After occupying the building at 1 Bogardus Place in Ellenville for the last eleven years, the African American Men's Association (AAMA) will be moving its operations.

While leasing the space, the AAMA transformed an uninhabitable gutted out garage into to a functioning meeting space for the youth of the community. The group gathered at the building on Monday to discuss the future of the AAMA's meeting space.

"We did all of the work here. We laid the pipes and ran the electricity," said Mr. Luther Snipes, an AAMA member.

"Our decision to close has to do with maintaining a building that wasn't doing what it needed to do," said Reverend Julius Collins, an active member of the AAMA and the pastor at the Shiloh Baptist Church.

"This meeting was held to see how much the community really wants to see this building remain open and will they use it for the youth," said Collins, who was disappointed by Monday night's turnout.

The AAMA had the intention of using the Bogardus Place location to create a community center and place for children to come after school. However, the cost of rent, the maintenance of the building, and a lack of volunteers worked against the group's goals.

"The AAMA was founded on an out-of-pocket premise. We do it for the children but we are limited on how much we can do because of money," said Collins. "We wanted to create a place that would inspire others and give us an opportunity to help children."

Collins explained that the organization's use of the building has dwindled in recent years saying, "Aside from renting the hall for parties we haven't used the building that much recently."

In their attempts to continue outreach efforts in the community the AAMA has been working through the Ellenville Central School District and with individuals on a one-to-one basis in Ellenville and Wawarsing.

"The building hasn't played a dramatic role in the programs offered in the past three years," said Collins.

Krista Adams, program coordinator for the YWCA and the Christian Corner, which currently lease spaces in the building, came to the meeting wondering how the closing will affect the programs. Legislator Sue Cummings also joined the Monday meeting in support of keeping the building open and seeing programs continue.

"Can a new group be put together to rent the place and let the programs continue?" asked Joan Rice.

The building's owner, Mr. Rivan Krieger, attended the meeting and said he was willing to speak with any new group who would assume the responsibilities of rent and maintenance of the property.

"This is about an effort to help our children and keep this going," said Collins.

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Mr. Luther Snipes at 647-5069 or 647-2262.

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