So what's up with this? Anyone know?

“Scott and icy franz awarded for outstanding community service”

Two of Greenwich’s most generous supporters — giving both fiscal and personal service — were greatly responsible for establishing the Teen Center 25 years ago and have continued their involvement in the enterprise over the decades. They are also staunch supporters (and friends, I believe) of Fred Camillo, so I’m curious what’s happening here, and whether the Franz’s are on board with the Teen Center’s closing.

I have no idea what’s going on, so I’m asking.

Teen Center Files Lockout Lawsuit against Town of Greenwich in Housing Court 

The Arch Street Teen Center has operated at 100 Arch Street by Roger Sherman Baldwin Park for decades. Despite a $1.00-a-year lease for the historic building located right off I95 exit 3 – adjacent to both the town ferry docks a Parks Dept building, and of course, Greenwich Harbor – extensive fundraising was required for the non-profit to maintain the building, its mechanicals and pay for utilities.

The Teen Center now operates out of Crush Table Tennis space at 255 Field Point Road where activity revolves around ping pong and DJ events.

The teen center opened in October 1991 inside the 1870 building at 100 Arch Street, originally a horse barn for the Bruce Family estate.

In 2016, the non-profit celebrated its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the Greenwich Library Oral History Project published “Arch Street Teen Center – 25th Anniversary 1991-2016,” a collection of interviews with former State Senator Scott Frantz; board member Judith Donahue and director Kyle Silver who talked about  the longest running teen center in America.  At the time Mr. Silver estimated there were about 15,000 teens visits a year and dances often sold out.

This week a lawsuit  filed in housing court pits plaintiff, the Teen Center against the defendant, the Town of Greenwich.

A “Verified Lockout Complaint” was filed in judicial District Housing session at Stamford saying the plaintiff, “Greenwich Teen Center, Inc.” has been in possession of premises at 100 Arch Street since October 1991 and alleging that on or about January 5, 2026, the defendant entered the premises and locked the plaintiff out by padlocking the door, changing the locks and, “The defendant put metal brackets on every door of the building. The defendant opened the plaintiff’s boxes and possessions including their safe and have denied the plaintiff access to the property.”

Further, the complaint alleges the defendant prevented the plaintiff from occupying the premises since Jan 5, 2026.

Lastly, the application for temporary injunction asserts, “The plaintiff, a non-profit teen center, is a longstanding tenant of the Town of Greenwich which operates a teen center including a recording studio and theatrical space. The plaintiff’s lease expired December 31, 2025. On January 5, 2026 the defendant locked the plaintiff out of the premises, including from its sound equipment, lighting equipment, business records, personal property, etc.”

Cryptic Message from Freddie:

On Friday, First Selectman Fred Camillo said in his weekly e-blast that he planned to make an official announcement about a new task force to determine the best future use of the historic building at 100 Arch Street.

“For the past 36 years, the Greenwich community has enjoyed having the longest running teen center in the entire country,” he wrote, adding gratitude to Scott and Icy Frantz  for starting the Arch Street Teen Center all those years ago, along with the many board members who volunteered to keep the teen center going.

“Sadly, the time has now come for the next phase for this beautiful building on Arch Street, right by Greenwich Harbor,” Camillo continued, adding that the new task force would develop an RFP so the town can immediately start to look at the best possible use for the building.