NEW YORK — State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) recently unveiled a $250,000 grant through the New York State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program to renovate the playground outside the Amsterdam Early Childhood Education Center. The center, run by Hudson Guild, is located on the first floor of Amsterdam Houses at 206 W 64th Street.
The CREST funding will be used to repave the playground’s surface, which is currently uneven and cracked, creating safety hazards. The grant will also fund the installation of a new fence and the purchase of new playground equipment. The space will be accessible to the Amsterdam Houses community when the Early Childhood Education Center is closed.
To commemorate the announcement, Senator Hoylman-Sigal presented a ceremonial check to Tiffany Roberson, Deputy Executive Director at Hudson Guild, Jacki Kelly, Deputy Executive Director of Development, and Lisa Bova-Hiatt, CEO of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The senator also recognized local officials, including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, and Council Member Gale Brewer, for their contributions to improving the area.
“I’m excited to announce this $250,000 state grant to renovate the playground outside the Early Childhood Education Center at Amsterdam Houses,” Senator Hoylman-Sigal said. “This playground has been an unused parking lot for decades, and it’s time to create a safe place for children to play. This funding will help bring that vision to life for children in Amsterdam Houses and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Borough President Levine expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’m thrilled that the children at Amsterdam Houses will soon have a state-of-the-art playground. Thank you to all who have made this possible.”
Assemblymember Rosenthal, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Housing, praised the funding for prioritizing children’s needs, saying, “The kids at Amsterdam Houses deserve a play space that nurtures their imagination.”
Council Member Brewer added, “Beautiful, imaginative playgrounds offer a safe space for children to explore and learn. This investment will benefit the community for years to come.”
NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces for children’s well-being, stating, “This is a vital investment that will enhance the lives of the youngest members of our community.”
Ken Jockers, Executive Director of Hudson Guild, expressed gratitude for the funding, noting that it would foster the physical, social, and emotional development of local children.
Yvette Powell, President of the Amsterdam Houses Tenant Association, thanked Senator Hoylman-Sigal, saying, “This beautification project is long-awaited and will uplift our community.”
Beverly Donohue, Chair of Community Board 7, echoed these sentiments, calling the grant a much-needed improvement for the children of Amsterdam Houses.
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