LAWRENCE, NY (TIP): On Tuesday, March 7, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that the County would not renew the lease of the Five Towns Community Center. Following his announcement, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) issued the following statement:

“For months, the process of determining the future of the Five Towns Community Center has been marred by a lack of communication from the County Executive’s office and this has caused many residents to feel like their voices are not being heard. I am concerned that yesterday’s announcement by the administration that they will not renew the Five Towns Community Center’s lease will only further exacerbate their existing fears and frustration,” Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) said.“We must never lose sight of the fact that thousands of families depend upon the Five Towns Community Center for nutrition assistance, healthcare services, affordable childcare, afterschool programs, addiction treatment and recovery resources, and so much more. The County must guarantee these families that that they will continue to receive these crucial resources without interruption and at a center that is free and open to the public,” Legislator Solages said. “While I truly believe that we all want a community center that serves the needs of all our residents, that will not happen without collaboration. I urge the County Executive to immediately bring community stakeholders together and begin the process of developing a shared vision for the future of this vital community hub,” Legislator Solages concluded.