Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that his office has allocated $12.85 million in funding for projects across the Bronx as part of his FY2012 budget requests. This will help move projects forward in The Bronx, contributing to new technology in schools, new housing opportunities and a greener borough.
For the third consecutive year education represents the largest percentage of Borough President Diaz’s capital allocations, 30 percent, placing the total funding amount at just over $3.86 million. Thirty eight education projects were funded by the borough president this year, including a new green roof at the forthcoming Highbridge Middle School, auditorium upgrades at M.S. 145 in Melrose and a library renovation at the Soundview Academy for Culture & Scholarship.
Also funded was a unique initiative by Mercy College to create a “Parent Resource Center” at the college, focused on family and leadership development in our public schools. This initiative will also create two parent centers at P.S. 46 and P.S. 85, both in the northwest Bronx, to provide outreach within the community.
Borough President Diaz also provided just over $3.81 million in funding to various housing projects across the borough, including $839,000 towards the development of mixed-income housing at Webster Commons in Norwood, as well as $500,000 to rehabilitate two distressed buildings in West Farms through Exact Capital.
In addition to education and housing, Borough President Diaz provided funding to a variety of other Bronx institutions, including healthcare providers, cultural affairs organizations, parks and libraries. Projects funded include gym renovations at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in Crotona Park East, an expansion of Van Nest Park, upgrades to the Grand Concourse Branch Library and new ultrasound equipment at Lincoln Hospital.