Community centers' budgets shink despite increased need

1985

Nowhere to go

Outbreaks of rowdiness and even vandalism — fueled by beer drinking — by teenagers were nothing new when they came to light in 1985, but jostling among community centers for scarce funds to deal with the problem was unprecedented.

The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center complained bitterly that Community Board 8 was showing favoritism to “up the hill” agencies like Riverdale Neighborhood House and the Riverdale Community Center in doling out its funding recommendations. Eventually a compromise was reached and harmony was restored.