Anthony Kenney asks EBR Metro Council to vote against agenda item regarding Scotlandville community center
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — On Wednesday, District 2 candidate Anthony Kenney called on the East Baton Rouge Metro Council to vote against an agenda item that he says could jeopardize the ownership of the Scotlandville community center.
At Wednesday’s EBR Metro Council meeting, agenda item 101 calls for the termination of a 99-year CEA agreement sponsored by District 2 Councilwoman Chauna Banks in 2015.
“No part of the CEA has been fulfilled,” said Banks.
It’s an agreement between the City of Baton Rouge and the Scotlandville Alumni Association for an old fire station on Rosenwald Road to be used as a community center.
Kenney, a community advocate, is concerned about the alumni group losing ownership.
“This building sits in the heart of Scotlandville. The alumni association is the alumni of Scotlandville High. Which is the heart, the home school of this area in District 2,” said Kenney.
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Banks says part of that agreement includes repairs to the building. She says it’s been 10 years and she’s seen no advancement in improving the conditions of the facility.
“It specifically indicated roof, plumbing, utility, electricity,” said Banks.
“I’m aware that the alumni association has done repairs to the roofing and other areas inside of the center. I’m sure they have receipts. They have done this as well,” said Kenney.
As Banks is near the end of her term. She’s looking to tie up any loose ends with the city. She also says the CEA agreement should be broken, giving the ownership rights back to Baton Rouge.
“We do need to end the CEA, that does not mean we can’t come back with a better plan that includes a lease to own. That would include even funding by the city,” said Banks.
Kenney says Rosenwald Road has one of the highest crime rates, especially among kids in Scotlandville. He hopes the council will defer the agenda item giving the alumni association more time to raise money and keep ownership rights in the meantime.
“Cause we want to make sure we have year-round and summer programming to support our students in the area, so they don’t resort to crime,” said Kenney.
He adds that the organization has raised $20,000 of the $750,000 needed to renovate the property. Both parties say they’re willing to work together to find a new solution.
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“I cannot leave the city on the hook for another 89 years. But yes, we can start over, and we can work with something that makes sure it’s success-proof,” said Banks.
“So, we’re asking for the community to bring awareness to this issue, but most of all we just want good partnership with the council,” said Kenney.
Banks says the EBR Metro Council voted on Wednesday evening to defer the agenda for 30 days According to Kenney, Banks was the only council member to vote in favor.
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