The state-of-the-art facility will create 100 permanent jobs and include two pools, a full basketball court, and programming for New Yorkers of all ages
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, local elected officials and community stakeholders broke ground today on a new YMCA community and recreational facility in the Edenwald neighborhood of the Bronx. The 50,000 square-foot facility will serve as a valuable resource to the community, offering two swimming pools, a full length basketball court, gym facilities, an indoor track, a wellness center, a childcare facility and multi-purpose rooms.
The center will also provide childcare, afterschool and summer camp, classes to improve health and wellness, and activities to strengthen the community, including senior adult programs and civic classes for new Americans. The recreational facility is expected to serve thousands of New Yorkers by year four of operations.
“Every New Yorker should have access to the tools to improve and maintain their wellness regardless of zip code. The Edenwald YMCA will be a resource for the entire community – from parents looking for summer camp for their children to seniors who want to stay active. This new YMCA is an investment in the health of all those who call the North East Bronx home,” said Mayor de Blasio.
“Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks a historical milestone for the Northeast Bronx,” said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “This state-of-the-art recreational facility will be a welcomed addition to the community. By opening a YMCA here, we have illustrated the importance of making lasting investments into the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities. For this I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Diaz Jr, Councilman King, and all our community leaders for coming together to make this project a reality, our unwavering efforts have resulted in a win for the Bronx.”
The center will also provide childcare, afterschool and summer camp, classes to improve health and wellness, and activities to strengthen the community, including senior adult programs and civic classes for new Americans. The recreational facility is expected to serve thousands of New Yorkers by year four of operations.
“Every New Yorker should have access to the tools to improve and maintain their wellness regardless of zip code. The Edenwald YMCA will be a resource for the entire community – from parents looking for summer camp for their children to seniors who want to stay active. This new YMCA is an investment in the health of all those who call the North East Bronx home,” said Mayor de Blasio.
“Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks a historical milestone for the Northeast Bronx,” said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “This state-of-the-art recreational facility will be a welcomed addition to the community. By opening a YMCA here, we have illustrated the importance of making lasting investments into the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities. For this I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Diaz Jr, Councilman King, and all our community leaders for coming together to make this project a reality, our unwavering efforts have resulted in a win for the Bronx.”
“This much-anticipated new YMCA in Edenwald will provide the Northeast Bronx with a state-of-the-art community center and recreation space, and I am proud to have helped move this project forward with $3 million from my own capital budget,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The entire Bronx is excited for this new YMCA, and I want to thank the NYCEDC, Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Heastie, Council Member King, and other stakeholders for their continued partnership on this transformative community development.”
“We’re thrilled to join with so many friends, partners, and leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new YMCA in the Northeast Bronx,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “We’re here because more than 30 years ago this community had a vision. They wanted a safe place for their children to learn, for residents to get healthy, and for the community to connect. The YMCA knows what it means to take care of people, to show up every day, and to make a difference. We’re proud to stand with our partners and look forward to serving and strengthening this community for decades to come.”
“We’re thrilled to join with so many friends, partners, and leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new YMCA in the Northeast Bronx,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “We’re here because more than 30 years ago this community had a vision. They wanted a safe place for their children to learn, for residents to get healthy, and for the community to connect. The YMCA knows what it means to take care of people, to show up every day, and to make a difference. We’re proud to stand with our partners and look forward to serving and strengthening this community for decades to come.”
“This project is proof that when elected officials, local leaders, and the community come together, big things can happen,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “With brand new, state-of-the-art facilities and wonderful community programming, this new YMCA will be a truly transformative addition to the Northeast Bronx. I want to thank Speaker Heastie, whose tremendous leadership and vision helped bring us to this special day.
“I am beyond excited to have this brand-new state-of-the-art YMCA open in the district,” said NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey. “This long-awaited new facility will offer programs, jobs, and resources for the community. Senator Bailey added that he had to travel to benefit from programs at the Y he went to as a child, but now his two children will have a Y right in their own neighborhood.
“I am beyond excited to have this brand-new state-of-the-art YMCA open in the district,” said NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey. “This long-awaited new facility will offer programs, jobs, and resources for the community. Senator Bailey added that he had to travel to benefit from programs at the Y he went to as a child, but now his two children will have a Y right in their own neighborhood.
“I am excited to see the YMCA come to its fruition in 2018 during my tenure,” said Council Member Andy King, 12th District. “For decades, community organizers and elected officials worked to make the dream of a full-service wellness facility in our community a reality. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony solidifies a commitment to strengthening our community and families by providing a site for activities for our children after school. It also comes with opportunities that include the creation of jobs, education, and fitness programs for our residents of all ages, all backgrounds, and income levels. The North Bronx Y building will embody the boldness of community strength, healthy living, and well-being,”
“This is a great day for the Northeast Bronx,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “This community has waited for years for a place where seniors, adults, and children of all ages can come together under one roof to workout, learn, and improve their quality of life. DA Clark added that she can't wait as a resident of the area to use the new YMCA when it opens.
The site is in close proximity to two New York City Housing Authority developments, Edenwald and Baychester Houses, two of the largest public housing developments in the Bronx. Located at 1250 East 229th Street, the wellness facility will sit on the eastern portion of the city-owned site, which is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and currently houses the Christopher School and two cottages for children with special needs.
Above - It seemed almost everyone wanted their picture taken with the mayor.
Below - The ceremony began as you see who was sitting where.
Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio commended the local elected officials for putting this project together, and being able to finally see it happen.
Below - Public Advocate Letitia James was very happy to see this new Y get on track to be built.
Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. points to the place where ground will be broken for the new Y.
Below - Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (and local state assemblyman) tells of the ten year struggle to get this dream a reality.
Above - State Senator Jamaal Bailey was happy to be a part of getting this new Y on track.
Below - The ever colorful Councilman Andy King also spoke of the years in getting this y to reality.
Unfortunately the speeches ran a little long as Mayor de Blasio had to slip away before the ground breaking to travel to Brooklyn for his next event. It almost looks however like there may not have been a shovel or enough room for him anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment