The School Construction Authority (SCA) has officially purchased a lot on 69-01 34 Ave. in Jackson Heights and plans to turn it into an elementary school.
The property, previously the site of a White Castle regional office, was purchased by the city agency on Sept. 24 from Nakorn Realty for $6.3 million, city records show. The building will be demolished to make way for the school, which is scheduled to open September 2019.
According to a spokesperson for the SCA, the 476-seat school is still in the design phase. The school would alleviate overcrowding in a district that has been desperate for additional seats.
Councilman Daniel Dromm, who is also the committee on education chair, has been advocating for more schools in District 30. He recently allocated $2.4 million to several schools in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst for infrastructure and technology upgrades.
“I join local residents in welcoming a new elementary school to the neighborhood,” Dromm said. “This school is sorely needed as it will help alleviate overcrowding in School District 30, one of the most overcrowded districts in the city.”
Once the City Council and Mayor Bill de Blasio approve of the plans, an environmental impact study will be conducted and SCA will demolish the building.
