Broadway Youth Center Director Stepping Down

Lara Brooks, the Broadway Youth Center's executive director, is stepping down on Friday according to a statement published by DNAinfo. Brooks will be replaced by Imani Rupert, a BYC volunteer, who has worked in strategic planning and program management. 

The Broadway Youth Center serves 4,000 young homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth per year.

The Broadway Youth Center has been the subject of much debate recently, as the Center recently moved into the Wellington Ave. United Church of Christ, 615 W. Wellington Ave. — a move that has created a rift with neighbors, who complain that the BYC's presence has led to crime, drugs and loitering in the residential street. 

BYC recently learned that they would need a special use permit to continue operating in its current location. The Zoning Board of Appeals will decide on the permit at their January meeting. 

It is not yet clear if Brooks' resignation is related to BYC's recent issues. 

Patch could not reach the Broadway Youth Center or the Howard Brown Center for comment.