Boys and Girls Club returning to East Albany in partnership with city

ALBANY — The Boys & Girls Club of Albany will again have a presence in East Albany after the Albany City Commission agreed at a special called meeting Tuesday to have the club operate and manage the city’s recreational facility at 210 Thornton Drive.

City Manager Sharon Subadan’s office sent out a release after the meeting that said as a result of the partnership, “The Boys & Girls Club will be able to provide much-needed services to local youth ages 6 to 18 by creating a positive, safe outlet for youths and teens to develop leadership, employment and academic skills; have positive social and recreational opportunities; and improve their fitness and health. Moreover, this partnership will help youths receive the direction and support needed to move toward independence, adulthood and develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive.”

City officials said a new pool and splash park are planned to open in May on property adjacent to the center’s gym, which will be renovated.

“The building is in need of functional and cosmetic renovation to include roof replacement, restroom renovations, flooring replacement, interior and exterior paint, and replacement of the basketball court,” Subadan’s news release said. “Mechanical and electrical improvements, and technology upgrades will also be necessary. Estimates are in early development, but the requested budget is not to exceed $500,000.”

The partnership with the Boys & Girls Club is to be a “a multi-sector collaborative effort” that city officials expect to be a model for future projects.

“As one of the most respected youth development organizations in Albany/Dougherty County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany has a longstanding history of providing vital programs to those who need it most,” Subadan’s news release stated. “This partnership will enable the Boys & Girls Club to build upon the strengths of the city and to create a club that will have an increasingly important impact on the youth of Albany. The renewed presence of Boys & Girls Club in East Albany is a welcome return.”

Subadan said during the meeting that the local Boys & Girls Club had submitted a proposal whereby it would receive $99,000 annually to manage the daily operations of the pool and the park. Budget for construction of the pool and park is expected to be $1 million.

Ward III Commissioner B.J. Fletcher said she supported the Boys Club project despite some constituents’ concerns that “white people will not have an opportunity to use the pool.”

“I didn’t want to bring that up, but I’m going to put it out there,” Fletcher said. “But I’m going to raise my hand in support of this project because of two men (current Boys & Girls Club Chief Operating Officer Bob Hutchinson and his announced replacement, Marvin Laster). Those two are powerhouses in our community.”

Fletcher’s comments came after the commission had voted 4-3 to name John Burr to a vacant seat on the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission over Albany Utility Board Technology and Communications Director Jason Gauntt, whom Fletcher had nominated.

“When our taxpayers know that we’ve made a decision because it’s wrong or right — not because it’s black or white — our community will start to heal,” Fletcher said.