Klein and Cohen Announce $325,000 for Renovations at Riverdale Neighborhood House

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Council Member Andrew Cohen (D-Bronx) announced Thursday that the Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) will receive $325,000 in state capital and municipal grants to modernize and upgrade the facility. Much of the funding will go towards upgrading the electrical and cooling systems in Riverdale Neighborhood House’s main building which was built in 1938. These much needed upgrades, some of which are the first to occur since the early 20th century, will help modernize Riverdale Neighborhood House and make it more energy efficient. Specifically, the money will be used to replace an oil fired broiler with a high-efficiency gas fired unit as well as window air conditioning units with Mitsubishi-type air cooling systems.

Senator Jeff Klein said, “The Riverdale Neighborhood House has been an anchor to the families of Riverdale since its inception more than a 100 years ago. For decades, parents have entrusted Riverdale Neighborhood House as both the first stop in their child’s education and as a great connector later for internships and job programs for teens. Riverdale Neighborhood House has offered these social services and many others to countless families and I am proud to provide these needed upgrades that will ensure that current and future families will be afforded these vital services for years to come.”

Dan Eudene, Executive Director of the Riverdale Neighborhood House, said, "Senator Klein has been such a good friend and supporter of Riverdale Neighborhood House and the community of Riverdale from day one. We are grateful for his, and Councilman Cohen’s, continued support and for these funds that will enable us to finish our much needed facility improvements."

Councilman Andy Cohen said, “I was happy to allocate $75,000 to the Riverdale Neighborhood house to help enhance their Telephone Reassurance Program (TRP) and their newly constructed Community and Teen Center, both of which help promote volunteerism and community service. Through the Community and Teen Center, Riverdale Neighborhood House is able to help youth in the community build foundations for their educational and professional futures while also gaining meaningful social experiences. These social and recreational opportunities will enable these teens to understand community engagement and leadership qualities. It has long been a belief of mine that it is important to engage the members of the community in volunteer and community service experiences. Nothing is more powerful than being able to positively contribute to our neighborhood.”

The state allocation of $250,000 and city funds of $75,000 combined will also provide funding for the following improvements:

*Making the RNH Pool Accessible by providing an elevator and rail lift to ensure those with limited mobility can not only get to the pool but enjoy it.

*Greening of the Property which will include more environmentally friendly permeable asphalt and more plant life on the grounds.

*New Fencing and Exterior lighting to provide better security and safety.

*Daily phone calls to homebound older adults to make sure they are able to remain connected to the community and check that they are safe through TRP.

Riverdale Neighborhood House, founded in 1872 is a multi-purpose agency that helps families and individuals of all income levels and ethnicities through various programs for children, teens, families and seniors including Pre-kindergarten.

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