ROCHESTER — After over 20 years of planning an expansion to the senior center, the Rochester Council on Aging received a check for $150,000 and will finally begin the construction process this fall.

Michael Cambra, the President of the Friends of the Rochester Senior Center, presented the check to Town Administrator Cameron Durant at a celebration in the senior center on Monday, July 7.

Eric Poulin, the Rochester Council on Aging Executive Director, said the $150,000 comes from “residents of the town” and various donors who contributed money to fund the expansion.

“I’m excited about it because it’s been discussed for a long time. I’m just proud of all the hard work that a number of volunteers have done over the years with fundraising, and I’m just happy that I’m going to be the director that’s going to hopefully be able to bring this project to fruition,” he said.

The project is estimated to cost around $400,000. The construction of the new multipurpose room will be connected to the existing building. The room itself is expected to cost around $300,000, with the addition of sliding dividing doors adding an additional $100,000 to the total price.

The center has seen an increase in attendees since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Poulin said around 300 regulars visit the center each month to frequently enjoy various activities such as eating meals, participating in classes and socializing at parties. Senior residents also can receive medical screens and attend fitness classes.

“It’s going to allow them to have more space,” said Poulin, explaining that the center gets “very cramped” when it hosts larger events.

He adds, “On top of that, we’ll be able to have more activities at one time.”

Construction will be taken on by the students and staff of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School starting this fall.

“Between the two vocational schools in the area, we’re very grateful [that] they have us on their schedule to be able to construct the addition for us. It’s been a long time coming,” said Poulin.

In addition to a physical expansion of the building, the council on aging is also focused on expanding their fleet of vehicles which transport senior residents to medical appointments.

The center will have “six basically new vehicles” when they obtain a new van next month, according to Poulin.

“We’re going to have a lot of new things here, a lot of new and exciting things happening here,” he said.