BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A new community center could soon replace an abandoned police station at Bed-Stuy’s Marcy Houses, according to a proposal from a local councilmember.
Central Brooklyn’s Councilman Robert Cornegy began talks last month with New York City Housing Authority representatives and Marcy property managers, touring a vacant building to scope a possible location for the neighborhood center.
“Bringing needed resources to our public housing communities is a high priority for me,” Cornegy said in a statement.
“It will take time and it will take funds, but I’m excited and determined to partner with NYCHA, my fellow elected officials and residents to make this community center a reality.”
No capital funding has been allocated so far and the plan is in the “early discussion phase,” according to a NYCHA spokeswoman.
The proposal for the empty facility near Marcy Avenue and Ellery Street is a welcome idea, residents said.
While the housing complex has a daycare center, it lacks an indoor gathering space for seniors and youth, said tenant association member Cynthia Simpson.
“There’s nothing meaningful for the seniors or kids to do here. There’s no place to teach the youth positive things or keep them out of trouble,” Simpson, 63, said.
Since she moved to Marcy Houses in 1977, two community centers at the public housing development have shut down.
Simpson said she travels nearly three miles to a senior center on Atlantic and Howard avenues to socialize.
Others have called for afterschool programs, computer courses and fitness classes, according to resident Rena Ruffin.
An on-site facility is "desperately needed," she added.
“There is not one person living here that wouldn’t benefit from this and I really hope it pulls through,” Ruffin said. “It’s a long time coming.”
