Bay Ridge

Gentile obtains $2.5 million for Dyker Park field

July 1, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Councilmember Vincent Gentile says he has also obtained nearly triple the amount of city funding for community cleanup projects this year than he did last year. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas
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The field at Dyker Park will be getting a makeover thanks to $2.5 million in city funding, according to Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who said he worked to make sure the money was included in the recently completed city budget.

“The soccer field is in deplorable condition and this funding will allow for new synthetic turf to be installed,” Gentile (D-Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Bensonhurst) said.

Gentile was also able to secure funding for the restoration of the track and athletic field behind Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge.

The city budget also contains funding for cleanup projects in Gentile’s district.

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“I have successfully secured nearly $200,000 in new funding for clean up operations within the district,” he said. “This figure is nearly triple the amount I allocated last year to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Constituents will soon see a difference on the streets.”

“I had one goal in mind during this year’s budget process: to address as many needs as I could to improve as many lives as I could,” Gentile said.

Overall, Gentile, who has served on the City Council since 2003, said he was pleased with this year’s budget, a $78.5 billion package that includes funding for the hiring of 1,300 police officers and money to keep public libraries open six days a week. In addition, the NYPD will receive funding to hire an additional 80 school crossing guards.

“This budget is a major victory for all New Yorkers,” Gentile said. “It’s a budget that will make our city safer and stronger, and increase community policing so communities know their officers and the officers know their neighbors.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and other officials announced the budget agreement on June 22. The new budget for Fiscal Year 2016 took effect on July 1.

“This early, fiscally responsible budget will uplift New Yorkers in every neighborhood across the five boroughs,” Mark-Viverito said in a statement.

Gentile hailed the return of full, six-day library service and said the budget also allows for the creation of new opportunities for New Yorkers.

“This is a budget that opens the doors of opportunity for all,” he said. “From restoring full six-day library service to creating 50,000 new summer youth jobs and 6,000 year-round positions, New Yorkers will have increased opportunities moving forward.”

Gentile said the budget expands existing elderly abuse prevention programs and eliminates waiting lists for the home care program. Gentile also allocated funds for all senior centers in his district.

“This budget is a reflection of the responsible, progressive and honest process we’ve built over the last year and a half. Our productive dynamic with the council allows us to move forward programs that tackle income inequality, keep families safe and lift up New Yorkers across the five boroughs, all while protecting our city’s fiscal health,” de Blasio said in a statement.


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