BY JIMMY LAWTON

North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg City Manager Stephen Jellie has recommended the city contribute $10,000 to the Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center in lieu of allowing the organization to operate out of city hall.

St. Lawrence County Community Development Program Executive Director Felica Dumas said the Ogdensburg Neighborhood center was asked to leave city hall in March due to the temporary shutdown imposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, but she thought the move would be temporary.

The neighborhood center had operated out of city hall’s basement since its inception.

She said when the center was able to find a temporary home thanks to a generous resident, but in August Jellie told Dumas she would not be allowed to move back to city hall.

Jellie said he had concerns that more shutdowns could be implemented and said the city also needed more room for file storage and other city functions.

“We have a significant need for archive storage. The walls are closing in on everyone’s offices,” Jellie said in a recent interview.

Dumas said she was able to secure a new space at 230 Caroline Street, but said the rent there would be about $10,000 for the year.

The Community Development Program runs centers in Canton, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Ogdensburg as well as Colton, Pierrepont and Parishville.

Prior to the budget adjustment announced recently by the city manager, she feared the cost would cut deeply into the funding needed to provide food to its patrons.

“Our operating budget depends on donations, but we are reliant on community support,” she said.

Dumas said most municipalities provide space, funding, or discounted rent so the neighborhood centers can operate.

If the $10,000 is included in the city’s final budget, Dumas’s fears would largely be alleviated.

Meanwhile Dumas says the Ogdensburg Neighborhood center can use all the help it can get.

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so by reaching Andrew Miller at 315-713-8036 or make a donation right at the center at 230 Caroline Street, Ogdensburg.

The center is currently operating by appointment only.

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