MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Supervisor Felesia A. Martin today applauded the County Board’s approval (15-2) of funding to continue planning for a long-term senior center solution serving Milwaukee’s northwest side. 

The resolution authorizes $100,000 for planning, design, and cost estimating work related to future senior services following the closure of the McGovern Senior Center, which experienced repeated flooding, mold, and significant facility deterioration over several years. 

“For months now, residents have made it clear that seniors on the northwest side deserve safe, accessible, and dependable services in their own community,” said Supervisor Martin. “Today’s action moves us one step closer to delivering a long-term solution that reflects the dignity and value of our older adults.” 

The funding will support continued collaboration between Milwaukee County’s Department of Administrative Services and Department of Health and Human Services as they evaluate options and engage stakeholders on future programming and facility needs. 

Martin emphasized the importance of community input as the process moves forward: 

“This is about more than replacing a building. The community was clear that the earlier proposal tied to senior housing was not what residents wanted, but rejecting that plan did not change the need for investment. Our seniors on the northwest side deserve safe, accessible services and a long-term solution that is shaped by the community, not imposed on it. 

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support of the $100K appropriation for the exploration of a permanent solution for the McGovern Park Senior Center. They listened to and heard the voices of our older adults who utilized the McGovern Park Senior Center.  

“Our older ‘seasoned’ adults deserve a space of their own to gather together and to support one another. I appreciate Directors Aaron Herzberg and Shakita LaGrant-McClain and their teams for their dedication to meeting the needs of our older adults on the northwest side of Milwaukee County.” 

The resolution now heads to the desk of County Executive David Crowley.