Allston-Brighton Residents Demand Funding for New Jackson Mann Community Center

City officials remain silent on the real reasons behind the stagnant rebuilding process.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:50am

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Hundreds of Allston-Brighton residents rallied in front of the aging and dilapidated Jackson Mann Community Center, calling on the city to fully fund the replacement of the neighborhood's only municipal community center. Local officials and community organizations criticized the mayor's budget proposal for failing to adequately address the center's needs, with the City Council President admitting she doesn't understand the difficulty in moving the project forward.

Why it matters

The Jackson Mann Community Center is a vital resource for the Allston-Brighton neighborhood, providing essential services and programming for local residents. Its deteriorating condition highlights the broader issue of how public resources and funding are allocated, with advocates arguing the $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget could easily cover the $65-80 million needed to replace the community center.

The details

The current Jackson Mann Community Center is estimated to cost $65-80 million to replace, but the city has only set aside $10 million in its five-year capital budget for planning and design. Residents are demanding the full $65 million commitment, arguing the center is the neighborhood's only municipal community hub and is barely able to function due to chronic underfunding and neglect.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday evening in front of the condemned but still operating Jackson Mann Community Center.
  • The city's five-year capital budget currently includes $10 million for planning and design of a new community center.

The players

Liz Breadon

Boston City Council President and District 9 councilor, who hosted the rally and expressed confusion over the difficulty in moving the project forward.

Wu Administration

The current mayoral administration, which has been criticized for insufficient funding and planning for a new Jackson Mann Community Center.

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What they’re saying

“I don't really understand why there's such difficulty in moving this forward. This is the only old city community center that we have, and it's barely able to function because it's been underfunded and [under]resourced.”

— Liz Breadon, Boston City Council President and District 9 councilor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.