Mayor de Blasio announces new recreation center for Flatbush

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announced that a new recreation center will be built at Nostrand Playground in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

The announcement was met with praise on Monday by Haitian-American legislators Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte and Councilwoman Farah N. Louis.

Bichotte said, “This investment in our community and in future generations is a crucial step toward reducing those disparities. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner (Mitchell) Silver for seeing this project through.”

She added, “For the people of Flatbush, the new community recreation center at the Nostrand Playground will serve as a center for economic growth and youth development, who represents the 42^nd Assembly District in Brooklyn.”

Louis, who represents the 45^th Council District in Brooklyn, said: “My predecessor, former Council Member, and current Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams brought this idea to life, and I am proud to build upon this framework and carry it across the finish line together.”

“Our youth, families, and seniors have waited with much anticipation for a safe space that they can call their own – a hub for learning, recreation, community, and civic engagement.

Louis continued, “This center is how we Occupy the Block, this is how we stop the shooting and save lives, by taking this critical step forward.”

The large Haitian and Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn has been adversely and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted racial disparities in our neighborhood.

Louis believe the new center will be a beacon of inspiration and innovation for the community.