New York – Representative Michael E. McMahon, who represents the 13th Congressional District on Staten Island, has earmarked $1 million in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development House Appropriations bill that will go towards the New York City purchase of 38 of the 42 acres of The Children’s Aid Society’s Goodhue Center on Staten Island, preserving those 38 acres as parkland for the benefit of all children and families on Staten Island.
As parkland, the 38 acres would be added to the ‘North Shore Greenbelt’ on Staten Island, which would be open to the public.
The sale of the 38 acres would allow Children’s Aid’s Goodhue Center to build new facilities on the remaining four acres and to continue to serve the community with afterschool programming, summer camp, foster care and counseling services. The Children’s Aid Society has served the children and families of Staten Island since 1912, providing services, resources and opportunities to the borough’s residents.
“The Children’s Aid Society is extremely grateful to Congressman McMahon for earmarking $1 million in federal funds to contribute towards the preservation of 38 acres of beautiful, wooded parkland for the people of Staten Island,” said Children’s Aid President and CEO Richard Buery. “Congressman McMahon has championed the preservation of this land since he was a City Councilman, and we are grateful that he has kept the children and families of Staten Island, and the work of The Children’s Aid Society, in focus in these challenging economic times. The preservation of this land will benefit Staten Island for years to come.”
The Children’s Aid Society is continuing to work with the City of New York to secure a final agreement for the purchase of the land. "We hope that the Mayor and City Council will follow Congressman McMahon's leadership and provide the necessary capital funding to begin the acquisition process during 2010-11," stated Buery.
The Children’s Aid Society’s beautiful Goodhue Center facility includes the community center building, gymnasium, learning center, pool, camp buildings, pond, ball fields and woodlands. The agency provides youth development programs, child welfare services, health services, recreational and sports programs there, in addition to the afterschool and summer programs.
About The Children’s Aid Society
The Children’s Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support for children in need, from birth to young adulthood, and for their families, to fill the gaps between what children have and what they need to thrive. Founded in 1853, Children’s Aid is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call 212-949-4938, email ellenl@childrensaidsociety.org, or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.
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