Senator Dilan, Assemblyman Lentol Join in Effort to Save Swinging Sixties Senior, Daycare Center

Senator Dilan recently introduced S. 6448, the “Expedited Citizens Action Act” in the Senate

The bill, drafted and introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, amends eminent domain law to allow New York City to acquire property that has been built with public funds or has been solely occupied by a public entity/public benefit organization for the past twenty-five years.

Specifically, the provision would allow the city to obtain the Swinging 60s Senior Center and Small World Daycare Center in Williamsburg to allow for the continued operation of the more than 40 year old facility. The community institution is facing closure after the building’s new owners threatened to evict the senior and daycare center if it did not meet the demands of an exorbitant lease agreement.

Speaking about the legislation Senator Dilan said: “For more than 40 years, Swinging Sixties has been a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community. From toddlers to teenagers and retirees, generations have benefited from the services Swinging 60’s and its staff have provided our community. And after years of service, it was callously cut off and the community told to vacate the premises. The truth is, that after red tape put the senior center on the ropes, condos came in for the kill; and Swinging Sixties never got a fair shake. The Expedited Citizen Action Act will ensure that after 40 years as a community facility—as an institution that the people built, paid for, and occupied— cannot and will not, be razed to build condos.”

After announcing the legislation at Swinging Sixties, Senator Dilan became the centers newest member.