Gang Free Initivative Group Looking to Open a Community Center

Yakima's Gang Free Initiative Group is hoping to open a community center to help steer kids away from gang membership by later this fall...GFI Director LT. Mike Merryman from the Yakima Police Department who says he knows some people are wondering why it's taking so long to see a center opened. But he says it's a long process. The city has entered into a 3 month contract with consultant Steve Magallan, a man who city officials say is an expert in coordinating programs like the gang free initiative.  City officials say he'll be offered a another contract at the beginning of the year.

Merryman says a key component of the initiative is the opening of a community center, partially funded by a state grant. He says they hope to have the Yakima center open within the next 2 months. Merryman says they've found a location. But they're not yet ready to release that information.