Nonprofit seeking $100K for Booker T gym
A community organizer last week sought another $100,000 in taxpayer support for the ongoing air conditioning project at the Booker T. Gym.
Last Tuesday, the Rev. Johnny Beckwith of the Community In Action (C.I.A.) group presented a proposal to the Philadelphia Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
“The C.I.A. is asking the board if we raise $100,000 or more by May of next year, would the city match that or cover the remaining costs to install air conditioning in the gym,” Beckwith said.
The C.I.A. has already raised about $46,000, leaving about $54,000 to meet their fundraising goal by May. The total estimated cost of the HVAC project is around $220,000.
Beckwith clarified that the agreement would only be binding if the C.I.A. successfully raises and deposits the funds into the city account. If the $100,000 goal is not met by May, the proposal would be withdrawn, releasing the City from any obligation, Beckwith proposed.
“We believe the city could immediately begin recouping its investment by renting out the back portion for community groups, and the gym for churches, basketball teams, or for people to pay for shooting practice, as done in other cities,” Beckwith added.
Ward 4 Alderman Shaun Seales suggested using the existing $46,000 to fund the back side of the gym’s HVAC system, a proposal Beckwith agreed to, but only if they don’t reach the May fundraising goal.
Ward 1 Alderman Justin Clearman raised concerns about who would be responsible for damages if the building were rented out.
City Attorney Robert Thomas also noted that due to the gym’s status as a historic public building, any collected door fees would have to stop.
Currently, concession proceeds at the gym are collected by the C.I.A. and used to fund scholarships for students at Neshoba Central, Philadelphia, and Choctaw Central, as well as support for high school bands, feeding football teams, and more.
Clearman expressed frustration with the amount of money the city has already contributed, saying, “It feels like the C.I.A. doesn’t think we’ve invested in this building, even though we’ve contributed nearly $1.5 million over the last four years.”
Beckwith countered that most of that funding came through grants. The $225,000 bathroom project was funded by a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), with additional support from the state Department of Archives & History.
The city also utilized federal COVID-19 CARES Act funds for the overall $1.2 million renovation project at the gym.
“This just doesn’t sit well with me,” Clearman said. “It feels like no matter how much we give, it’s never enough. There are other gyms in this town where kids play basketball in the heat without air conditioning. What makes Booker T. different from Philadelphia High School’s gym?”
Clearman further suggested that the timing of the proposal was politically motivated, with next year being an election year.
“They say this is the best time to do it, so we are just being wise,” Beckwith said. “If I were in your position, I’d want to get as much done as possible during that four-year term.”
Aldermen took the proposal to match the C.I.A.’s $100,000 contribution by May for the air conditioning project under advisement but took no action at the meeting.
In other business, aldermen voted to:
• Approve a motion to reject bids for the fuel trucks from PH Bidding. A reverse auction was held on Aug. 6. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Approve a motion to pay Windham Tractor invoice in the amount of $4,645 to be paid out of Bond B account. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Approve a motion to allow the City Clerk to attend a winter conference in Flowood from Dec. 11-13 and for the city to pay the registration and travel. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Approve a motion to accept Marshall Ford as the best quote for engine repair on a Ford F-450 with Street Department at the cost of $10,780, with the second quote being from James Thomas Garage at $9,720, and to proceed with repair. The Ford engine is to be put in by an authorized Ford dealer by a certified Ford A&E mechanic to ensure and maintain the factory warranty. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Shaun Seales left the room before the hearing was opened for the rezoning of the Hardy Avenue property. Aldermen approved a motion to rezone Hardy Avenue Lot 20 from R-4 to R-1. The motion was approved by aldermen Justin Clearman, James Tatum, Jim Fulton, and James Waltman;
• Approve a motion to allow Scottie Dorman to travel to Biloxi Oct. 16-18 and for the city to pay. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Approve a motion to approve C Spire road bore along Water Ave., Wilson St., King Ave., Valley St., Fox Ave., Byrd Ave. N, Center Ave. N, Pecan Ave., Columbus Ave., Rea Ave, Stribling Street, Forest Park Circle, Gipson Ave, Shady LN, Oak Street, Morgan St., Myrtle St. E, Crocket Ave., Breazeale St., Martin Ave., Clyde Ave., Montgomery Ave., Samps St., Evergreen Ave., Jolly Ave., Tinsley Dr., Pine St., Indian Hospital, Woodcrest Ave., Hardy Ave., Morrow St., Richardson St., and Powell St. The motion was unanimously approved;
• Approve a motion to allow the FBI to use the old Police Department building for training purposes on Sept. 19. The motion was unanimously approved.