Grant to address drainage, flooding issues at senior center

COEUR d'ALENE — The Lake City Center is about to have its drainage and flooding problems plugged up.

The nonprofit for seniors has received a $95,000 federal community development block grant through the City of Coeur d'Alene for a facility exterior rehabilitation project that will protect the safety and health of visitors.

"The focus of this project will be to correct the drainage and flooding problems plaguing the facility, repair the damage that has occurred and install safeguards to alleviate concerns," said Bob Small, the center's executive director.

Small said he hopes the project will start before July 1 and be completed in about 60 days.

"The hurdle we must now overcome is getting contractors to submit bid proposals in a timely manner," Small said.

The bid proposal packet is at www.lakecitycenter.org.

Small said the funds do not have to be paid back by the center.

"We were very fortunate, and I was ecstatic when we received the good word," he said, adding that if the problems are not addressed further erosion and damage would occur at the facility.

Small said the nonprofit would not otherwise be able to take on such a project without the grant.

The project will include the installation of underground drainage pipe leading from the downspouts to storm sewers in nearby swales, replacement of dry rot soffit and fascia boards, removal of mold, replacement of steel soffit ventilation screening to prevent rodents and birds from entering structure, installation of steel commercial gutters and the wiring and installation of a heat tape system.

Small said every more than 300 Coeur d’Alene seniors utilize the center for meals and activities that enhance their quality of life. More than 100 low- to median-income homebound seniors receive daily meals through the Meals on Wheels program.

"The runoff from our building creates a treacherous environment for visiting seniors," he said. "In freezing temperatures, the parking lot becomes a virtual skating rink. Seniors and volunteers have to dodge falling blocks of snow and chunks of ice at the entrance to our facility.

"This project will also alleviate flooding concerns and ensure that rodents, squirrels and birds cannot access our facility."

Last year flooding occurred in the east end of the building due to inadequate drainage, Small said. The downspouts were designed to drain into a shallow gravel drainage ditch.

"During heavy rain or periods of fast melting snow, the present system cannot handle the amount of water resulting in flooding within the building," he said. "After 30 years of extensive usage, Lake City Center is now in dire need of rehabilitation."