Building's complex identity: From food pantry to FBI probe - NJ.com

ORANGE — Aside from a large sign announcing the impending conversion of the former YWCA building on Main Street into the Orange Rec Center, the large structure looks rather unassuming most of the time. Its front doors are locked, and people walking on the busy street generally buzz past it.

But, twice a week, around the right side of the building, a healthy line of people gathers to pick up food donations. Pastor Thomas Reddick of the Renaissance Fellowship Church and a small, but strong, crew of hardworking volunteers set up shop inside the building every Wednesday and Saturday around lunchtime. They lay out fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, flowers, and other donated items from a local Trader Joe's.

"They help out a lot by giving food and extra things you need for your family," said a woman who identified herself as only Lakisha. She lives in a nearby apartment building with her two young kids.

"If I need eggs, I can save $3 or $4 at the grocery store by getting them here," she said.

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The pantry is just one of many programs the church runs from the several rooms it rents out each month. The church moved from Newark to the building three years ago, when the spot was still operated by the YWCA.

Earlier this year, the city purchased the building for $1.5 million, with plans of renovating it into a recreation center. Federal search warrants issued over the summer revealed that the purchase and maintenance of the building are parts of a multi-thronged FBI investigation into allegedly corrupt spending practices in Orange.

While city attorneys recently confirmed they are in the process of complying with the warrants' demands, Reddick – one of only a few tenants who actually operate programming inside the building – says the investigation has not hampered with his operation.

"It's been alright," Reddick said of working with the city. "I'm not complaining. They work with us."

When the city took over, he said, he did have to deal with a rent hike that almost forced the 50-member church to move from the space. But, after a talk with the mayor, Reddick said he was able to negotiate a rate that, while higher than what the church was paying the Y, was doable.

The former YWCA building will be renovated beginning this year, city officials say. (Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The building is in need of repairs. Among other issues, it has no air conditioning or heat. And, most of the time, Reddick says he completes general maintenance activities around the building.

Still, Reddick said having the building for services on Sundays and community outreach programs the rest of the week is a "blessing." He is planning to bring space heaters in this fall and winter to continue to use the building, he said.

"We have to do what we have to do, if we want to stay here, keep a roof over our heads, and keep serving the people."

Several other groups, including after-school basketball clinics and karate classes also rent Y space from the city, church members said.

Orange city spokesman Keith Royster called the church a "holdover tenant from the YWCA building" on a month-to-month lease. The city is still planning renovations to the building, which should begin in November, he said.

Whatever the city's plans for the building, or however the FBI investigation progresses, church members said they hope to stay in the building that they have come to call home.

"It's important work," said Wilda Barringer, a volunteer at the bi-weekly food pantry.

"We help anyone that's in need. Anyone and everyone."

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.