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Van Bramer secures $2.6M to expand Sunnyside center

Van Bramer secures $2.6M to expand Sunnyside center
Photo by Phil Corso
By Phil Corso

The City Council allocated $2.6 million in capital funding to Sunnyside Community Services so it can renovate its second floor and enhance senior services, administrators said.

The money came as part of the 2014 city budget and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) visited the facility, at 43-31 39th St., last Friday to deliver the news himself. The councilman stood before a crowded room of seniors eating lunch, playing games and socializing when he outlined how far the millions will go.

“Sunnyside Community Services is a boroughwide institution that each and every single day gives seniors the opportunity to enjoy life through quality recreational activities, inspirational programming and interactive services that keep them active and engaged,” Van Bramer said. “I look forward to watching this institution thrive for years to come.”

A popular spot for various public meetings and social events in western Queens, Sunnyside Community Services has benefitted roughly 14,000 people annually and provided more than 54,000 hours of health and home care services weekly to nearly 1,700 homebound residents in western Queens, Van Bramer said. The new chunk in capital funding, he said, will help the center gut its second floor and restructure its layout, making way for a better working environment and easier access for city seniors.

Judy Zangwill, executive director of Sunnyside Community Services, said the councilman has been a staunch advocate for the center, always fighting to secure funding for seniors. With his help, the facility will break ground next year to remove the walls on its second floor and relocate work spaces and day-care services, she said.

“His support for this capital project shows, once again, that he understands the importance of senior services, and he understands how to empower nonprofits to provide high-quality services to those who rely on us,” she said. “We feel all these improvements will make a much more welcoming environment for seniors.”

Zangwill said renovation plans include the expansion of the facility’s adult day-care program by 1,000 square feet to serve about 20 more seniors. The construction, she said, will help the center achieve goals its current $52 million budget cannot accomplish alone.

Steve Behmoiras, a senior who frequents the community center in Sunnyside, became emotional when publicly thanking Van Bramer for his support and advocacy over the years. Behmoiras said he had known Van Bramer since he was 9 and said the city was lucky to have his support.

“[The center] probably extended my life at least 10 to 15 years,” he said. “It’s like I’ve got a second family.”

Van Bramer has a history of securing funding to benefit senior services throughout the city, with more than $3 million alone going toward Sunnyside Community Services. He also worked to secure funding for senior programs at centers in Queensbridge, Ravenswood and Woodside.

“The government needs to respect our seniors, and I’m here to say that I do,” Van Bramer said.

Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.