The community center within 816 Soundview Avenue will be renovated as part of an investment of $22 million reallocated from NYPD capital funds. Image Credit: Google Maps

The funding will help four community centers. On July 21, 2020, Mayor de Blasio announced that three NYCHA community centers will be renovated, and a fourth will receive expense funding for programming, using $22 million in capital funding shifted from the NYPD to NYCHA in the Fiscal Year 2021 Adopted Budget. This project is a part of the Mayor’s commitment to reinvest $450 million in NYPD capital funds to community centers across the City.

The three community centers that will undergo renovations are Monroe in the Bronx (816 Soundview Avenue), Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn (2953 Avenue X), and Wagner in Manhattan (451 East 120th Street). The additional community center, Ocean Bay in Queens (339 Beach 54th Street), will receive expense funding for programming provided by the Department of Youth and Community Development.

Mayor de Blasio stated, “A strong community starts with a safe place to gather. We committed to reinvesting NYPD funds in youth and social services, and this $22 million in funding is a big step forward for NYCHA families and all New Yorkers.”

Deputy Mayor Vicki Been. “Community centers are hubs for meaningful connections, and allow our NYCHA families to safely access important youth and senior services. In reopening these centers, we are ensuring that vital services reach more NYCHA communities, including some that were significantly impacted by COVID-19.”

Access the full press release here.

By: Victoria Agosta (Victoria is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)