Neighborhood fights to keep its community center open

HOUSTON

Cherryhurst Community Center is one of seven on the chopping block because of budget constraints.

In a special meeting on Tuesday night, dozen residents discussed ways to pressure City Hall. The neighborhood is also being proactive, exploring ways to privately fund the center through partnerships and non-profit status. They believe the after school programs here are very important for both the children and park safety.

"This is an inner city area we have drug dealers in the park, we have people having sex in the park, we have people sleeping in the park," said Carol Rensink with Cherryhurst Civic Association.

Closing the seven community centers will save the city almost a million dollars a year.