New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and other city officials turned the first dirt at the new 1,000-seat school project in East New York.

NEW YORK CITY—City agencies broke ground on Monday on a new 1,000-seat school project in the East New York section of Brooklyn and a new YMCA community and recreational facility in the Edenwald section of the Bronx.

City officials pegged the cost of the 50,000-square-foot YMCA complex being developed at 250 East 229th St., at approximately $60 million. At press time the cost of the new state-of-the-art school building for pre-K through 8th grade students was not available. The school is scheduled to open for the 2020-21 school year.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio attended both ceremonies and said regarding the new YMCA project in the Bronx, “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 Northeast Bronx home.”

The facility, when completed, will 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 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 YMCA was selected in August 2016 to develop and operate the recreation center. In May 2018, the Edenwald YMCA facility certified into the city's public review process. The center is expected to open in 2020. Construction of the facility is expected to create 100 temporary construction jobs, and 100 permanent, living wage jobs upon completion.

The project site is near two New York City Housing Authority developments—Edenwald and Baychester Houses—two of the largest public housing developments in the Bronx.

New York City Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza said the new school in East New York will be a “remarkable asset to Brooklyn students and families. He continued, “I thank our partners for their collaboration, and look forward to seeing students here in just two years. We're continuing to invest in high-quality schools and school buildings that give students the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The school, being built at 3269 Atlantic Ave., will be fully ADA-accessible and will feature: two state-of-the-art science labs; a “gymatorium” and two exercise rooms; occupational therapy and physical therapy spaces; two art rooms a music room with sound-proof practice space; a 1,000-square-foot rooftop greenhouse, funded by Council Member Espinal; and a school yard with a basketball court, play equipment, and benches and trees. The will also house a District 75 program.

The new school project is part of the East New York Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in 2016 and is projected to create nearly 6,000 new apartments in the next 15 years. Since 2014, the city has financed 3,145 new affordable homes in East New York, including 2,300 affordable homes that have been financed since the plan was adopted.

Instant Insights /

Construction Starts on New East NY School, YMCA Complex in Bronx

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