The proposal for a new community center in the city's West End is an exciting concept - another step toward restoring vitality and energy to a section of the city that has been enduring hard times.

The community center would complement other efforts that have been discussed aimed at breathing positive new life into the Island neighborhood, specifically the proposed multi-faceted West End Revitalization Project.

The proposed center would provide new facilities for the Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Center and the Butler County Children's Center. Local officials also have been contacted by the state Department of Health about the prospect of using some of the center's space for the new community health center that the state will be opening here.

Perry O'Malley, executive director of the Butler County Housing Authority, presented the community center plan to Butler City Council Thursday. While the council did not discuss or act on the proposal, the presentation provided a basis for discussion by the elected city leaders.

The authority proposes that the building be two stories and contain 20,000 to 25,000 square feet. It would be built on the Island Playground, with a revitalized playground facility targeted for the currently inaccessible former softball field. A road would be built to provide access to the area.

Residents of the Island neighborhood should pay attention as the plans progress and feel free to offer their comments. Meanwhile, as planning for the center continues, assuming that nothing sidetracks those plans, city leaders should schedule a meeting in the neighborhood to inform residents of the evolving details.

Considering the tough times the neighborhood has experienced, the Island deserves some good news. The possibility of having the center in its midst should be regarded as great news by those whom the new facility will serve.