A longtime community center in Springfield might be saved.
Facing eviction for defaulting on its mortgage, the Dunbar Community Center — whose programs are operated by the YMCA — has received a $500,000 offer from the city to buy the building.
That’s well below what’s owed on the mortgage, according to Ellen Freyman, chair of the center’s board. But she’s hopeful the mortgage-holder accepts the deal.
“Previously when we’ve tried to negotiate with them, if we came up with a number, we were going to have have to go out and raise the money,” Freyman says. “This way we’re coming to them basically with a checkbook already. So we can settle with them or close and then the city would take title to the property.”
The mortgage holder — an affiliate of Republic Financial Corporation in Colorado — had no immediate comment.
The offer was made by Mayor Domenic Sarno. It would need City Council approval.