KOPPELL OBTAINS $5,893,000 IN BUDGET FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS IN DISTRICT

Receives $507,651 For Expense Items Obtains Restorations for Mental Health Programs

Council Member Oliver Koppell is happy to announce that he has received $5,893,000 in the new $66 billion city budget for capital projects in his district.  Among the projects for which he has allocated funds are refurbishment of the Seton Park soccer field, the expansion of facilities at Riverdale Neighborhood House, rehabilitation of the Cooney Grauer field in Kingsbridge, creation of a dog run in the Williamsbridge Oval, creation of a greenstreet on West 236^th Street and Riverdale Avenue, the refurbishment of the basketball area in Ewen Park, technology at the Hebrew Home for the Aged and for a snow removal vehicle at Wave Hill.

 

Koppell allocated over $2 million to virtually every school in the district to upgrade technology for the students through the purchase of Smart boards, computers and laptop carts,  for improved electrical wiring, for surveillance cameras and for renovations.  Each school will receive approximately $75,000 for these projects.  In addition, he allocated $600,000 to the Kennedy Educational Campus towards the construction of a state-of-the- art library and media center

                                                          

 Expense Budget      

Koppell received $507,651 in expense money to support senior centers, social service agencies, arts and environmental organizations and youth programs throughout the district. These include after-school programs, enrichment activities and counseling services in schools, as well as cultural programs that contribute to the quality of life in the community. .   

 

Also, he designated $50,000 to Fordham University for its research on Familial Dysautonoma, a debilitating genetic disease.

 

Mental Health Programs

   As Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, Koppell was successful in obtaining a $2, 000,000 budget restoration for Geriatric Mental Health Services, $1,250,000 for The Children Under Five Initiatives, and $1,250 for Autism Awareness, as well as funds for a range of  mental health services for suicide prevention chemical dependency and developmental disabilities.

 

“I am pleased that, despite difficult economic times, we passed a budget that averted teacher layoffs, firehouse closings, drastic cuts to libraries and daycare services and restored vital mental health services.  Furthermore, I believe that the discretionary funds I have allocated to projects and programs in the area will enhance our educational offerings and contribute to the enjoyment of life in our community.”