Residents could take over community center within a year

Rubonia Community Association could take over the ownership of the Rubonia Community Center in a year.

The nonprofit, which ran a youth program at the center this summer, is currently working on a business plan and fund-raising plan to continue operating the center, Cheri Coryea, the county’s neighborhood services director, told commissioners Tuesday.

In the tentative 2016-17 budget, there are funds allocated for the Rubonia Community Center programming and the second phase of needed renovations. The Children’s Services Advisory Board has also recommended $150,000 for a youth program run by the D.L. Randall Foundation.

“You actually have the ability to have adult programs and youth programs starting Oct. 1 if all goes well,” Coryea said.

During Tuesday’s work session, commissioners commended the Rubonia Community Association for running the summer program.

“I think the secret to success in Rubonia is for people to take ownership in Rubonia,” Commissioner Larry Bustle said. “It takes the community to really make it happen.”

A nonprofit such as the Rubonia Community Association is eligible for grants for which the county isn’t, Commissioner Betsy Benac said.

“Once we have that community organization, then they will be eligible for the grants that they need,” she said. “That’s who is going to make Rubonia great, the people that live there. Those are the ones that are eligible to get the grant funding.”

It is really coming together, Commission Chairwoman Vanessa Baugh said.

“It takes a lot for this neighborhood to come together like they have and run the program like they have,” she said.

The commission is expected to vote to approve a Rubonia Neighborhood Action Plan, which has determined that the neighborhood meets the state definition of a blighted area, during next Tuesday’s commission meeting. Wade Trim consultants of Tampa were hired by Manatee County to develop the plan as a way for Rubonia to become eligible for federal Community Development Block Grant funding.

After the commission approves the plan, which is available for public review, the plan will be submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for review.

“It’s not a done deal,” Coryea said. “It’s not a given that this report is going to meet that criteria.”

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 1:35 PM with the headline "Residents could take over community center within a year."