Two proposals to take over the Five Towns Community Center were brought forward Monday at a town hall meeting in Lawrence. Neighbors who rely or work at the center have been on edge since Nassau County opened the bidding process to nonprofits to take over the facility. Program director for Five Town Communities Counseling Services Portia Robinson is worried that the bidders will get rid of the program that provides mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS assistance to adults. Power, who relied on the community center as a child, says residents must keep the conversation open instead of disagreeing and maintaining barriers.
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)