News Summary
The School Construction Authority has purchased land in Westchester Square for a new public elementary school expected to open in 2029. The $8.5 million deal includes parcels that previously housed educational facilities and will support 547 students. This acquisition is part of a larger strategy to enhance public school infrastructure across New York City as demand for school seats rises.
New York — The School Construction Authority (SCA) has finalized the purchase of four parcels of land in Westchester Square, Bronx for $8.5 million, paving the way for a new public elementary school expected to open in 2029. The acquisition, made in an all-cash transaction, includes properties located at 1631, 1651, and 1659 Zerega Ave.
The land, which spans approximately 35,000 square feet, currently houses a parking lot and former private education facilities utilized by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Catholic not-for-profit organization that sold the property. Approval for this land deal required consent from the state due to the seller’s non-profit status, and Attorney General Letitia James signed off on the agreement at the end of August.
The forthcoming elementary school is designed to accommodate 547 students, addressing the growing educational needs in the area. The project is currently in the design phase, although no cost estimate has yet been released.
This acquisition is part of the SCA’s broader strategy to expand public school infrastructure across the city. Recently, the SCA also acquired properties in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, for a new public school for just over $14 million. The deals in both Bronx and Brooklyn demonstrate an ongoing commitment from city authorities to tackle educational capacity challenges in various boroughs.
New York City has been facing an increasing demand for public school seats, prompting the SCA to actively pursue land for construction projects that will provide additional capacity. The addition of the Westchester Square facility is expected to contribute positively to local educational resources, which have been strained in recent years.
Commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure remains a priority for the city as it invests in the development of new schools. The SCA’s aggressive approach to land acquisition reflects a focused effort to ensure that communities are adequately served by educational facilities suitable for the demands of modern families.
As the school construction moves forward, further details on the design and operational aspects of the new elementary school are anticipated, along with updates on related projects across the city. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the SCA continues its initiatives to bolster the educational landscape in New York City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Crain’s New York
- Wikipedia: School Construction Authority
- ABC 7 NY
- Google Search: Westchester Square Bronx
- PIX11 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bronx
- BX Times
- Google News: Bronx news
- News 12 Bronx
- New York Times
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