Funding Will Support Construction of a New and Unique Rochester Institution
Washington, DC: Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, joined Mayor William A Johnson Jr., Mayor-Elect Bob Duffy, and Dr. Manny Rivera, Superintendent of the Rochester City School District (RCSD), to announce a $100,000 federal appropriation secured by Rep. Slaughter for the New Thomas P. Ryan Jr. Community Center. The event also highlighted the new partnership between the Ryan Center and RCSD, which will result in the construction of a unique and dynamic community and education-oriented facility.
“I am so pleased to have secured funding for what will be an exciting community anchor for the 35,000 residents in northeast Rochester,” Rep. Slaughter said. “The Ryan Center will be a place where children and adults can learn, play, and gather with neighbors in a safe and fulfilling environment.”
“Our community has rallied around this cause, and the generosity and energy displayed by our citizens and leaders will help create an institution dedicated to neighborhood needs,” she added.
“This center is a fitting tribute to Mayor Ryan’s legacy of community collaboration,” Rep. Slaughter concluded, “and it reflects his life-long commitment to improving the lives of Rochester’s children and families.”
BACKGROUND
The Ryan Community Center and Library serves the diverse community in Rochester’s northeast quadrant. This soon to be expanded center is projected to serve more than 35,000 residents and six nearby elementary and high schools. The federal funds secured will support the center’s efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency by providing after-school programs, outdoor recreational activities, computer literacy classes, arts instruction, and other programs. The funding will also help ensure that at-risk youth living in Northeast Rochester have the skills, knowledge and opportunities to make positive choices and succeed in life.
The estimated cost of the project is $25.3 million. $5.1 million has come from the City Of Rochester, with another $1.1 million coming from a community fund-raising campaign, $500,000 of which has already been raised. The School District will contribute $19 million.
The current Webster Community Center will be replaced by the Ryan Center. The new Center will be connected to Rochester School #33, forming a novel and unique institution within Rochester.