By Bill Parry
The first phase of renovations of the outdoor amenities at LeFrak City, in Corona, is complete just in time for spring.
Elected officials and community leaders joined Jamie LeFrak, the president of the 20-building complex, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the newly revamped West Courtyard April 7.
“Exciting changes are underway at LeFrak City, and this is just the tip of the iceberg,” LeFrak said. Within two years the ongoing multimillion-dollar capital improvement program will bring renovations to lobbies, mail rooms, facades, laundry rooms, elevators and garages, but for now the nearly 40,000-square-foot space is considered to be a milestone.
The courtyard has been freshly landscaped with an array of trees and shrubs, paved walkways and a seating area with benches and picnic tables. It also features two multi-purpose athletic courts equipped to accommodate a wide array of sports, including basketball and tennis.
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) called the first phase of renovation a “new beginning” following two tragic incidents in the last half year: the fatal shooting of Brandee Anastasia Massey, a pregnant mother of four in November, and a New Year’s Eve fire that claimed the lives of three family members.
“Recently, LeFrak has gone through horrible tragedies, but today is a day of celebration, of new beginnings,”Peralta said. “This new courtyard is a symbol of new hope, a hope that will transform LeFrak into the LeFrak we all envision. Families and children have a new place to enjoy and spend time together, and this is what makes a community stronger.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
