Not quite what we said

To the editor:

(re: “Center struggles, but community board steps up,” Nov. 12)

Thank you for shining a light on the abysmal physical conditions of the Marble Hill Community Center, a beacon for the Marble Hill community — particularly for our senior citizens and youth.

As stated in the story, the center has been ravaged by years of roof leaks, mold, boiler issues and neglect.

However, we must correct two errors in the story regarding Community Board 8’s role in the budget process.

First, the board has never participated in the city council’s participatory funding program, which was discontinued two years ago. Secondly, it was never said or intimated to the reporter that Community Board 8 has its own bank account with funds to use toward mitigating these egregious conditions.

Each year, the board votes on its capital and expense budget priorities, which are sent to the mayor and other elected officials. As correctly explained in the story, the housing committee and CB8 have placed both the capital and expense budget needs of Marble Hill Houses as our No. 1 priority.

Again, we appreciate your coverage of this important community issue. We hope it will spur greater advocacy for the Marble Hill Community Center and its excellent programs serving our seniors and youth.

Laura Spalter
Daris Jackson

Spalter is chair of Community Board 8, while Jackson is chair of CB8’s housing committee.

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