By Sterling McGinn
The Luce County Community Resources and Recreation Center (LINK) is searching for a new home. The youth and community center can stay at its current location, 103 West Helen Street, only until August 31.
The Tahquamenon Area Senior Citizens (TASC) board, which owns the building where the LINK resides, were asked to consider a long-term lease agreement with the LINK. They declined.
LINK Director Pam Juarez shared the news last week. The TASC has allowed the LINK to operate rent-free since 1998.
Earlier this year, TASC sent the LINK board a letter requiring a $750 monthly rental fee along with a $1,000 deposit. But not long after, another letter ordered the center to leave by June 10.
The senior citizen’s board had concerns regarding the youth center’s adherence to food licenses and other regulations and the overall effectiveness of the organization.
Paying a $750 per month rent fee is something the organization couldn’t afford without the support of the community.
It wasn’t long until community members contributed enough money for the deposit fee and three month’s worth of rental fees. The LINK and TASC reached an agreement allowing them to stay in place this summer, which is a critical time to be open for kids.
In the meantime, the LINK is looking for ideas or offers from the community for a new home. “We have looked at a couple of possible places, but nothing has been decided yet,” said Juarez.
Anyone interested in helping find a new home for the youth center can contact Pam Juarez at the LINK at (906) 293-3729.
Watch upcoming issues for further information.
