“This is a wonderful first step for Dana Point,” said Marilyn Ditty, executive director of South County Senior Services Inc. “We feel this location lends itself best to the needs of seniors.”

Under the plan, the 1,500-square-foot building, at Stonehill and Alipaz roads, will be gutted and then made into a facility with a large recreational room, said Bonnie Nicholl, community services manager. A 400-square-foot addition with a kitchen and bathroom will be attached.

The city will pay about $140,000 to improve the building and the surrounding area, with federal grants contributing $60,000, Nicholl said. Construction is expected to begin in November.

Senior citizens “have asked us every budget year to help them out, and we have always deferred it for more and more studies,” Councilwoman Judy Curreri said. “I am delighted that we’re finally going to find a solution for the seniors.”

Councilman William L. Ossenmacher, who voted against the plan along with Councilwoman Toni Gallagher, disagreed.

“I do not believe this project is cost-effective, and there is no pressing need to move forward with this now,” Ossenmacher said.