Akoma Unity Center lease dispute
Summary
The youth development organization at the Anne Shirrells Community Center faces lease expiration, and dozens of students, parents, and community leaders showed up to support renewal. The council voted to start lease renewal negotiations, keeping the West Side's main youth program in place.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
The lease terms will be negotiated; speaker Sam Catalano noted the foundation previously invested about $150,000 in the facility.
West Side youth, families, and seniors who rely on Akoma's mentoring, mental health, robotics, and senior programs.
Residents who raised the complaints say their concerns went uninvestigated.
Mentions & discussions (3)
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL - Sep 16, 2026
Ortiz moved to table the lease renewal over unconfirmed complaints, winning 3-2; Mayor Tran vetoed the tabling and the lease passed on revote, amid accusations of retaliation and lack of transparency.
CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL - Apr 15, 2026
Students, seniors, and community leaders filled the chamber to back renewing Akoma Unity Center's lease at the Anne Shirrells Community Center. The council authorized negotiations, 5-0, with two recusals.
REUNION DEL ALCALDE Y AYUTAMIENTO - Apr 15, 2026
The youth development organization at the Anne Shirrells Community Center faces lease expiration, and dozens of students, parents, and community leaders showed up to support renewal. The council voted to start lease renewal negotiations, keeping the West Side's main youth program in place.
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