Councilor Liz Breadon, who sponsored the hearing, stressed the urgency, pointing out that Allston-Brighton, the city’s second-largest neighborhood, lacks adequate facilities to meet its community needs. She highlighted the neighborhood’s last-place ranking in capital improvements, demanding accountability and a clear plan to address these longstanding inequities. The councilor emphasized that “we are sick and tired of being treated this way,” reflecting the community’s frustration with the slow progress on capital projects.

Numerous residents and local leaders echoed Breadon’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical role the Jackson Mann Community Center has played in providing educational programs, recreational activities, and essential services for youth, families, and seniors. State Representative Kevin Honan recognized the center as a vital community asset, recounting its historical importance and advocating for a modern facility to address the area’s needs.

Public testimonies painted a picture of the community’s struggles. Rita Maraku, president of the Jackson Mann Community Center Council, detailed the decline in services, noting that many programs had been closed or suspended since 2019 due to a lack of resources. She urged the council to recognize the inequity in community services compared to other neighborhoods, highlighting that “Allston Brighton is the second most densely populated in the city of Boston…we have one right now.”

The meeting also featured emotional accounts from residents who shared their personal connections to the center. Michelle Duvall spoke about the challenges faced by immigrant families in Allston-Brighton, emphasizing the detrimental effects of inadequate services on families aspiring for better lives. Kelly McGrath, executive director of Brighton Main Streets, recalled how the center served as a lifeline for her and others, stating, “Programs and centers like Jackson Mann do not just change lives; they save lives.”

Community leaders called for a concrete plan to develop a new, fully functional community center that would serve as a hub for youth activities, senior programs, and adult education. Andrea Howard, CEO of the West End House, emphasized the importance of collaboration between community organizations, noting the challenges posed by the loss of programs at the center.

Residents like Ariela Helman highlighted the need for culturally appropriate programming and urged the council to incorporate community input into planning the new center. Concerns about the impact of the center’s closure on local programming and events were raised, with calls for temporary spaces to continue offering essential services.

Councilors expressed their determination to advocate for the community’s needs, with one stating, “I will be watching this very, very closely,” promising to keep pressure on city officials regarding the capital improvement process. The administration acknowledged the complexities of the multi-year planning process but reiterated that the project remained part of ongoing capital development discussions.