DOWNEY : Seniors Move to Block Gymnasium Project

A group of senior citizens is gathering signatures for a referendum to block city plans to build an activities center and gymnasium at Apollo Park.

The group has spent about nine months trying to persuade the city that a center exclusively for senior citizens is needed rather than an activities facility that serves all residents.

Organizers of the referendum effort have to collect about 4,000 signatures from registered voters by Oct. 13 to force a special election, said City Clerk Judith E. McDonnell. If enough signatures are collected, the city will have to delay its plans to design and build the center, McDonnell said.

Al Orlando, who is in charge of the referendum, said nearby cities Lakewood, Pico Rivera and Cerritos have centers for senior citizens. “The City Council is not paying any attention to the seniors of Downey,” he said.

The council voted 4 to 1 last week to build a gymnasium and renovate a building at Apollo Park for the activities center at a cost of $3.5 million. Councilwoman Joyce Lawrence, who said senior citizens should have their own center, cast the dissenting vote.

As a compromise, the council decided to allow senior citizens almost exclusive use of the new facility during the day. Other community members will have access to the building at night.

But critics said senior citizens should have their own center. They also said Apollo Park is a poor location because it is difficult to reach by bus and has limited parking.