Some of Troy’s most active seniors were pleased to learn about Mayor Jimmy Lunsford’s plan for this years’ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application.

“When the clients saw it in the newspaper they were very excited,” said Hassie Green, Manager of the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center.

They were excited about Lunsford’s recommendation to the city council to apply for a $250,000 CDBG to construct a new building for the nutrition center, a program they are pleased to have in Troy.

Though the recommendation hasn’t been brought forth formally, no council members objected to the initial proposal.

The Troy Nutrition Center is currently situated in the bottom floor of the Colley Senior Complex on Elm Street.

Its main function is to provide discounted meals to citizens in the community over the age of 60.

In its present location, the nutrition center doesn’t have the room to meet the demand.

“We have outgrown the space,” Green said.

So she and the seniors she serves are hoping the grant application, which will be submitted in late August or early September, will be looked upon favorably.

“It would be wonderful,” Green said. “We would have more room, and we could take in more seniors.”

Additionally, the center could extend their hours of operation with a new building.

“There’s a lot of activities we’d like to do after hours and on weekends,” Green said. That’s not possible now since the nutrition center has to share its facilities.

Established in 1977, the center currently opens its doors Monday through Friday and some holidays. In addition to meal service, the center advocates social activities and games such as Bingo, Dominoes, Rook and Nintendo Wii. “Singing days” are held as are dances. Other seniors take advantage of exercise equipment, televisions and internet access.

Although the nutrition center coordinates its own fundraising efforts, it is primarily funded by the United States Administration on Aging through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. The center also provides transportation to seniors.

Mayor Lunsford said he would prefer to find a location somewhere near the Colley Senior Complex and City Hall, although he didn’t mention anything specific.

Previous locations have been on Segar Street and the Dunbar Community Center.