Madison Township Senior Center
Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, March 26, 2004, p. E2.

When George King was Madison Township trustee in 1992, he saw the need for a modern voting facility and deeded four acres to the township for a community building site. An access to the property from Ohio 335 was purchased.

In 1994, the land was put up for auction. When a large number of people protested, the trustees said they would withdraw all the land from auction if the residents repaid the cost of the access parcel. The residents repaid the township $2,600 and the trustees were not interested in utilizing the property Hence, a Madison Township Senior Center Organization was incorporated as a means to seek grants and other support for community building. The trustees agreed to a 99-year lease.

In 2001, a street and parking lot were constructed by private funds. In 2003 Madison Township Senior Center received the first phase of a Community Development Block Grant for $69,830. The foundation is being laid for a 40-by-60 feet steel building to be erected soon.

In 2004, the senior center trustees will file an application for a grant to complete the building, which will become the center of activity for the residents of Madison Township. The 4 A site will provide ample space for outdoor recreational opportunities the community may wish to develop.

With the effort and perseverance by those dedicated to the betterment of the community, the generosity of Madison Township residents and the confidence and support of Opal Spears, Tom Reiser and Skip Riffe, who helped make this 10-year dream come true is appreciated.

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