BENSONHURST — Plans for the Italian American Community Center in Bensonhurst are moving forward now that its groundbreaking took place last week.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg, other elected officials and members of the Federation of Italian American Organizations, including its chair, G. Jack Spatola, at ceremonies for “Il Centro,� the first Italian American cultural community center in the city, at 8711 18th Ave.

The new center, which received support from Markowitz, will serve the entire community, providing social programs, recreation, education, cultural initiatives, a senior citizens center, an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and a performing arts auditorium.

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