Let’s put community first

To the Editor:
I just wanted to point out that Tuesday night the mayor said the city “saved” $82,000 by closing the Buttonwoods Community Center. We have a budget of over $310,000,000. It is very disappointing with a budget that large the city chose to close a community center that had a great impact on so many residents. I still hear from citizens across the city upset this building was closed. 
The administration mentioned getting the Cooper Building for “free.” However, they have already asked the City Council for money for an elevator and other expenses for the building. Before the Cooper Building opens, I could easily see it costing more than $82,000 in repairs and upgrades. Therefore, this building is not “free” for the taxpayers. 
I still believe it was a major mistake to close the Buttonwoods Community Center. We should be investing in our community assets and looking for more places for seniors and the community to gather. I will continue to advocate for this building to be reopened as a community center.

Steve McAllister
Ward 7 Councilman