Members of The Derby Delegation Celebrate State Bond Commission Funding for Derby Senior Center

State Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Mary Welander, Kara Rochelle, and Senator Cabrera are pleased to announce that the State Bond Commission has approved $167,877 in funding for the Derby Senior Center. This funding will be used to support the upgrade of the center’s elevator system.

“I want to thank my colleagues from the Derby delegation, the governor, and members of the Bond Commission for understanding how important a safe, working elevator is to the seniors and mobility-restricted members of our community, and for working together to secure these much-needed funds to make sure repairs happen quickly and our entire Senior Center is open and accessible to all,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria (R-Beacon Falls) said.

The Derby Senior Center elevator allows seniors and individuals with mobility issues to move between the center’s multiple floors with ease. In recent years, the elevator system has started to malfunction and is in need of repairs. The Derby Senior Center offers resources and services to residents 60 years and older.

“This funding is a game-changer for the Derby Senior Center. Upgrading the elevator system means safer, more reliable access for our older residents and those with mobility challenges. It’s an investment in dignity, independence, and full participation in community life,” said Rep. Mary Welander (D – Derby, Hamden, Orange, Woodbridge). “I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the delegation to help make this happen.”

“I am thrilled to see Derby Senior Center has been awarded the funding to help with elevator repairs,” said State Representative Rochelle (D-Ansonia). “The upgrades to the elevator system will allow all floors of the senior center to be accessible to Derby’s senior residents.”

“I know the elevator in the Derby Senior Citizens Center has been unreliable for some time, and it’s not feasible for seniors to have to climb four flights of stairs to access programs and services. This bonding provides some much-needed funds to help Derby get the problem fixed,” said State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden).

“We are extremely grateful to Senator Cabrera, as well as State Representatives Rochelle, Welander and Ditria for their hard work in securing this money,” said City of Derby Mayor Joesph DiMartino. “This has been a significant problem for those seniors who enjoy participating in the senior center and its many activities. This is especially lifechanging for those with mobility and balance issues. I couldn’t be more thankful for our dedicated, hardworking legislative team.”

“I want to thank Mayor Joseph DiMartino for his partnership in this effort for our seniors, as well as Governor Lamont, House leadership, Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and State Bond Commission Chair Representative Ron Napoli and my Derby delegation colleagues for the team effort,” State Representative Rochelle (D-Ansonia) said. “This funding will make a huge difference in the lives of Derby seniors.”

The State Bond Commission approved this funding during a meeting on Friday, August 1.