Children rally for middle school
Jan. 22, 2016 By Christian Murray
Mayor Bill de Blasio has set aside funds for a new school in Sunnyside/Woodside, according to Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer.
The mayor released his 2017 preliminary budget yesterday, which allocates $200 million for schools in Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside.
Van Bramer said that the funds make provisions for three schools in Long Island City, with one in Sunnyside/Woodside. He said two of the Long Island City schools will be elementary schools, with the third LIC school yet to be determined.
Details about the Woodside school are not known as yet, although Van Bramer said he would like to see a middle school come to the area.
Van Bramer said that various agencies are zeroing in on possible sites. He said that he spoke to Lorraine Grillo, President and CEO of the School Construction Authority, and the Mayor today about the need for schools.
Van Bramer said he has made it a priority getting schools to open in Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City.
Many Sunnyside and Woodside residents have been pushing for a middle school to be built on the northern side of Queens Blvd in recent years.
A group called the Sunnyside Woodside Middle School Project formed in 2014. Its leaders Sean and Deb McGowan held a rally in October that called on the Department of Education to construct a middle school near the corner of 37th Avenue and 48th Street.
About 75 people attended the rally.
