Yonkers, NY -- City Council Majority Leader Sandy Annabi (D, District 2) has been lobbying to help establish a multi-use community center in Southwest Yonkers, and today she announced another step in funding for the as-yet fledgling project. The grand total now stands at $350,000 for a community center. There is currently no selected site and the Council Member is currently soliciting possible sites.
The exciting new funding in Yonkers stems from a conversation the Majority Leader had with Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone (R), who indicated last night that he will support the funding of the center in the new CIP to the tune of $100,000. Majority Leader Annabi sees this as “another successful step towards establishing a community center in the South Broadway area of Southwest Yonkers.”
In addition to the $100,000 just authorized, the City Council secured another $100,000 in previous Capital Funding for Yonkers, which Annabi was instrumental in securing. The City will also count on a State grant of $150,000, which New York State Assemblyman Mike Spano (D, District 93) was able to secure the grant in the State legislature.
Said Annabi, “While the City’s efforts to find an appropriate site and refinement of a plan are still in a planning and development stage, I and most of my fellow Council Members were able to come to a consensus on a CIP. I thank my colleagues for their support, and the Mayor for moving forward with the commitment to advance this much needed community center. I look forward to working with the City Administration to find a location and move the plan forward.”
Highlighting the impetus and goals of such a center, Annabi stated, “There is a dire need in this section of the City for a community center. Our residents need a place that will host different programs and welcome different generations. Our vision of a Community Center includes a place to rally youth, to tend to our seniors, and to reach out to existing community groups and individual residents with a breadth of services and technology.”
Annabi continued, “We want our kids to be able to go to youth centers or clubs where there is a healthy alternative to wasting time standing on corners, somewhere they can socialize, learn and be safe. They need a place where their parents won’t need to worry about their children’s safety. A center would be a tremendous asset for our youth, as well as provide a place for seniors to have activities.”
“This much needed center will not only focus on serving the needs of the local community, but also will serve as a launching pad for the future – this will be a place to learn, a place to socialize, and make new friends. Through this center, our youth will have a healthy and viable alternative to wasting time on the street, where they are potentially vulnerable to endangering themselves or others. Our seniors will be able to count on a safe and engaging space for socializing and assorted recreation," concluded Annabi.
Sandy Annabi is a candidate for the 17th District County Legislator.
