Mayor de Blasio Announces NYCHA Community Centers that Will Be Renovated and Re-Opened Using $22 Million in NYPD Capital Funds

July 21, 2020

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that three NYCHA community centers will be renovated and restored to their communities using $22 million in capital funding that was shifted from the NYPD to NYCHA in the Fiscal Year 2021 Adopted Budget. A fourth center will receive expense funding for programming.  

 “A strong community starts with a safe place to gather,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “In June, 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.”

As part of the Mayor’s commitment to reinvest $450 million in NYPD capital funds into community centers, the City will use $22 million of NYPD capital funding to renovate and open three NYCHA community centers:

• Monroe – Bronx - 816 Soundview Avenue
• Sheepshead Bay – Brooklyn - 2953 Avenue X
• Wagner – Manhattan – 451 East 120th Street

A fourth NYCHA 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.

“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," said Deputy Mayor Vicki Been.

“Investment in NYCHA community centers is an investment in NYCHA families. We are pleased that these centers will receive the funding they need so that our city agency partners can resume important programs and services for NYCHA youth, and all residents to enjoy,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Greg Russ.

“Community centers are a backbone of our neighborhoods—providing young people and their families access to vital services and a safe space to keep them engaged. Renovating and re-opening these centers furthers the City’s commitment to support and empower New Yorkers with no-cost, high-quality programs that help our communities thrive,” said DYCD Commissioner Bill Chong.

"I thank Mayor de Blasio for reinvesting NYPD capital funds and making much-needed improvements to NYCHA's infrastructure, which lacked necessary funding and resources for too long. I am glad that Monroe Houses in my district will be a part of this first round to receive investments. Renovating and restoring NYCHA community centers and youth programming is vital to making our communities strong, safe, and thriving,” said State Senator Luis Sep�lveda.

“I welcome the allocation of funds to make the much-needed renovations to the Sheepshead Bay Houses Community Center,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, Chair of the New York State Senate’s Social Services Committee. “It will create a healthy and safe environment for the residents.  As the discussion of reallocation of funds continues, we must remember that the safety of the residents is paramount and should remain at the forefront of all conversations.”

"Public housing serves a fundamental role in our working-class communities by providing deep affordable housing and serving as community hubs for our youth, adults, and seniors alike. By investing into community centers, we are investing into the safety, development, and education of underserved New Yorkers who deserve to live in thriving neighborhoods," said Assembly Member Robert J. Rodriguez. “The transferred funds are in better use when we are investing in our working-class youth and particularly as we continue to transform the approach towards community safety."

“More often than not, Community Centers serve as a beacon of hope for our communities. They are the anchor of the hopes and dreams of our youth and young adults. The Wagner Community center will bring the young people at that development access to desperately needed social and recreational services,” said Council Member Diana Ayala. “I am so excited to see this happen, and thank the administration for making this site a priority."