Community Center
Boys & Girls Club, Town agree on lease
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

With a wish of opening in spring 2008, the Eggertsville Community Center is one step closer to being a reality.

During the July 16 Amherst Town Board meeting, the lease agreement between the town and the Boys and Girls Club was approved to allow for the organization to have programming at the center, 4110 Bailey Ave.

Council member Shelly Schratz, who sponsored the resolution for the lease agreement, said this was a big step in moving the project forward.

An architect has reviewed the structure of the former Bailey Avenue church and determined that while work is needed, the overall structure is strong.

The bid for work is expected to be released in the next few weeks, with responses returning early fall.

"This is one milestone to be closer to, hopefully, opening in spring 2008," Aaron Stanley, president of the Eggertsville Community Organization said.

He added that he has been involved in the planning of the project, including setting a goal of $750,000 and pledging $200,000 toward improvements.

From the ground up, Stanley has been pushing for change in the Eggertsville area, including having a center where children can go. Currently, a town center designated to that section of Amherst doesn't exist.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com