search

The Real Deal Logo

Trending

Trump accused of making false statements about $50M Chicago tower loanTrump accused of making false statements about $50M Chicago tower loanHGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudHGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlordsRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlords
New York

Abyssinian Development loses $3.1M in city contracts

The Abyssinian Baptist Church's housing arm dinged for overdue tax filings

Calvin Butts
From left: Calvin Butts and the Abyssinian Baptist Church at 132 West 138th Street

The development arm of Harlem’s most influential black church is losing city contracts over tax filings and audits it can barely afford.

Abyssinian Development Corp., owned by the Abyssinian Baptist Church at 132 West 138th Street, is now ineligible for $3.1 million in government funds, having failed to submit three years of tax filings and independent audit reports.

Rev. Calvin Butts, who leads both the church and the development firm, conceded the city was justified, and said the problem was dire financial straits. “We didn’t have money to pay for the audits until recently. We’ve even missed a few payrolls for our staff and have had to lay off employees,” he told the New York Daily News.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Butts warned the church might have to immediately shut down programs for the homeless and senior citizens.

“This is devastating,” said Harlem State Sen. Bill Perkins. “Abyssinian is an iconic institution. If they are not doing right, who is doing right? Are we talking about incompetence here or something worse?”

Abyssinian Development has built more than 1,500 affordable rental units in Harlem. It manages 2070 Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and is currently development Ennis Francis Phase II at 225 West 123rd Street. [NYDN] – Ariel Stulberg

Tags
Abyssinian Development Corporation