HUD FUNDING HELPS TO CONVERT HARLEM ARMORY INTO YOUTH CENTER

(From left to right) are:Police Athletic League New York City Executive Director John Ryan; New York State Adjutant General, Major General Joseph J. Taluto; Congressman Charles Rangel; New York County District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York State Governor George Pataki; and, tennis legend Billie Jean King

HUD Inspector General Ken Donohue and Sean Moss, HUD Regional Director for New York and New Jersey joined New York State Governor George Pataki, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Congressman Charles Rangel and dozens of civic, business and community leaders announced the opening of the Harlem Armory as a multi-purpose athletic, educational and cultural center for children to learn, play, and socialize. Located in the heart of Harlem at 142nd Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, the Harlem Armory was built in 1933 for the 369th Regiment because of its outstanding military valor. Known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," the 369th Regiment was also the first Black Regiment to fight in World War I. Prior to the renovation, the Armory had been sparingly used and deteriorating. The renovated Armory includes six tennis courts, two multi-purpose courts, three classrooms and office space. The Center will be used for tutoring students, computer training, SAT preparation, and after-school sports, such as tennis, yoga, volleyball, basketball, rock climbing, high ropes, martial arts, golf, gymnastics, and batting practice. The Center will also be available for concerts and other ceremonies and has space for a radio and television station. The Harlem Armory is the only active National Guard Armory that has offered this type of use to the community.

The Armory's renovation was funded by a $1.8 million Community Development Block Grant, $1.25 million in seized assets from drug trafficking convictions, $1.2 million each from New York State and New York City, a $500,000 City Empowerment Zone grant, as well as contributions from private sources.