Speaker Heastie, Assemblymember Dilan Announce $3 Million for NYCHA Hope Gardens Youth Center

Speaker Heastie, Assemblymember Dilan Announce $3 Million for NYCHA Hope Gardens Youth Center

Speaker Carl Heastie today joined Assemblymember Erik Dilan at Hope Gardens, a NYCHA development located in Bushwick, Brooklyn to announce a $3 million capital grant to renovate its Youth Center, one of the single largest state grants to be awarded in the district.

"As a result of the tireless advocacy of Assemblyman Dilan, my friend and colleague, this historic announcement was made possible, said Speaker Heastie. "Investments made into community spaces that provide safety and stability to children and their families contribute to a neighborhood's vitality. Open spaces allow our youth to continue to grow, create and reach their full potential."

"Having grown up in Bushwick, I know that investments in Bushwick youth pay off by expanding opportunities for our future leaders," Assemblymember Dilan said. "Opening the doors of opportunity for youth throughout Bushwick, the Hope Gardens Youth Center will now become a state-of-art center with updated facilities that will be a magnet for our youth to participate."

"We are deeply grateful to Assembly Member Dilan and Assembly Speaker Heastie for securing this funding and investing in the Hope Gardens community," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "Just as the PACT program has transformed homes and buildings across the campus, the improvements made possible by this funding will further enrich the lives of Hope Gardens residents for generations to come."

NYCHA Hope Gardens houses over 700 residents across four residential buildings. Its Youth Center offers year-round programming that addresses a variety of community needs. From extracurricular activities like basketball, soccer, to multicultural programing, the center has expanded to include something for everyone. The $3 million capital grant will allow for renovations to its basketball courts, indoor space and its HVAC system.