A mostly closed community center on the east side of Columbus will be seeing new life under a plan being developed by community activists and the United Way of Bartholomew County.
Eastside Community Center closed last fall under financial problems but the United Way has reopened the center on a part-time basis for programs and events.
But soon, the State Street Area Association will be taking over and operating the center, now known as the America and Roby Anderson Community Center. Julie Bilz is president of the association, a network of residents and business owners concerned about the east side of Columbus.
If all goes according to plan, the association will begin operating the center this fall.
Bilz said the association would be operating the center with volunteers, rather than a paid staff. And the association will be looking for feedback from residents on the sorts of classes and events to be held regularly at the center.
Bilz said she thinks it is important to have the center open regularly again.
The building itself is owned by the city of Columbus. Bilz expects the organization to take over this fall.