Red Hook Recreation Center Gets Fed Funding For Sandy Repairs

RED HOOK — Nearly seven years after Superstorm Sandy, Congressional lawmakers announced, on Tuesday, an $8 million rehab for the Red Hook Recreation Center.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided $8,038,976.40 in federal funds through its Public Assistance Grant Program (PA). The program provides grants to some government organizations and non-profits who suffer major disasters.

The facility, located at 155 Bay St., suffered architectural, electrical and mechanical floodwater damage to its sublevel facilities during the 2012 storm, but has remained open, according to the New York City Parks Department.

U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand along with U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez made the announcement in a joint statement.

“Sandy hit hard many parts of New York, including Red Hook,” said Velázquez. “Sadly, if climate change continues, we may well see additional superstorms in coming years, making it all the more important that we invest in storm resiliency.”

The funding will also floodproof the facility.

The center sits on a parcel of land, first acquired by the city in 1913, called the Red Hood Recreation Area. Gilmore D. Clarke designed the recreation center.

City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who represents Red Hook, lauded the gesture as a “long overdue moment.”

“The story of Red Hook after Hurricane Sandy is a story of resilience,” Menchaca said in a statement. “This was one of the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York City, and I started my career in public service helping Red Hook residents get back on their feet.”