DERRY — Nutfield Senior Center Corp. wants construction on Derry's new senior center to start by June.

The nonprofit group's president, John Moody, said he knows it's ambitious to have all the plans in order and almost $1 million raised by that date. But he said he's confident the community will support the project, which has been in the works for years.

"We need to make something happen so people will be excited," Moody said yesterday.

The group will hire a consultant and start fundraising almost immediately.

Recently, the project overcame a major hurdle when the federal government approved an environmental review for the center, which will be an addition to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Derry.

The approval means the federal government has released almost $400,000 in grant money to the center. The money can't be used for construction, but will pay for a director and programs for the center.

Moody said he's been working on architectural plans for the center for months in preparation of this date and will meet with a contractor on Nov. 18 to discuss how to move forward with construction. He also will have a cost estimate for the project by that date.

"We're pretty much ready to go," he said.

Moody said they would be trying to use local contractors as much as possible for the construction to help the community.

Nutfield Senior Center Corp. announced its plans to build at the Boys & Girls Club last November after years of searching for a suitable home.

The new building will provide a central location where seniors can easily participate in programs. Seniors have gathered for years at locations such as the Marion Gerrish Community Center for meals and bingo.

By building at the Boys & Girls Club, seniors can access other parts of the building when children are not using them.

The kitchen, gymnasium, technology center and function hall will be available to seniors.

ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ

Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.