Antioch Fights For New Community Center

Councilwoman Says Outlying Neighborhoods Left Out Reported By Anne Marshall POSTED: 11:10 am CDT August 11, 2008 UPDATED: 11:25 am CDT August 11, 2008 Channel 4 Nashville NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Even though it's the fastest growing area of Davidson County and has some crime issues, some say Antioch is being ignored. Video: Antioch Looks For Community Center Funding There is only one community center in the area, and it's leaving at-risk kids with few places to go to keep off the streets. The Metro Parks Department recently updated its master plan and stated that Antioch is in great need of more parks, and a new community center is a priority. For the last few years, a new community center in Antioch has been left out of the capital spending plan. With such a tight budget, the number of new capital projects, like community centers, approved for this year is expected to be small. "We do need kind of infrastructure right away to address things like youth crime and senior quality of life," said councilwoman Vivian Wilhoite. Wilhoite said when it comes to the community centers, Metro isn't on a level playing field. "I really think the inner-city areas like east Nashville is being developed and being improved at the expense of outer communities," said Wilhoite. In the next few weeks, as the capitol spending plan gets finalized, some wonder if a new center will finally be approved. "A lot of community members have expressed concern about the fact there is no place for youth and seniors to go," said Wilhoite. Metro's capitol spending plan should be finalized in the next few weeks. Building a new community center is expensive and can cost a couple of million dollars. Wilhoite said even if the new center receives partial funding, she would be pleased. Copyright 2008 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Got a story idea? E-mail newstips to news@wsmv.com or call the newsroom 24/7 at 615-353-2231.