11/22/2008: Senator Huntley joins local school administrators in ground breaking ceremony

P.S./I.S. 48Q is set to receive a $56 million new building, which will include three additional grades and double capacity due to the efforts of local officials

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) today joined administrators from P.S. 48Q, local elected officials, parents, and community residents to break ground in the 18-month construction project.

"After years of pushing for adequate educational services and facilities, I am extremely elated that in my present position as New York State Senator of the 10th district, I was able to help P.S. 48 to have a new home to call its own," said Senator Huntley, a Queens Democrat. "I would like to commend the school officials and my colleagues in the various branches of government for their role in making this vision possible."

The city's passage of the 368 block Jamaica Rezoning plan earlier this year included an additional 2,200 seats in community school district 28. The inclusion of the $56 million project to address the population surge the area will experience is a direct result of Senator Huntley, a Queens Democrat, advocating P.S. 48 as a prime site in the Jamaica area.

The three story building, built over seven decades ago, will increase from 325 to 625 students. The new building will include additional amenenities such as:

• Four additional grade levels
• Separate playground facility for pre-kindegarten students
• Installation of an auditorium, cafeteria, and gym—all unavailable in the current model

Senator Huntley concluded: "As legislators, we have a responsibility to provide educational services that will allow our students to be globally competitive. This new home is long overdue."