Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today announced that his office has provided more than $22 million in capital funding to worthy Bronx organizations as part of his FY2013 budget.
In total, Borough President Diaz has provided $22,971,000 in capital funding to organizations from every corner of the Bronx, focusing on areas of economic development, housing, education and parks, among other areas.
“Each year, my office is proud to support dozens of amazing schools, community organizations and development projects across the Bronx. This critical funding will help to bring many important projects to completion, helping our borough become an even greater place to live, to work and to raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
The largest portion of this year’s budget allocation—roughly 24 percent—went towards funding housing developments in the borough. This includes 110 units of mixed-use housing in West Farms as well as a solar thermal project to green existing buildings through partnerships with community organizations.
Borough President Diaz also threw a significant portion of his funding—22 percent—behind several crucial economic development projects in the Bronx. This includes $3 million towards site remediation at the Hunts Point Produce Market, $1 million towards the creation of an alternative fueling station in Hunts Point and another $1 million towards site remediation at the Harlem River Rail Yards.
“Our borough’s economy continues to grow, and these projects will ensure that we continue to see considerable job creation and retention in the Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.
Borough President Diaz also funded a total of 29 projects related to the borough’s education institutions. This includes funding for a green roof installation at the future Highbridge Middle School, an auditorium upgrade at P.S. 91 in University Heights, gymnasium upgrades at P.S. 119 in Castle Hill and technology upgrades at a number of schools across the borough.
Borough President Diaz also funded several important higher education projects, including new handicapped entrance ramps and a renovation of Ohio Field on the campus of Bronx Community College, a roof replacement at the Savoy Building at Hostos Community College and the development of a One-Stop Student Services & Transfer Center at Lehman College.
“Education remains an important focus of my administration, and my office will continue to provide the necessary funding that Bronx students at all levels need to succeed,” said Borough President Diaz.
Borough President Diaz also provided significant funding for parks, almost 15 percent of the budget for a total of $3.4 million. This includes a new dog park at Soundview Park, as well as renovations to the hockey rink at Bufano Park in Throggs Neck and basketball courts at Orchard Beach. Borough President Diaz also funded libraries, health providers and other important institutions in this year’s capital budget, such as upgrades at the Spuyten Duyvil and Wakefield branch libraries and new dental equipment at both Lincoln Hospital and the Union Community Health Center.
The borough president’s budget also provides for security cameras at three Bronx public housing developments—Betances Houses, Mill Brook Houses and the Soundview Houses—along with funds for a renovation of BronxNet’s current studio at Lehman College and new tennis courts for the New York Junior Tennis League.
And none of it comes to the City Island Community Center which becomes less and less like a community center everyday!