The city has delayed completion of a Mott Haven renovation project - again.

Officials recently announced that the St. Mary’s Recreation Center is scheduled to reopen in January 2026, after multiple delays since closing in early 2022.

“I only see that place, but I don’t know about it,” said Saheed Abubakari, of Mott Haven, who said he walks by the site with his young daughter. “I don’t know nothing about it.”

“It’s sad for the youth because it’s something they use; and instead of being on the street, they’ll be here,” said Ivelisse Diuperoy, of Mott Haven.

As of Tuesday, construction signs and gates are still up and locked.

The sign on the gate said construction was supposed to take about 18 months - but that was posted in 2022.

A Parks Department spokesperson told News 12 that deteriorating façade and drainage issues are part of the problem.

Construction on the $12 Million project is 51% done, according to the Parks Department website.

“It’s going to help the community,” said Abubakari. “I think we need to support this area. We need to support, at least, so we can get a place for our kids.”

Residents asked: Without the rec center, do children have a nearby place to go?

“I really don’t know because my kids are already older; but I’m feeling for the other kids,” said Diuperoy.