“It was a long time coming!”  That was the general sentiment at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the James Weldon Johnson Community and Children’s Center in Manhattan on Dec. 2. The ceremony, held inside the shiny regulation-size gymnasium, was attended by Johnson Houses residents, neighborhood youth and community leaders, NYCHA officials and staff and elected officials – all who have been committed for years to making the community center a reality. 

“It’s an exciting moment. The fight for this center was a long struggle, but now it’s here,” said Ethel Velez, the Johnson Houses Resident Association President and Manhattan North Chair of the Citywide Council of Presidents, who was at the forefront of the efforts to open the center. “We wanted to have an impact on our community and now I’m so happy this center is finally opening.”

New York City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito addresses attendees at Johnson Houses ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo by Leticia Barboza)

The facility combines a children’s center with a larger community center, including a gymnasium with locker rooms; performance stage with a movie screen and outdoor amphitheater; exercise room; computer laboratory; game room; and commercial kitchen. 

NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea welcomed the crowd, thanking them for their persistence and patience, and assured the residents and community members that “Good things come to those who wait. It is our hope that the Johnson Houses Community Center will be a safe haven and an anchor for children, parents, grandparents and families of all backgrounds and walks of life.”

Joining Chairman Rhea and Ms. Velez in delivering remarks were Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav; State Senator Bill Perkins; State Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez; City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito; Supportive Children’s Advocacy Network Executive Director Lew Zuckman; Children’s Museum of Manhattan Executive Director Andy Ackerman; and Time Warner Vice President Bobby Amirshahi.

Mary DuBose, a Resident Watch Captain and resident of Johnson Houses for 50 years, plans to take full advantage of all the programming for seniors. “It’s beautiful.  After waiting this long, it would be very hard not to participate in the programs,” she said.

Part of the day care center will house exhibits by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, which will offer hands-on educational programs and workshops for families and professional development programs for parents, caregivers and public housing educators. 

Georgina Garcia plans to bring her five and four-year-old children to the center. “I’m so excited about the museum coming here.  I’m loving it!” she said.

By Heidi Morales
December 6, 2011