Money will help construct YMCA’s new home which will replace current Northern Boulevard location

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) joined officials and members of the Flushing YMCA yesterday to commemorate $1.5 million in federal funding that she recently secured to help the YMCA construct its new building in downtown Flushing.

This modern 62,000-square-foot facility will be built as part of phase two of the Flushing Commons project, a mixed-use initiative. It will be located on the current parking lot site between 37th and 39th Avenues and 138th Street, the spot where yesterday’s commemoration ceremony took place.

The new building will expand the amount of space for the many needed programs and services that the YMCA provides to local families, seniors, and youth, allowing even more Queens residents to take advantage of all that the Flushing YMCA has to offer.

The project will also replace the Flushing YMCA’s current location on the corner of Northern Boulevard and Bowne Street (across from Flushing High School), which is an aging 100-year-old facility.

“This crucial federal funding that I brought back from Washington will help make the Flushing YMCA’s new home a reality,” said Congresswoman Meng. “This 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. I am always proud to obtain funding that improves and benefits our borough, and I cannot wait until the project is complete.”

"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,” said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. "Congresswoman Meng has been a steadfast advocate and champion and we are grateful for her enduring support. 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.”

"For generations, the Flushing YMCA has been a central hub for our community, and this moment represents an important step forward in our future,” said Heidy Lopez, Executive Director of the Flushing YMCA. “With Congresswoman Meng’s support, we are moving closer to a new home that reflects the energy and diversity of Flushing and allows us to serve more people than ever before. This new facility will strengthen our ability to bring people together, support youth development, and create opportunities for connection and well-being for all."

Among the many features of the new facility will be the largest swimming pool of any YMCA branch across the five boroughs.

Construction for the new YMCA is expected to begin in June and finish in 2028.

Meng’s funding follows the $1 million she secured in 2022 for the Flushing YMCA – and Ridgewood YMCA – to enhance its youth and community development programs.