Thursday, October 1, 2026
The MLK Center in Long Beach has submitted to the city a plan explaining how it will keep its building safe from the spread of the Covid 19 virus, and representatives of both sides are planning to meet soon to discuss reopening the facility to the public.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's re-opening orders require buildings to supply plans for how they will stop the spread of the coronavirus. Buildings are not allowed to serve the public until such plans are submitted and approved by local authorities.
John McNally, executive assistant to the Long Beach City Manager, said the city has been requiring Covid 19 safety plans for every facility in the city. He said Long Beach received MLK's plans late last week.
Administrative personnel are allowed to go to work in the MLK building, but the public is currently not allowed. Before the Covid 19 pandemic, children made use of the MLK building to study and to use its computers. The center has been providing food outside of its building.
James Hodge, chairman of the MLK Center, said a meeting with city officials will be set up "as soon as possible" so the building can be used by the public again.
"We want to get the kids back in as soon as possible," Hodge said. "But we're working together on this now."
