Dear City Council,
I hope this message finds you well.
On March 31, 2025, we—the members of the Belle Haven Senior Center and Allies—submitted a petition requesting essential improvements to the Belle Haven Community Campus. These requested adjustments include:
* ADA-accessible chairs for individuals with disabilities
* Additional space and staff for activities
* Covered and safely positioned ground outlets
* Return of the piano
* Fully ADA-accessible restrooms
* Adequate space around the pool table
* A wheelchair-accessible entrance
* Supportive seating for arts and crafts classes
* A clearly communicated and updated emergency safety exit plan
To date, no one from City leadership has directly addressed these concerns with our senior community. This continued lack of engagement only reinforces barriers for older adults and individuals with disabilities, making it more difficult for them to participate safely and comfortably in community activities.
As Council Member Taylor rightly stated, “I am not going to create more barriers,” and further emphasized, “If you want people to show up, make them feel welcome. That hasn’t happened.” We wholeheartedly agree and urge that these words be supported by visible, meaningful action.
In previous communications, Nicole Nagaya, Deputy City Manager, indicated that accessible chairs are available upon request. However, when I followed up for clarification, she explained that City staff is still reviewing the matter. She also noted that the doors are ADA-compliant, yet many seniors find them difficult to open and must rely on staff assistance—an arrangement that feels limiting and, at times, undignified.
Regarding safety, Ms. Nagaya mentioned that ground outlets are being covered with tables. Unfortunately, this reduces usable space and does not eliminate the hazard. While she also stated that seniors have access to the full building, there has been no clear communication about what that access entails or what the specific rules are for each area.
There is also growing concern about the lack of staff presence in key areas such as the gym, library, and basketball court. If a senior were to fall or require assistance in any of these rooms, help may not be readily available.
In the case of emergencies, Ms. Nagaya suggested that seniors read the safety cards posted throughout the facility. However, she did not confirm whether City staff are trained in these procedures or even aware of the cards’ existence. It is unrealistic and unsafe to rely on individuals to interpret safety instructions in the middle of an emergency. A proactive, staff-led safety protocol must be in place to protect everyone—especially our most vulnerable community members.
Additionally, in all of our email communications with Ms. Nagaya, we have requested that she meet directly with the seniors to hear their concerns. She has not responded with either a yes or no. This continued silence only deepens the frustration and erodes trust among seniors who feel ignored.
To help City Council members better understand these ongoing challenges, we invite you to attend one of our classes, held on Mondays or Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This will provide an opportunity to personally observe the current conditions—particularly the seating, which is uncomfortable regardless of age—and experience the barriers seniors face every day.
We respectfully request a timely and transparent response from City leadership. It is our sincere hope that the Belle Haven Community Campus can become a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all seniors.
Thank you for your attention and continued support.
Sincerely,
Belle Haven Seniors and Allies
