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An artist view of the proposed Springfield Senior Center to be built in Blunt Park.

(File photo / Mark M. Murray)

SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council on Monday approved funds for the design of three major projects in Springfield including a new community senior center planned at Blunt Park.

The council authorized borrowing $800,000 to advance the plans for the senior center, project and also approved $750,000 to plan and design a new South End Community Center being planned at Emerson Wight Park.

Architects are hired, and the city plans to begin construction in the fall, said Peter Garvey, the city's director of capital asset construction. Federal disaster funds are covering most of the project costs, he said.

The construction, once begun, is expected to take 15 months to complete for each project,, Garvey said.

The South End center is relocating from the state Armory building on Howard Street that was heavily damaged in the tornado of June 1, 2011. MGM Springfield purchased the former Armory building to become part of an $800 million casino site.

In other action, the council approved $650,000 for planning and design of the former Arthur MacArthur Army Reserve Center at 50 East St., for various Police Department uses. That project is also slated to begin in the fall, Garvey said.

The city is planning to use $25 million in federal disaster aid for the three projects, but must approve design funds in advance, Timothy J. Plante, the city's chief administrative and financial officer.. Most of the costs will be covered by the disaster funds, but the design funds were needed up front, he said.

Council President Michael Fenton cast the sole vote against the design funds for the senior center and South End Community Center, saying that while the projects have merit, he first wants a comprehensive discussion and strategic look at the city's infrastructure needs, capital needs and possible property tax reduction.