Nonprofit: Corte Madera survey favors intergenerational center

A new survey shows resounding support for the reestablishment of a town-funded center for older residents, advocates said.

Pati Stoliar, founder of Age-Friendly Corte Madera, presented the survey findings to the Town Council at its meeting Tuesday. The information is intended to bolster public support for reinstating an intergenerational center in town, an idea that staff has been developing over the last few months.

As part of its annual survey, Age-Friendly Corte Madera polled residents 60 years and older. The group collected 806 surveys. The questions covered topics such as housing, transportation, caregiving, safety and health.

Stoliar said 95% of respondents said they wanted to age in place, and one-third were unsure whether they could afford it.

“It makes us rack our brains to figure out what we do to assist that,” she said in a phone interview. “There’s housing, the intergenerational center, so much more we can do.”

Fred Cassisa, a town council member who also serves on a committee for the nonprofit, said developing realistic senior affordable housing was chief among the policy objectives for the council.

“We have to look at how we work with developers and nonprofits in order to get that done,” he said.

Additionally, the intergenerational center would provide peace-of-mind for residents who live here, Cassisa said.

“We are still trying to work out a number of details,” he said.

The survey indicated that 87% were interested in new public spaces dedicated to seniors, such as an intergenerational center.

The original site of most programs — the former Intergenerational Center at 498 Tamalpais Drive — was operated by Age-Friendly Solutions, a nonprofit. The center has since closed.

After the pandemic, programs that were once held at the center were integrated into classes and programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. The space has been restored as town offices for the department.

Competition for space at the Corte Madera Community Center has limited programs for seniors. There are 11 regular classes at the center, including fitness, yoga, bingo and watercoloring.

Town Manager Adam Wolff said Tuesday that the town is working on the details regarding a lease with the landlord on an unspecified property. Staff is also considering programming details, hours and capacity.

“All going in the right direction,” he said. “It’s a little bit slow but I think that’s a little wise in this circumstance.”

Staff plans to return to the Town Council during a closed session meeting when the lease details are finalized.

This spring, the council directed staff to research the costs of opening the center at a leased site or at the Corte Madera Community Center.

Age-Friendly Corte Madera has said it is seeking to contribute approximately $300,000 to the project.

Potential cost factors in collaborating with the nonprofit include staffing, construction, agreements with volunteer and nonprofit organizations and a timeline for implementation.

“Age Friendly Corte Madera does such fantastic work advocating for older members of our community, and their annual survey provides invaluable data on what our older residents need and want,” said Mayor Eli Beckman.

“As we look forward to bringing back our much-beloved Intergenerational Center, this survey data will also help inform what programs and classes we offer there, to make sure residents get exactly what they’re looking for.”