The Times has a sad, frustrating story about how the the New York City Housing Authority may be abandoning its plan to build a community center in East New York’s Marcus Garvey housing project. NYCHA tore down a playground in the project eight years ago and started construction on the 5,500-square-foot center that was supposed to rise in its place. Although the facility is now mostly completed, NYCHA says it may not have the funds to operate the center—or nearly 100 others around the city. NYCHA has taken a big hit, says Councilman Erik Martin Dilan. The children’s programs are obviously in jeopardy, and unless we save them, we might as well set up gang recruitment centers. Kids need their community centers to stay out of trouble. The East New York building, which is supposed to serve the more than 1,048 families who live in the project, has been plagued by delays rooted in rising construction costs and the bankruptcy of a contractor. NYCHA, meanwhile, is facing a $195 million budget deficit this year, which many believe will lead to worsening conditions at public housing around the city.
Promised Brooklyn Community Center May Not Open [NY Times]
NYCHA Funding Shortfall Could Mean Dark Days for Projects [Brownstoner]