Mariner’s Harbor Houses Celebrates Newly Renovated Community Center

On April 15, Mariner’s Harbor Houses welcomed a newly refurbished community center featuring a fully functional instructional kitchen, computer rooms, a common area, and brand-new restrooms.  

NYCHA leaders were joined by representatives from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the $6.1 million project at the Staten Island development, home to more than 1,300 residents. 

The renovated community center, which functions as a United Activities Unlimited, Inc. Cornerstone site, will provide residents with year-round, evening, and weekend programming and services, including academic support and recreational and physical activities. Programming is also focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and cultural exploration, while aiming to address primary community needs, such as a lack of healthy food alternatives. The upgraded facility will host mobile food pantries in partnership with Community Health Action of Staten Island and interactive lessons on healthy eating and farming with Green City Force and the Sylvia Center. 

Residents will have access to year-round, evening, and weekend programming and services at the newly improved Mariner’s Harbor Community Center.

“We are giving the residents of Staten Island the world-class community center that they deserve,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “From a new kitchen to a high-tech computer room, these upgrades will give New Yorkers a safe place to gather, get a meal, apply for a job, enjoy cultural programming, and more.”  

NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt added, “The newly renovated Mariner’s Harbor Community Center will provide over 1,300 NYCHA residents with access to a dramatically improved community hub where they can engage with important programming directly based on their priorities, such as classes on eating healthy.”  

As part of the capital improvements, which were overseen by DDC, the center received new fixtures and equipment for the instructional kitchen; a new ductless heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; new flooring, doors, and light fixtures; fresh paint; and a new fire alarm system. Other upgrades include fully renovated, ADA-compliant bathrooms; a new canopy; and outdoor signage. Funding for the improvements was provided by the City.     

“This newly renovated center will bring new life into the community; it will be a safe space for the youth and residents of Mariner’s Harbor,” said Brenda “Kiko” Charles, Mariner’s Harbor Resident Association President. “Under the direction of United Activities Unlimited, it is my hope that this center will serve the entire community, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. We hope the community will use the center to engage in a variety of activities, trainings, and classes by working in partnership with the Mariner’s Harbor Resident Association.”