INFORMATIONFor information about using the Southside Professional Center, call facilities manager Dwan Austin at 423-883-0034.
The former John P. Franklin Middle school that sat vacant for nearly six years will be the site of a business incubator, youth basketball camp and job readiness programs targeting Alton Park residents.
“HOPE IV promised business and job creation for this community, but it hasn’t happened,” said the Rev. Lurone “Coach” Jennings. “This is an opportunity to make that happen. I’d like to see everybody in this community employed.”
Jennings spoke at the opening of the Southside Professional Center Multi-Purpose Facility at the former John P. Franklin Middle School. Jennings was among dozens of people who gathered at the building Tuesday to hear plans for the renovated building.
Dr. William Helton, former environmental consultant for Hamilton County Schools, purchased the building for $110,000 in 2009 and then spent another $110,000 on renovations.
Office space already is available for people who want to have programs or businesses to serve the community.
“Our aim is to support good ideas and people who have the drive to be in business for themselves,” Helton said. “You come with a proposal, we can sit down and talk.”
Helton said because he is interested in helping new businesses, he may be willing to offer a beginning business owner space rent-free for a time to help get started.
By this summer at the center, Felton Chinn plans to organize a basketball youth camp for youth in grades 1-12 that will be taught by former NBA basketball players like Joe Meriweather, Reggie Johnson, Clay Johnson and Dan Roundfield.
The camp will be open to 300-500 students and also will focus on teaching students life skills and personal development.
“Our vision goes beyond sports,” said Chinn, a former human resources manager of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. “We want to infiltrate the young people with information to help them beyond athletics.”
The Bethlehem Center’s job training, small business development and V-Team Literacy & Leadership Academy for rising fifth- through eighth-graders will also start at the site this summer, Jennings said.