Work Starts To Build Community Center For Immigrants In Corona

CORONA, QUEENS – Immigrant-rights group Make the Road New York broke ground Thursday on a community center in Corona that will aid immigrants and working-class people of color.

The 24,000-square-foot center, across the street from Corona Plaza, will include private office space, classrooms, a community gathering area, outdoor space and a commercial kitchen and shared dining area. It is scheduled to open in 2020.

"The new facility will stand as a beacon of hope signifying the dignity and worth of every immigrant, and an unequivocal statement that immigrants and working-class people of color are here to stay and stronger than ever," a spokesman said in a statement.

Attendees at the Thursday groundbreaking included State Senators Jessica Ramos and Mike Gianaris, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, Assemblyman Ron T. Kim and Councilman Francisco Moya.

"This means a lot to Make the Road members. In the time when most of the community are afraid, this building will be hope, freedom and justice for all the people that live in this city," said Gladys Puglla, co-chair of the organization's board.

TEN Arquitectos, based in New York and Mexico City, designed the center. The project received funding from the New York City Council, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, federal New Markets Tax Credits and individual donors.

The community center will double the available space for Make the Road New York's programming and services, such as adult literacy classes, health and safety training and a leadership school for political education and organizing skills.

(Lead image: From left to right -Gladys Puglla, Co-Chair of the Board of Make the Road New York; Deborah Axt, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York; Javier H. Valdés, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York; Council member Francisco Moya; and State Senator Jessica Ramos. Photo by Make the Road New York.)