Organization pushes to turn vacant building into community center

One organization is pushing for a vacant building in Mott Haven to be turned into a place for health, education and the arts.

News 12 Staff

Oct 1, 2019, 12:14 AM

Updated 1,669 days ago

Share:

One organization is pushing for a vacant building in Mott Haven to be turned into a place for health, education and the arts.
Parents in the neighborhood say a community center would be life-changing.
The 23,000-square-foot building has been vacant for nearly a decade.
Mychal Johnson, of South Bronx Unite, says the group started a community engagement process in 2013 to envision what the space could provide. As laid out in their feasibility report, they found an overwhelming need for health, education and the arts.
The group is calling for the building to be called the Hearts Community Center. It would be owned and operated by the Local Community Land Trust and offer programs to kids and adults.
Parents say with a jail possibly coming to the area, a community center is especially needed.
So far, the project has received support from Rep. Jose Serrano, Comptroller Scott Stringer and Councilwoman Diana Ayala. They've already met with the mayor's office and are now in the process of working to meet with the borough president and community board.
 


More from News 12
1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

1:51
Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

Temperatures return to the 60s on Friday for NYC

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical