FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - The city recently submitted an application to Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) seeking a $48,000 grant to replace the Senior Center's Ford Eldorado E-350 van, which was purchased in 2008 and has more than 91,000 miles.

If successful, Fairview Park will provide $12,000 in matching funds to purchase the $60,000 vehicle that can carry 12 people.

"Our senior transportation program makes life easier on our seniors, as it takes the worry out of getting to the doctors, grocery store and to the Senior Center for exercise and hot meals," Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said.

"Having a new van provided by NOACA allows us to continue a high-quality, trusted and safe transportation service to the seniors of Fairview Park."

Last month, the city held a NOACA presentation public hearing at the Senior Center regarding the grant application.

"We applied to NOACA the last cycle and were not able to obtain a grant, so we're trying again," Senior Center Director Regina Sillasen said.

"The old van has so many repairs that need done all of the time. We're having a lot of trouble with the wheelchair lift, important stuff," she said.

"Last year, this van transported 100 unduplicated residents to 2,388 destinations (one-way trips) logging 7,800 miles. We go to medical appointments and the store. We even go out to Cleveland Clinic Avon. And because we have the wheelchair lifts, it's very important for the people who are not able to get their wheelchairs into regular vehicles," she said.

In addition to the aging van, Sillasen said her department has a newer van with 65,000 miles and a Ford Transit Connect with 27,000 miles. The Senior Center provides transportation five days a week.

"The transportation program means life," said resident Eddie Hickok, 79 ( who noted that he's the great-nephew of Wild Bill Hickok). "Oh my goodness, it's so helpful and necessary for me.

"I use it to come to the Senior Center to see my friends, to go shopping, dentist, so many places. And the van drivers, well, they are just too good to me."

Sillasen said NOACA will tentatively announce grant recipients in April, with the monies officially awarded in June. If successful, she expects the new van to be operational this fall.

"If we do not get the grant award, I will have to plan some major fundraisers at the Senior Center in order to purchase the new vehicle," Sillasen said. "That would probably take until the beginning of next year."

Still, Sillasen is optimistic the city will receive the NOACA grant.

"We're very confident this time around," Sillasen said. "We provided more information about the age and bad shape of the vehicle. I'm hoping that will appeal to them to help us replace it."