Schumer: HUD Should Not Force Town of Babylon To Permanently Park Plans To Revive Geiger

Statement

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to not claw back $400,000 from the Town of Babylon's federal grant needed to make improvements to Geiger Lake Memorial Park. The Town of Babylon received the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding--a total of $700,000--as part of the Wyandanch Rising (Phase II) initiative to revitalize Geiger Lake Memorial Park, however, because of unforeseen infrastructural issues the work has not yet been completed. If the remaining $400,000 in CDBG funds are not used by HUD's December 31st deadline, the remaining funding will be clawed back by HUD. Schumer explained that the park had been falling into disrepair and was also being used for criminal activity. As part of the Wyandanch Rising initiative, this funding would help make the park safer and more enjoyable for park-goers. For instance, Schumer said that the claw back threatens initiatives to restore lighting and infrastructure, two elements crucial to the safety of park-goers; the claw back also threatens the possibility of a new playground, an activity hub and the botanical gardens. Schumer today urged HUD to extend the December 31st deadline for the Town of Babylon so that these improvements can be made.

"A claw back of federal funding could seriously delay the necessary upgrades at Geiger Lake Memorial Park and would hurt the overall progress of the Wyandanch Rising initiative. The Town of Babylon and its residents should not be penalized for unforeseen construction issues at the park and that's why I'm urging HUD to extend its deadline which would allow these necessary upgrades to continue on schedule. This federal investment will make Geiger Lake Memorial Park better than ever and will attract more visitors, making it safer and more enjoyable for all. HUD should do the right thing and allow the Town of Babylon to keep this funding and make these much-needed repairs," said Senator Schumer.

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