The Seneca Babcock Community Association (SBCA) announced the suspension of several community services following the resignation of its executive director, Brian Pilarski. This decision comes after reports indicated that the organization lost its tax-exempt status in 2017 due to unfiled tax returns.
In a swift response to his resignation from the board, Pilarski disclosed that community programs, including those for youth, seniors, and childcare, would cease operations starting March 13, 2024. Pilarski shared letters with local media, informing participants that while the SBCA would assist families in connecting with other local resources, there is no clear timeline for the resumption of these services.
City Officials Respond to the Service Suspension
In light of the situation, Maria Whyte, the Deputy Mayor of Buffalo, stated that the city is actively working to ensure continuity of services for affected residents. She mentioned that discussions with Erie County are underway to explore alternatives for key services, including senior nutrition programs at nearby community centers.
Common Council Member Bryan Bollman expressed his commitment to minimizing the impact of the program shutdowns. He said, “I’m advocating and trying to do everything I can to see that the doors remain open,” highlighting concerns over how the suspension could affect his district.
Legislator Frank Todaro has also called for an investigation into the SBCA’s financial practices, emphasizing the urgent need to address the community’s reliance on these vital services. He noted that his office had obtained audit documents showing the SBCA received over $4 million in grants from city and county sources since 2017, raising questions about the management of these funds.
Financial Oversight and Community Concerns
Records from ProPublica’s Program Protection Program loan tracker revealed that the SBCA secured a COVID-19 relief loan in May 2020, amounting to $115,900. This loan was intended to protect 72 jobs and cover utilities and healthcare costs. The status of these funds and the association’s application process as a nonprofit remain unclear.
Bollman expressed his desire for transparency, insisting that every dollar must be accounted for. He stated, “I don’t expect that there is fraud, but why leave any question to it? Taxpayers deserve that.” He emphasized Pilarski’s positive reputation in the community, suggesting that any oversights may not have been intentional.
The Erie County Comptroller, Kevin Hardwick, indicated that his office is collaborating with local government partners to gather facts regarding the SBCA’s financial contributions. This effort aims to determine the best course of action to ensure taxpayer funds were appropriately allocated.
In addition to these recent developments, the SBCA has faced previous financial controversies. In October 2024, the organization temporarily halted operations due to a dispute with the City of Buffalo over unpaid utility bills exceeding $90,000.
As the SBCA navigates this challenging period, community members and officials alike are left with pressing questions about the future of essential services, the management of funds, and the potential for rebuilding trust in the association’s operations.
