Five New York City Council Members from the Bronx came to the campus of Bronx Community College on Tuesday, July 16, to announce over $18 million in capital spending for the borough in the Fiscal 2020 budget.

After a welcome from BCC President Thomas A. Isekenegbe, Council Member Andrew Cohen of District 11, the head of the Bronx delegation, told the gathering, “Every year the Bronx Delegation works very hard to bring back the necessary resources to build a better borough for all Bronxites. This year was no exception!” He cited such “amazing projects” as $950,00 for a new pavilion at Wave Hill, $2.5 million for a new state of the art nursing facility at Lehman College, and $1.2 million for cafeteria renovations at Bronx Science High School.

Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, who represents District 16, singled out funding for the Bronx Museum of the Arts ($2.2 million), a new exhibit center at the Bronx Zoo ($4.4 million), the Bronx Universal Hip Hop Museum ($2 million) — and $3 million for the host of the occasion, Bronx Community College. “We look forward to continue prioritizing the needs of the Bronx in future budgets to demonstrate our commitment to these institutions and their contributions to our community,” she added.

“As Bronx representatives, we have a responsibility to bring home the bacon, and ensure our borough is fairly resourced,” observed Council Member Andy King of District 12. Our FY 2020 budget reflects responsible, wise negotiations and choices to deliver for our communities.”

District 14’s Council Member Fernando Cabrera added that “These much-needed resources will help support arts and education, our CUNY institutions, technology, services for the homeless, economic development and renovation of iconic public spaces.”

Council Member Rubén Díaz Sr. of District 18 was full of praise for the efforts of his colleagues, speaking for all of them when he said, “I am proud of the collaborative efforts of this Bronx Delegation. I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”

The event took place under the domed roof and marble columns of the Rotunda in BCC’s historic Gould Memorial Library, itself a previous recipient of city funds.