The state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with science labs, a gymnatorium, occupational and physical therapy spaces, art and music rooms, and a rooftop greenhouse
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Councilmember Rafael Espinal and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams broke ground on Monday on a new state-of-the-art school that will provide 1,000 seats for pre-K through 8th-grade students in East New York. The school is expected to open for the 2020-21 school year.
"A school is so much more than a building full of classrooms. It is where our students learn valuable life lessons, build community and friendship," said Council Member Rafael Espinal. "That is why I am so proud that this state-of-the-art school will provide technology, recreation and resources to make our students thrive."
Located at 3269 Atlantic Avenue, the school will be equipped with science labs, a gymnatorium and two exercise rooms, occupational therapy and physical therapy spaces, art and music rooms, as well as a schoolyard with a basketball court, play equipment, benches and trees. The school's rooftop will be furnished with a greenhouse, made possible with funding secured by Espinal, who is a strong proponent of urban farming, sustainability and green spaces in New York City.
"I secured an extra $1 million to fund a greenhouse roof so that our students will have access to education in urban farming and the importance of healthy food from a young age," said Espinal. "It will put them ahead of the curve around the conversation of sustainable cities. I am happy to see the many investments of the East New York Plan come to fruition, so that the children in my community will no longer be disfranchised."
The new school is part of the East New York Neighborhood Plan, a comprehensive plan to promote affordable housing and economic development, create pedestrian-friendly streets and invest in community resources and services that support the long-term growth and sustainability of East New York. The plan, which was adopted by the City Council in 2016, commits $267 million in capital projects and services and was developed through a years-long community planning process which involved local residents, stakeholders and elected officials.
And the new school, said Borough President Adams, is an investment in East New York's future.
"We're not only breaking ground on a new school, we're breaking ground on a brighter tomorrow for the children of East New York," said Adams.
