U.S. Rep. Grace Meng recently allocated $1.5 million in federal funds for construction of a new YMCA facility in downtown Flushing, joining officials and members of the nonprofit during a press conference on March 23 to celebrate the project.
Courtesy Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng recently allocated $1.5 million in federal funds to support the YMCA as it constructs its new building in downtown Flushing.
Meng, on March 23, joined officials and members of the Flushing YMCA at the new designated location to present the funding that will subsidize the modern 62,000-square-foot facility.
The facility will be built as part of phase two of the Flushing Commons project — a mixed-use initiative — and will be located on the current parking lot site between 37th and 39th avenues and 138th Street.
It will replace the Flushing YMCA’s current 100-year-old aging facility on the corner of Northern Boulevard and Bowne Street, across from Flushing High School.
The news release noted that the new facility will contain the largest swimming pool of any YMCA branch across the five boroughs.
Construction of the new YMCA is expected to begin in June and finish in 2028.
According to a news release from Meng’s office, the new building will expand the amount of space for programs and services that the YMCA provides to local families, seniors and youth.
Meng said this project will allow even more Queens residents to take advantage of all programs and offerings at the Flushing YMCA.
“This crucial federal funding that I brought back from Washington will help make the Flushing YMCA’s new home a reality,” Meng said. “I am always proud to obtain funding that improves and benefits our borough, and I cannot wait until the project is complete.”
She said the new and modern building will feature additional space and improved services that will help the YMCA do an even better job in serving the growing population in Flushing and the surrounding areas.
Both Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, and Heidy Lopez, executive director of the Flushing YMCA, emphasized how grateful they were of Meng’s continued support and advocacy for the nonprofit.
In 2022, for example, Meng secured $1 million in funds for the Flushing YMCA and Ridgewood YMCA to enhance its youth and community development programs.
“For 20 years, we have been working tirelessly with our community and elected partners to create a new state-of-the-art Flushing Y to better serve the Flushing community,” Greenberger said. “As we mark 100 years in Flushing, this project allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact — building a modern, inclusive space where families, seniors, and young people can access the programs and support they need to thrive.”
The new facility will also reflect the energy and diversity of Flushing, Lopez added, allowing the nonprofit to serve more people than ever before.
“For generations, the Flushing YMCA has been a central hub for our community, and this moment represents an important step forward in our future,” Lopez added. “This new facility will strengthen our ability to bring people together, support youth development and create opportunities for connection and well-being for all.”
For more information about the Flushing YMCA, visit YMCAnyc.org.