07/07/2006

Clubs get reprieve from eviction

Group can stay in city-owned facility for now

By VANESSA McCRAY

vmccray@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse can stay at its city-owned facility until at least mid-September.

The agency rents a building at 517 Wellington from the city for $2 a year but learned last month the city planned to terminate the lease June 30. The club stopped its programs and shut its doors in January as its leaders struggled with a $100,000 debt and projected shortfall in donations.

But City Manager Richard Lewis granted the club a reprieve and will extend the lease until Sept. 15.

"It is a good arrangement. It allows us ... some time to do our planning," said Amy Borer, the club's interim executive director.

That planning includes a study of other clubs' practices, financial work and an investigation of any other sites that might be more "appropriate" for the program's headquarters, she said.

Lewis wrote to Borer that the club can have until mid-September as long as it pays its utility bills by next week. Borer said the club owes about $2,000 on its water and electric bills and is looking for donations to cover that cost.

The city manager also requested written notification of the club's "intentions" for the property no later than Sept. 15. Should the lease be terminated, Lewis said the agency will have 45 days to remove its equipment from the facility.

Borer said the club applied for a couple of grants and should learn the results by early September. For more information about the club, call (231) 922-6060.