The Summers County Council on Aging, a vital part of the community, has been closed since the end of January due to water damage. The center made the announcement on their Facebook page, Jan. 27.
According to the center’s Executive Director Lin Goins, the damage was caused by the failure of the pressure reducing valve on their main water line. This caused excess pressure to build up that, in turn, caused the line leading to a toilet in the men’s restroom to rupture. When the waterline burst, it flooded the entire first floor as well as the basement.
Goins stated that all of the first-floor flooring had to be removed, which included multiple layers that have accumulated over the years. The refuse from the damage filled up a large dumpster. In addition, the ceiling in the basement will need to be replaced as well as all of the kitchen and restroom fixtures. A new coat of paint will also be needed.
Even though the kitchen remains closed, the center continues to provide local seniors with boxed meals. These meals are delivered to area seniors on the same schedule used previously. The center strives to provide vital services to all seniors in the county. Being unable to provide one of those services has had an effect on both those receiving the service and those providing it. Goins said the necessity of closing the kitchen has “been really hard.”.
He estimated that once all of the repairs are completed it will have cost around $150,000. Thankfully, the center has insurance through the state and has been advised that they will only be responsible for the amount of their deductible, which is $2,500.
Goins said, “I guess the silver lining would be getting, really, a new facility.”
Once all repairs have been completed, the facility will essentially be new in many respects. There will be a great deal of new plumbing, all-new fixtures, new flooring, fresh paint and much more.
The Summers County Council on Aging Office hopes to reopen sometime in March. The Hinton News will provide updates as more repairs are completed.
