Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz said, “This community center is like a dream coming true. For years we have sought a community space that celebrates and recognizes our rich diversity, and it will now happen. Our neighbors will finally have a place where they can enjoy sports, the arts, and other activities to help them connect with other neighbors. In an urban neighborhood like Jackson Heights, it is critical to have a space where families can safely gather and access recreational and cultural opportunities. I want to thank Governor Hochul for this major investment, as well as all those who helped bring this project to reality including Borough President Richards, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, and Assembly Members Raga and González-Rojas who, along with my office, allocated the financial support to make it a reality. I truly look forward to seeing this center benefit the people of Jackson Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods for years to come.”
Assemblymember Steven Raga said, “Every child in Queens deserves a place where they can learn, play, and thrive, regardless of their family’s income or background. For working families in Jackson Heights, this $10 million investment means greater access to after-school programs, recreation, and a community pool right in their own neighborhood. I thank Governor Hochul for her Unplug and Play initiative and enduring commitment to our young people, and the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens for its decades of service to our children and families.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “In a time when distractions like social media, technology and gun violence swirl around our children like never before, community centers are exactly the kind of safe havens they need to build healthy habits and relationships. This $10 million allocation in creating exactly that kind of space for a community that has long lacked one will change countless lives. Thank you to Governor Hochul for this incredible investment and to the life-saving Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens for its dedication to the mission to uplift kids in Astoria and, now, Jackson Heights.”
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said, “Our city’s community centers provide young people with the space and freedom to learn, play sports, engage in culture, and build strong ties among one another and connect more deeply with their community. The Council is proud to provide more than $9 million in funding towards the largest Boys and Girls Club in the country, which will allow the organization to reach thousands more kids a year, and deliver hundreds of units of affordable housing to Jackson Heights. I thank Council Member Krishnan, Governor Hochul and everyone who contributed to this project for helping to make this investment happen.”
New York City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan said, “Jackson Heights is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in New York City. Sadly, for too long our community has lacked the kind of dedicated public gathering space that other neighborhoods take for granted. That is why I am so proud to have secured $9.3 million with my colleagues in the New York City Council to help make the first-ever community center in Jackson Heights a reality, and grateful to all our other partners for their investments to make this a reality. This will be a place built for and shaped by our neighbors. A home for our children, our families, our seniors, and the incredible organizations that make Jackson Heights so special.”
Metropolitan Park Chief of Staff Michael Sullivan said, “Metropolitan Park is about creating opportunities for Queens, and that commitment doesn’t stop at the boundaries of our site. Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst are some of the most vibrant communities in New York City and we heard loud and clear from our neighbors that they need a new community center to meet the area’s growing needs.”
Hard Rock International Chief of Staff Sean Caffery said, “We’re proud to make this $10 million investment and to stand alongside our elected officials, community leaders, and the Variety Boys & Girls Club to help turn a long-held community vision into reality. This is the kind of investment that can make a difference for generations to come.”