VILLAS – The county administrator says the heating system will soon be repaired at the Lower Cape Senior Center, which according to one caller has been malfunctioning for some time.

A Herald reader called the newspaper to say that the problem has gone on for roughly the last month at the center, which is operated by Cape May County. According to the caller, the seniors who visit the center are forced to keep their coats and hats on while they are in the building, even while eating.

The Herald visited the center on Tuesday, Jan. 2, and learned that there was a problem with the heating system, but not everyone was responding the same way. Some visitors complained that the central room, which serves as a dining room, was “freezing.” But one person said she was comfortable, and another was wearing short sleeves.

County Administrator Kevin Lare acknowledged there was a problem with the HVAC system at the center.

“There are temporary heating solutions in the specific room where the heat is not functioning,” Lare said, referring to the main activity/dining room. Small space heaters were placed around the edges of that in an attempt to provide some heat for visitors.

A senior center employee said visitors had the option of dining in smaller side rooms, where there was ample heat.

Lare said the problem was expected to be resolved on Monday, Jan. 8.

“On Jan. 8, the center will be closed to permanently fix the heat, as they have to shut down the gas supply to the building,” the administrator said. “The delay has been caused by the challenges of parts supply for all HVAC equipment, but not from a lack of attention to the issue.”

Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.