Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Borough President Molinaro and Councilman McMahon hold press tour of Gerard Carter Center
Center is 90% complete, expected to open early next year
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro and Councilman Michael E. McMahon today announced that construction of the Gerard Carter Recreation Center is 90% complete, and is expected to be available for use in early 2009. The Center, located at the Stapleton Houses, will provide a safe place for teenagers and children to socialize and enjoy recreational opportunities, including sports and fitness areas and rooms dedicated to the arts.
The $10 million, 21,000 square foot center is named in honor of Police Officer Gerard Carter, who was shot in the line of duty on July 26, 1998. Officer Carter succumbed to his injuries five days later. Officer Carter, who worked for the Housing Unit, was known for befriending the children who lived at the housing projects he patrolled, serving as a role model and inspiration for them. Shortly after Officer Carter’s death, the Borough President’s Office, along with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the New York City Housing Authority announced that they would fund the construction of a Center that would provide a safe, supervised environment for the young people that Officer Carter took under his wing.
“I am pleased that after much delay, we are nearing the completion of the Gerard Carter Center,” Molinaro said. “The children and young people of this community deserve a safe recreational facility, and I am proud that the memory of Office Carter will be forever memorialized,” Molinaro said.
Councilman Michael E. McMahon, whose district includes Stapleton, said, “Although too long in coming, the Carter Center is the prefect tribute to Officer Gerard Carter, who heroically gave his life in the line of duty protecting us all.For generations young people will come to this center, be inspired by the life and heroism of Officer Carter, and be encouraged to follow his example of service to our community.”
Borough President Molinaro and Councilman McMahon were joined on the tour by Officer Carter’s mother, Martha, Carter’s former wife, Jozette, their son, Louis, and Carter’s former partner and friend, Detective Kevin Tierny. Today’s press tour was scheduled to coincide with the tenth anniversary of Office Carter’s death. A formal announcement and ribbon cutting will be scheduled upon completion of the recreation center.
August 1, 2008