Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s Office
Students and CUNY leaders thanked the City Council for the investment, which has been earmarked for much-needed upgrades on campuses across NYC.
By Forum Staff
City University of New York schools in Queens are set to receive some of the $73.3 million in capital funding allocated by the City Council and state Legislature for much-needed upgrades to CUNY campuses across the five boroughs.
On Monday, the Council Queens Delegation joined Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, CUNY Vice Chancellor for Facilities Judy Bergtraum and CUNY Queensborough Community College President Dr. Diane Bova Call to celebrate the $50.7 million investment. This comes in addition to $22.6 million in funding being granted through the state matching the Council’s FY2017 budget. According to CUNY, the money will support state-of-the-art technology upgrades, public space enhancements, science labs, art and media equipment, student service centers, and more to improve its 24 campuses.
“As the third-largest university system in the United States, CUNY offers a high-quality and remarkably affordable and competitive higher education that enables the pursuit of the American Dream,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “CUNY has been a critical door to opportunities for millions of New Yorkers and their families, and here in Queens we’re proud to be home to some of the best of CUNY schools. This multi-million dollar allocation of public funding is a direct investment into the public colleges of our borough so that CUNY remains able to meet the educational needs of its hard-working students.”
The $50.7 million in the FY2017 budget will be put toward 34 CUNY capital projects, including:
- $2 million to build a digital film center at Queens College
- $3 million to construct a cafeteria space at Queensborough Community College
- $2.5 million for a Student Success Center at Bronx Community College
- $2.5 million to build a hub for performing arts at Hunter College
- $2.5 million to renovate science labs at the New York City College of Technology
- $420,000 for the media/culture/television studio system at the College of Staten Island
“CUNY continues to be the gold standard among public institutions of higher learning in this country,” said Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica). “Men and women from cities the world over enroll at its schools to pursue their postsecondary education, often beginning at the community college level. The University’s continued success is central to the future economic growth of our City and Southeast Queens, alike. Two-year and four-year schools like Queensborough and York College depend on consistent investments to ensure the expansion of their existing programs, and the innovation of others. The Council is proud of its relationship with CUNY, and demonstrates its appreciation once again with this near $51 million allocation towards its capital projects.”
