A new athletic center funded by proceeds seized from local drug rings opened its doors to teens in Morris Heights, said a report in the New York Daily News.
The Teen Impact Center, an extension of the Summer Play Street Program, was created by the Police Athletic League to “keep children busy and off the streets,” said parent Stephanie Rubio. It’s open to teens aged 12 to 16, and has facilities for basketball, volleyball, dance, and cultural events and will run until May 28, 2012.
Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, whose unit helped take down 22 drug dealers from the River Park Towers Housing Complex, joined the opening. The Teen Impact Center provided a chance to improve relations between the NYPD and the community, said NYPD Assistant Chief Carlos Gomez, Bronx borough commander.