It’s been nearly a week since the One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center closed, but people are still asking about the programs.
“People are still coming in and asking, even though we have a sign outside that says ‘Closed,’” said Joan Bachert, program director. “They’re disappointed when they hear we’re not going to have our programs,” including a summer program for community children; an after school computer technology and videoconferencing program; and the Mommy & Me program.
After 35 years, the center closed on Friday, June 18 after their operational budget dried up when disgraced former Assemblymember Anthony Seminerio tendered his letter of resignation and pleaded guilty to one count of honest services mail fraud last year.
He used to provide them with $150,000 in funding. Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn additionally provided $50,000.
Bachert explained that they had to take a $40,000 loan from the administrative account, since they did not receive last year’s grant money.
“The account has been covering rent, pay for three employees, supplies, even a trip to NASA,” she said.
After news of the closure spread, she got a letter, said Bachert, from the Office of Fiscal Integrity in Albany saying the center was entitled to the $40,000.
“We were told it would be $46,500,” she noted, explaining that a scheduled trip to NASA was paid for with their own monies, and that three people couldn’t go.
And, she went on, the monies that had been allocated for the trip came from the Office of Children and Family Service, which, she said, doesn’t allow for out-of-state travel.
“We’re not sure we’ll be reimbursed,” said Bachert. “If the programs are not there, the kids – and the community – do not have opportunities.”
