URGENT UPDATE: The Fargo Park Board has just approved a critical three-year lease extension for the Broadway Senior Center, ensuring its future through 2029. This unanimous decision, made on February 10, follows months of intense community advocacy as over 25 seniors rallied to save their beloved local hub at 1461 Broadway North.
Seniors filled a charter bus to attend the park board meeting, demonstrating overwhelming support for the center, which they rely on for social services and connection. “We’ve been coming here for months… it’s close by, and they serve pretty good food here!” said Melford Jacobson, one of the attendees. The need for transportation was evident, as many seniors were unwilling to drive to the Fargo Sports Complex, where the meeting took place.
The decision to extend the lease comes amid rising rent costs that threatened to shut down the facility, with potential increases exceeding $20,000 annually. The Broadway Senior Center faced a daunting rent of over $100,000 per year, putting its operations in jeopardy. Prior to this meeting, the Fargo Park District and Valley Senior Services explored 14 alternative locations but found no viable options that matched the community’s needs.
Executive Director of Fargo Parks, Susan Faus, passionately recommended the lease extension, stating, “It’s much more than just a building. It’s a central place for services and gathering, essential for the north side of the community.” Community leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the center’s vital role in fostering connections among residents.
In a display of solidarity, North Dakota State Senator Josh Boschee attended the meeting to advocate for the center’s future. “People are passionate about the services available in our neighborhood. This isn’t just a feeding site; it has evolved into a robust community center,” Boschee remarked.
Emotions ran high during discussions, particularly for Fargo Park Board Vice President Jerry Rostad, who cited personal loss as a motivating factor for his support. “Social activities and involvement with Valley Senior Services and Meals on Wheels are crucial,” he shared, shedding light on the deeper significance of the center for many seniors.
After an hour of heartfelt discussion, cheers erupted in the meeting room as the board unanimously approved the lease extension, which carries an estimated cost of $312,813 from 2026 to 2029. However, while jubilation filled the air, many seniors expressed lingering concerns about the temporary nature of the lease. Rastedt voiced a hopeful plea for a more permanent solution, suggesting, “Maybe think about building us a new location on the north side, where a lot of seniors live, so we can continue to engage with each other.”
The approval of this lease extension marks a significant moment for the Fargo community, ensuring that the Broadway Senior Center will remain a vital resource for seniors in the area. As plans move forward, residents and officials alike will keep a close eye on future developments, advocating for long-term solutions to support their cherished local hub.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community rallies to ensure the Broadway Senior Center remains a cornerstone of support for Fargo’s senior population.
