Gifford: It’s an important organization in town
Vince Gifford, a local developer and city native has stepped forward to stay the West Side Community Center [WSCC] from foreclosure proceedings.
“I’m just trying to get them out of the problem they were in,” Gifford said. “I hate to see it lost. It’s an important organization in town and I’m a big support of the Boys & Girls Club [of Asbury Park] too.”
The 75-year-old embattled organization was once a hub for community activities. And although they had been operating without a 501(c)(3) tax exemption, the organization challenged its municipal tax assessment, maintaining they fell under the purview of a tax exempt nonprofit.
They lost a 2016 tax appeal before State Tax Judge Mala Sundar, sparking the City’s purchase of the lein. In July, the organization withdrew its appeal, including those for 2017 and 2018, Tax Assessor Erick Aguiar said.
In total, the WSCC consists of a three-story building with an adjacent gymnasium and two vacant lots. Sundar’s decision affirmed three previous tax appeals that were decided at the county level, Aguiar has said.
While the WSCC, controlled by a Board of Directors headed by Lori Ross, sits on three adjacent lots along DeWitt Avenue, it was an outstanding $38,044.71 for the gymnasium that sparked the pending foreclosure. Ross could not be reached for comment at the time of this publication.
In June over 100 volunteers from Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Neighborworks, and a few city residents turned out to help give the center a new look, which including painting, landscaping and installing new fencing.
Today, Curtis Moreland, head of the 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit From Jersey With Love, handles the day to day operations at the DeWitt Avenue located organization.
Earlier this year, Gifford helped underwrite the facility’s roof replacement.
“I helped them get funding and got supplies contributed,” he said. “It’s a good organization. I grew up in Asbury Park so I remember what it used to be.”
Gifford said he will continue to help the organization in any way he can, including advising them on reinstalling the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
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