Neighborhood Spotlight: Butternut Community Police Center

907 Butternut Street
Syracuse, New York 13208
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www.butternutcenter.org

The Butternut Community Police Center (BCPC) began in November 2009 through the efforts of concerned citizen activists associated with Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) Northside sector.  Citizens recognized the crime and youth problems in the area and with few resources available, petitioned the City of Syracuse to open the Center.  Programs and events are primarily funded through donations.

The BCPC, located at 907 Butternut Street, is open Monday thru Friday, 3 to 8 pm during the school year and 10 am to 4 pm in the summer months.  The Center is staffed by Syracuse Police Officer Kenn Burdick and they recently added Connie Irick as a volunteer coordinator.  Education, recreational and community service programs are offered including homework assistance, tutoring, computers, video and table games.  Personal development with regard to respect and communication skills is emphasized on a daily basis.

Officer Burdick states that since its inception, over 150 kids have been registered.  Children, ages 6 to 16, must be registered by a parent or guardian with an admission form and liability waiver.  Most registered children are within walking or bicycle distance.  They have had a successful tutoring and homework assistance programs, several outdoor camps and educational field trips around the region.  Last year, during the September 11, 2010, weekend, they completed a community service project titled "Butternut Style" which involved over 30 volunteers who made facade improvements to homes and businesses in the 600 and 700 blocks of Butternut Street.

Officer Burdick enjoys "seeing the improvement in behavior, speech and education in each of the regulary attending kids and taking the kids to camp; camp is fun for all involved".

Interested in becoming a volunteer?  Volunteers can apply online at www.butternutcenter.org or in person.