Needham seniors heard a short update on the senior center project on Monday afternoon at the Friends of the Needham Elderly's annual meeting. Council on Aging Board member Carol de Lemos said both interior and exterior designs were near completion and that a final projected cost for the project was still being tabulated—though estimates remain between $8 million and $8.5 million. 

Last week, the Council on Aging Board members were invited to speak before the Finance Committee. de Lemos said town officials are still trying to determine the best way to fund the project—within the current tax levy or by increasing the levy through an override. Either way, voters will have final say on the matter, at the polls or at Town Meeting.

State Rep. Denise Garlick, a Needham resident and former selectman, was also present at the meeting on Monday. Garlick said she had agreed to be the honorary chairwoman of the senior center fundraising committee, which will be led by the Friends of the Needham Elderly.

"None of us will rest until everyone is walking through the front door of that senior center," Garlick said.

After the meeting, Patch spoke to several Needham residents about what they are most looking forward to seeing in the new senior center. Click on the video to hear their responses. And if you'd like to add your own thoughts about the project, share them in the comments below.