AGENDA # 5d
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to Petition Regarding the Pines Community Center
DATE: May 22, 2000
This report responds to a petition from Ms. Margaret Cheek regarding the Pines Community Center facility located at 107 Johnson Street.
The Pines Community Center, Inc. is a private non-profit organization. The Board of Directors owns the building and governs the activities of the facility.
In March 2000, Ms. Margaret Cheek petitioned the Town Council regarding concerns related to the Pines Community Center facility (Attachment 1). In summary, the petition asks about the following areas:
· Why is the Town continuing to provide maintenance services to the playground area of the Pines Community Center?
· Why has the Town not become involved in the resolution of disputes between the neighbors and the Pines Community Center, Inc.?
We offer the following comments in response to the petition.
Why is the Town continuing to provide maintenance services to the playground area of the Pines Community Center?
Response: In September 1990, the Town entered into a five-year agreement with the Pines Knolls Neighborhood Association to provide maintenance services and joint improvements to the common areas surrounding the community center building (Attachment 2).
The agreement permits public access to and use of the common area in exchange for Town assistance and maintenance of the area. The agreement did not include the community center building. After the initial five-year term the agreement was continued on a month-to-month basis.
Currently, the Public Works department services the playground area about four times per week. The maintenance service includes litter removal, emptying trash containers, checking the basketball court and raking the fall area. The grounds are mowed during the summer. Occasionally, the grills and trash containers are replaced.
We believe that the playground area is open to and used by the children and residents of the area. We continue to believe the level of service provided to the grounds remains appropriate considering the community use.
Why has the Town not become involved in the resolution of disputes between the neighbors and the Pines Community Center, Inc.?
Response: The Pines Community Center, Inc. is a private non-profit organization. The Board of Directors of the Pines Community Center owns and governs the activities of the facility.
In 1993, the Town Council approved a proposal of the Pines Community Center to develop twenty low cost houses for lower income families. The Town’s role was to provide financial assistance for property acquisitions and renovation loans. This relationship was terminated in 1999 when the Center was declared to be in default. The Center repaid the Town in full.
We believe that in this case the Town has no role in disputes concerning private parties.
What is the status of the repairs to the Pines Community Center?
Response: The building was inspected by the Inspections Department in October 1999 (Attachment 3). The building was not condemned. The Pines Community Center, Inc. has recently completed the repair work. The Inspections Department has performed a final inspection.
The Town Council has a history of supporting efforts to revitalize neighborhoods such as the Pine Knolls community.
The Town Council continues to reserve federal and local funds for the development of affordable housing opportunities in the community. In the past two years, funds have been used to support
EmPOWERment, Inc. to construct one home, and renovate a home and a five-unit apartment building on Johnson Street. The homes have been sold to families earning less than 70% of the area median income. Renovations to the apartment building are complete and all units rented to very low-income individuals.
In addition, the Town Council continues to support the YMCA’s After School Program for children living in the Pine Knolls neighborhood.