A local group is looking to refurbish a former substance abuse treatment facility that residents say has since become an eyesore in the community.

Mychal Johnson is a member of South Bronx Unite, an advocacy group looking to turn the 48,000 square-foot property into a hub for health, education and arts. 

"We want to make sure this community keeps this structure as a community center where we can create that holistic approach to health that's also about unemployment, it's about arts, it's about life," Johnson says.

NYC Health + Hospitals owns the building at 349 East 140th St.

Johnson says the structure has been deteriorating and Mott Haven residents believe the building can serve as a center for job training, culinary arts and music.

He says he first needs commitments to funding from organizations before he submits a proposal to the city.

The owner NYC Health + Hospitals says the company is committed to turning the vacant building into a space that can be used to benefit the needs of the community and intends to solicit input from the public before any decision is made.