Bronx, NY/ NYCEDC/  – Mayor Bill de Blasio, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, local elected officials and community stakeholders broke ground today on a new YMCA community and recreational facility in the Edenwald neighborhood of the Bronx. The 50,000 square-foot facility will serve as a valuable resource to the community, offering two swimming pools, a full-length basketball court, gym facilities, an indoor track, a wellness center, a childcare facility and multi-purpose rooms.

The center will also provide childcare, afterschool and summer camp, classes to improve health and wellness, and activities to strengthen the community, including senior adult programs and civic classes for new Americans. The recreational facility is expected to serve thousands of New Yorkers by year four of operations.

“Every New Yorker should have access to the tools to improve and maintain their wellness regardless of zip code. The Edenwald YMCA will be a resource for the entire community – from parents looking for summer camp for their children to seniors who want to stay active. This new YMCA is an investment in the health of all those who call the North East Bronx home,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks a historical milestone for the Northeast Bronx,” said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “This state-of-the-art recreational facility will be a welcomed addition to the community. By opening a YMCA here, we have illustrated the importance of making lasting investments into the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities. For this I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Diaz Jr, Councilman King, and all our community leaders for coming together to make this project a reality, our unwavering efforts have resulted in a win for the Bronx.”

“Today I am excited to break ground on a community center that will improve health and quality of life for Bronx residents,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “By providing much-needed athletic facilities, wellness and after-school programming to the Edenwald area, while placing an emphasis on local hiring and MWBE contracting, we are furthering our mission to strengthen neighborhoods.”

“This much-anticipated new YMCA in Edenwald will provide the Northeast Bronx with a state-of-the-art community center and recreation space, and I am proud to have helped move this project forward with $3 million from my own capital budget,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The entire Bronx is excited for this new YMCA, and I want to thank the NYCEDC, Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Heastie, Council Member King, and other stakeholders for their continued partnership on this transformative community development.”

“We’re thrilled to join with so many friends, partners, and leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new YMCA in the Northeast Bronx,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “We’re here because more than 30 years ago this community had a vision. They wanted a safe place for their children to learn, for residents to get healthy, and for the community to connect. The YMCA knows what it means to take care of people, to show up every day, and to make a difference. We’re proud to stand with our partners and look forward to serving and strengthening this community for decades to come.”

The YMCA was selected in August 2016 to develop and operate the recreation center. In May 2018, the Edenwald YMCA facility certified into the City’s public review process and is expected to open in 2020. Construction of the facility is expected to create 100 temporary construction jobs, and 100 permanent, living wage jobs. As part of the de Blasio Administration’s efforts to expand economic opportunities to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and local residents, the YMCA has committed to a 35 percent MWBE contracting goal for design and construction and will engage in local hiring efforts through the City’s HireNYC program.

The YMCA is also committed to ensuring that membership is accessible to families at all income levels. YMCA membership dues vary by location and are determined by the economics of the area. In addition, the Y’s Financial Assistance Program ensures no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a win for the diverse, growing community of the Northeast Bronx,” said New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “New York City’s YMCA provides communities with opportunities that should be afforded to every New Yorker and by investing in new neighborhoods in the Bronx, they will continue to do just that. Thank you to all of the elected officials and community leaders whose tireless efforts made this project possible.”

“This project is proof that when elected officials, local leaders, and the community come together, big things can happen,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “With brand new, state-of-the-art facilities and wonderful community programming, this new YMCA will be a truly transformative addition to the Northeast Bronx. I want to thank Speaker Heastie, whose tremendous leadership and vision helped bring us to this special day. I also want to thank Councilman Andy King, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Senator Jamaal Bailey, and especially to my friend Al de Castro and all of the community volunteers for helping to spearhead this amazing project.”  

“I am beyond excited to have this brand-new state-of-the-art YMCA open in the district,” said NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey. “This long-awaited new facility will offer programs, jobs, and resources for the community. I want to thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Council Member Andy King for their commitment to this project, and Al de Castro and all of the hard-working residents of this district for their hard work and never giving up on making this possible.”

“I am excited to see the YMCA come to its fruition in 2018 during my tenure,” said Council Member Andy King, 12th District. “For decades, community organizers and elected officials worked to make the dream of a full-service wellness facility in our community a reality. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony solidifies a commitment to strengthening our community and families by providing a site for activities for our children after school. It also comes with opportunities that include the creation of jobs, education, and fitness programs for our residents of all ages, all backgrounds, and income levels. The North Bronx Y building will embody the boldness of community strength, healthy living, and well-being,”

“This is a great day for the Northeast Bronx,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “This community has waited for years for a place where seniors, adults, and children of all ages can come together under one roof to workout, learn, and improve their quality of life. Thank you to all the elected officials and community leaders here today and those who have passed on who worked so hard to make the dream of a YMCA a reality.” 

The site is in close proximity to two New York City Housing Authority developments, Edenwald and Baychester Houses, two of the largest public housing developments in the Bronx. Located at 1250 East 229th Street, the wellness facility will sit on the eastern portion of the city-owned site, which is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and currently houses the Christopher School and two cottages for children with special needs.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.

About New York City's YMCA
New York City's YMCA is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ymcanyc.

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