Bronx Youth Clubhouse Avoids Shutdown with New Ownership
Commonpoint, a growing Queens nonprofit that runs community centers, has taken over operations at the former Madison Boys and Girls Club Joel E. Smilow clubhouse in Crotona, after purchasing the building for $7.9 million late last year — saving a storied youth facility from closing.
Closing and a Grand Re-opening
The Boys and Girls Club had run the facility since 1967, but in July of 2023, it reached a $22 million bankruptcy settlement to pay off a trust covering 149 people who sued under the New York Child Victims Act. The plaintiffs alleged they had been abused by Dr. Reginald Archibald, a pediatric endocrinologist who volunteered from the 1940s through the 1980s at other clubhouses operated by the organization.
Last April, CEO Tim McChristian announced the "heartbreaking" decision to shutter the Smilow clubhouse by August, leaving hundreds of local youth without their afterschool hang-out. That same Spring, Commonpoint found out its lease for a site in Mott Haven, where they had operated a high school equivalency program and vocational training for teenagers and young adults since 2022, was not going to be renewed. Apex Development Group, a Long Island-based real estate developer and construction management company, suggested that Commonpoint look at the Hoe Avenue location, which had a restrictive covenant with the city from a 2015 funding agreement mandating that the building only be used as a community and recreation center through 2030.
The Youth Center is Legendary as the Site of a 1971 Gang Truce
The youth center is legendary as the site of a 1971 gang truce, where Black American and Puerto Rican gangs, including The Black Spades, Savage Nomads, Ghetto Brothers, and the Savage Skulls, fought for territory in the South Bronx. As the violence got deadlier, the Ghetto Brothers sought to become peacekeepers, organizing clothing drives and a free breakfast program that was inspired by the mutual aid efforts of the Black Panther Party. The Ghetto Brothers assigned Cornell Benjamin, better known as "Black Benjie," as their top peace counselor. A throwback violence interrupter, Benjamin was murdered for his efforts on December 2, 1971, trying to de-escalate a dispute between rival gangs in Horseshoe Park on East 165th Street and Rogers Place. After his death, his mother, Gwendolyn Benjamin, helped convince the Ghetto Brothers not to retaliate against anyone and instead seek the peace he’d wanted.
Commonpoint’s New Era
Now, the storied building begins a new chapter. Eddie Guzman, one of the few people who can recall that meeting and a former peer counselor at the club, praised Commonpoint’s arrival. "I think it’s gonna be good for the community," said Guzman, president of the Hoe Avenue Alumni Association, expressing excitement for their high school equivalency classes, afterschool program, and planned swim lessons for seniors. "They’re offering what Boys Club was supposed to been offering all the time."
Future Plans
Commonpoint’s purchase averts the shutdown of a clubhouse that has historically been a safe haven for youth, especially those involved in gangs. The organization plans to offer new services, including fitness and wellness classes for older adults and swim instruction for all ages and skill levels, while continuing to provide dance and music instruction, a rec room, and a computer room. The center is currently serving 250 to 350 people per week, but hopes to expand that to 2,000.
Conclusion
Commonpoint’s arrival marks a new era for the Bronx Youth Clubhouse, providing a safe and welcoming space for local youth. With a focus on community engagement and representation, the organization is committed to building strong relationships with the community and providing essential services that cater to the diverse needs of its members.
FAQs
- What is Commonpoint?
Commonpoint is a growing Queens nonprofit that runs community centers and provides a range of services, including job training, high school equivalency courses, health and wellness classes, and programs for youth, families, and older adults. - What is the history of the Bronx Youth Clubhouse?
The Bronx Youth Clubhouse has a rich history, dating back to 1967. In 1971, it was the site of a gang truce between rival gangs, marking a turning point in the area’s history. - What services does Commonpoint offer?
Commonpoint offers a range of services, including fitness and wellness classes for older adults, swim instruction for all ages and skill levels, dance and music instruction, a rec room, and a computer room. - How many people does Commonpoint serve?
Commonpoint serves approximately 100,000 people at more than 80 locations.
