ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The Albany City Commission voted against establishing a MOU with SOWEGA to provide exercise classes for seniors at Thornton Community Center for three months.

The commission rejected the proposal 4-3 during Tuesday, Feb. 17’s meeting after dozens of seniors attended to voice concerns about the potential relocation.

SOWEGA is relocating after years at its West Society Avenue location. The facility was recently sold to Phoebe Medical Center for Phoebe’s residency program with Moorhouse school of medicine.

In search of a solution, SOWEGA proposed partnering with the city to offer 10 exercise classes per week at Thornton Community Center. Many seniors expressed reluctance about moving their classes to the East Albany location.

SOWEGA member Debbie Richardson said she is concerned about the move and how it could divide the group.

Many seniors said they were caught off guard by the relocation news.

SOWEGA Executive Director Izzie Sadler said the organization isn’t giving up and has other options in the works to find seniors a new home for their exercise programs.

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