Statement from Borough President Gale Brewer on the Re-Opening of Senior Centers

“Gyms are open, restaurants are open, movie theaters are open, and now after over a year, senior centers will finally be open! This is a huge step towards a true recovery for all New Yorkers and ensures we do not leave an isolated and often forgotten group behind.

Ever since the city made steps to re-open weeks ago, our senior centers have operated under a different set of restrictions than other places. While New Yorkers can now dine indoors, attend group fitness classes, and go to the movies, older New Yorkers have been unable to access their beloved senior centers and trusted providers. Senior centers offer a variety of programming to keep our seniors healthy and active, from arts and crafts, music and dance, lifelong learning, and fitness and health programs.

In these past few months, I have led a campaign with LiveOn NY and United Neighborhood Houses to draw attention to this urgent crisis of isolation and today I am happy to report that Mayor de Blasio has announced a date to re-open hundreds of our city’s senior centers on June 14, with outdoor programming available starting today. I urge the administration to engage closely with senior center providers and to provide them with the resources and support they need to re-open these centers safely.”

Source: The Office of the Manhattan Borough President