Jackson Heights has never had a community center of its own or a public pool. Both are now funded. A combined $33.8 million package announced on Oct. 14 will build the neighborhood's first community center at 70-02 34th Avenue, run by the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.

What will be inside

The plans call for an indoor pool, the first public pool in Jackson Heights, plus an indoor gym with basketball courts and an auditorium-style theater. Programs planned for the building include after-school and summer camp, early childhood and senior programs, academic enrichment, workforce training, health and wellness, arts and culture, recreation and community events. Other uses, to be shaped with residents, could include affordable housing, child care, outdoor sports space and a rooftop farm. Once built, the center is projected to serve up to 10,000 young people a year.

Who is behind it

The Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, led by CEO Costa Constantinides, will operate the center. The Club bought the site with $10 million from Metropolitan Park. The state is contributing $10 million, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, and the City Council $9.3 million. Federal funding of $2 million and $1 million came through New York's two U.S. senators and Rep. Grace Meng, and state lawmakers representing the area added another $1.5 million. The Club is also expanding its Astoria facility with a gym, pool and planetarium.

When

No construction start or completion date was given in the announcement.

Where

The site at 70-02 34th Avenue is a few blocks from the 74 Street–Broadway and Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue station, served by the 7, E, F, M and R trains.

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