What led to the closure of the Eastgate Senior Center?

The Eastgate Senior Center was closed in late 2023 due to high rent costs after more than 15 years of operation.

Where are senior programs currently being held?

Current senior programs have been relocated to the Glenwood Community Center, which also serves youth programs.

What is the city's plan for a new senior center?

The City Council is in discussions to establish a new center, with a potential timeline announcement expected by the end of 2025.

How much funding has been allocated to find a new site for the senior center?

Approximately $500,000 has been allocated this fiscal year for site selection and planning for a new senior center.

What challenges are seniors facing at the Glenwood Community Center?

Many seniors are facing congestion, inadequate parking, and a facility more suited for youth programs, leading to accessibility issues.

September 15, 2025

Chattanooga City Council Advocates for New Senior Center

Chattanooga, September 15, 2025

News Summary

The closure of Eastgate Senior Center due to high rent costs has left seniors in Chattanooga without a dedicated space for activities. The City Council is collaborating with the Kelly administration to establish a new senior center, emphasizing the growing need within the community. A potential budget increase could provide necessary funding, and hopes for a timeline announcement are set for the end of 2025. Seniors currently face challenges at the Glenwood Community Center, which is also busy with youth programs, causing overcrowding and accessibility issues.

Chattanooga City Council Pushes for New Senior Center as Community Awaits Solutions After Eastgate Closure

Chattanooga’s only senior center, Eastgate, has been closed since late 2023 due to high rent costs, leaving many older adults without a dedicated space for their activities and programs. The City Council is actively working with the Kelly administration to plan a new senior center, which is being addressed as a pressing community need.

A potential budget increase of $45 million stemming from recent tax discussions could bolster efforts to establish a new facility. City officials are optimistic about announcing a timeline for the new senior center by the end of 2025. In the current fiscal year, approximately $500,000 has been allocated for site selection, studies, and initial construction planning.

City Council member Dennis Clark has expressed concerns that closing Eastgate was a mistake and admits that the city has not acted with sufficient urgency regarding the situation. While senior programs previously offered at Eastgate are now being held at the Glenwood Community Center, this arrangement has proven problematic. The Glenwood center is also busy serving youth programs, leading to congestion, parking issues, and limited event space for seniors.

Chattanooga does not have a dedicated senior center unlike other major Tennessee cities such as Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, which have established facilities to serve older adult populations. Community feedback indicates that many former Eastgate attendees feel “hoodwinked” by the city, with growing concerns about accessing necessary programs under the shared model at Glenwood. Many older adults report difficulties in using Glenwood due to inadequate parking and the facility’s design being more suitable for children rather than seniors.

Grassroots activists and community members are advocating for a standalone senior center that not only meets the needs of older adults but also acknowledges the needs of youth. The Mayor’s Council on Livability and Aging has been engaged in discussions regarding this issue, yet some members are frustrated by perceived slow progress and unfulfilled promises. The city staff is planning to propose options for a new center in a meeting slated for two months from now.

The closure of Eastgate has also impacted relationships among seniors, with many feeling isolated from former friends and programs. Overall, there is a strong and growing sentiment within the community advocating for a dedicated space to support the needs of older adults in Chattanooga.

Key Developments

Eastgate closed due to high rent costs, leaving seniors without a center.
City Council member Dennis Clark is coordinating with the Kelly administration on a new facility.
A $45 million budget increase may assist in establishing a new senior center.
Approximately $500,000 has been budgeted to find a site and start planning.
Programs continue at Glenwood Community Center, which has raised concerns due to congestion and suitability.

Community Concerns

Lack of adequate parking at Glenwood Center.
Shared use has strained event space and created difficulties for seniors.
Grassroots demand for a dedicated, standalone senior facility.
Isolation felt among seniors since the closure of Eastgate.

Conclusion

With ongoing discussions and a budget allocation aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, the future of a new senior center in Chattanooga looks hopeful. However, the community’s continued advocacy will be essential in ensuring that solutions are reached in a timely manner.

FAQ

What led to the closure of the Eastgate Senior Center?: The Eastgate Senior Center was closed in late 2023 due to high rent costs after more than 15 years of operation.
Where are senior programs currently being held?: Current senior programs have been relocated to the Glenwood Community Center, which also serves youth programs.
What is the city’s plan for a new senior center?: The City Council is in discussions to establish a new center, with a potential timeline announcement expected by the end of 2025.
How much funding has been allocated to find a new site for the senior center?: Approximately $500,000 has been allocated this fiscal year for site selection and planning for a new senior center.
What challenges are seniors facing at the Glenwood Community Center?: Many seniors are facing congestion, inadequate parking, and a facility more suited for youth programs, leading to accessibility issues.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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