Koehler Senior Center Renovations Completed

MAHOPAC, NY — Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne recently revealed major renovations completed at the William Koehler Memorial Senior Center.

Speaking to dozens of residents, Byrne offered praise for the work done to repair and upgrade the facility, including new long-lasting vinyl siding, fresh exterior paint, curb repair and new flooring to prevent tripping and falls.

The project was completed by the county's new Department of Public Works with the cost coming in at $50,000 and took two months to complete, with no disruption to services provided by the Putnam County Office for Senior Resources, officials said.

"The Koehler Senior Center is a special place in our community. This administration made it a priority to restore it back to its full potential," Byrne said. "The dedication and expertise of our DPW team is on full display here. Their hard work has given new life to this important county facility."

Earlier this year, Byrne identified the needed repairs to the Koehler Center in his Inaugural State of the County speech and requested the Legislature dedicate $2 million to a Facilities Improvement Fund to support desperately needed capital projects at county facilities.

"Delivering on my pledge," he said Wednesday afternoon on Facebook. "In recent years, Putnam County's Koehler Senior Center had become a major eyesore for residents, visitors and county employees, but most importantly ... for seniors the facility is intended to serve."

"I couldn’t be prouder of our DPW team. It speaks to their expertise and commitment to their craft that we were able to complete this project quickly and efficiently," said DPW Commissioner Tommy Feighery. "If we had hired an outside contractor to complete these renovations, we estimated the cost would have been closer to $250,000 and the project wouldn’t have started until next year."

Many seniors have expressed their heartfelt thanks for the work, said OSR Director Mike Cunningham. "These renovations not only improve the physical space, but also enhance the overall experience for our clients, ensuring they have a welcoming and vibrant place to connect, learn, and enjoy their golden years."