Judy Zangwill Executive Director Sunnyside Community Services Sunnyside
Sunnyside Community Services executive director Judy Zangwill holding a rally to preserve after-school funding earlier this year[/caption]
June 29, 2013 By Christian Murray
Sunnyside, NY: Many popular Sunnyside and Woodside programs will continue to receive city funding–following the 2014 budget deal that was passed by the council last week.
The Sunnyside/Woodside graffiti cleanup program will continue. The streets surrounding Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside will continue to be kept clean through the funding of the Doe Fund. Meanwhile, the St. Pats for All parade–that takes place on Skillman Avenue– will see city funding yet again.
However, for some of this neighborhood’s biggest agencies, the budget was a relief, as library funding was restored and after-school programs continue to be funded.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who was able to secure city funds for many of these agencies and groups, said that “they will strengthen and improve our neighborhoods.”
Sunnyside Community Services fared particularly well in the 2014 budget, with the afterschool programs it administers (PS 150 and PS 199) fully restored. Furthermore, the funds it receives for senior services and case management support services were increased. The amount of the increase was not known at the time of publication.
However, the real boon for Sunnyside Community Services was the $2.6 million in funding it received for the renovation and expansion of its center. The agency is expanding into the property behind it. At one point, sources said, there was discussion that the center might have to relocate out of the neighborhood.
Van Bramer has allocated $500,000 for the renovation of Hart Playground in Woodside, which is located at 69th Street and 37th Avenue. The details of that renovation have yet to be determined. However, Hart Playground has been a source of neighborhood controversy in recent years, with residents complaining about day laborers who congregate there.
Other big ticket allocations include $300,000 for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements for the area surrounding PS 199; $300,000 to renovate the Woodside Houses inner recreation area; and $150,000 for new lighting and electrical infrastructure for the Woodside Library.
Meanwhile, Friends of Sunnyside Gardens Park, the fundraising arm of the membership-based park, received $25,000 through Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Those funds were for items such as “installing playground equipment and other recreational equipment.” Since 2010, Friends of Sunnyside Gardens Park has received $142,600 in city funds, most of it through Quinn. Park membership is not always open to all those who can afford the modest fees, such as with a YMCA or other non-profit. Members have to live in a geographical location to join.
Other budgetary items of note:
- Woodside on the Move to receive $40,000
- St Pats for All to receive $8,500 in funding ($3,500 from Van Bramer and $5,000 through Councilman Daniel Dromm)
- United 40s Civic Association to receive $5,000 (a Sunnyside/Woodside residents advocacy group)
- Sunnyside Drum Corp $3,500
- Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce: $65,000 ($40,000 for the Sunnyside/Woodside graffiti cleanup program)
- Sunnyside Bid: $5,000 for flower plantings
- Thalia Spanish Theater: $7,500
- Northern Woodside Coalition, a civic organization that runs neighborhood watches and youth programs, $3,500
- Variety Boys & Girls Club of Sunnyside/Woodside $5,000
- Sunnyside Gardens Preservation Alliance: $3,500
