New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Nader Sayegh announced $4 million in state funding allocated to the Yonkers Police Athletic League for major facility improvements on Friday. $1 million was secured by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and another $1 million was delivered by the State Assembly, with $250,000 from Assemblymember Sayegh’s allocation. Governor Hochul matched the Legislature’s contributions, delivering an additional $2 million in support.
Since its founding, the PAL has offered a wide range of programs free of charge to Yonkers residents, including baseball, basketball, boxing, martial arts, and family engagement initiatives, ensuring that children and families can access recreational and educational resources regardless of financial means. The state investment will fund renovations across more than 10,000 square feet of the PAL facility, including roof, ceiling, wall, flooring, ventilation, bathroom, and shower facility upgrades.
“Our commitment to the PAL is an investment in the future of Yonkers,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “This funding will transform the PAL’s facility, allowing it to better serve our community with expanded programming and safer, updated spaces for children and families. PAL’s free youth sports, after-school programs, and family engagement opportunities provide invaluable support to our children and their families, and with this funding, PAL will continue to break down barriers and build up our community.”
“I’m thrilled to see $4 million in State funding going to the Yonkers Police Athletic League, a vital organization that provides constructive development and athletic programs for our City’s youth,” said Assemblymember Nader Sayegh. “This investment will ensure that our young people have access to opportunities that promote personal growth, leadership, and a positive path forward. The PAL is a cornerstone in our community, and this funding strengthens their ability to continue to make a lasting impact on our future generations.”
“This summer I met with Assemblymember Sayegh and the Yonkers PAL on my Annual Statewide Tour to discuss what they need to give even more young people access to life-changing recreation and education opportunities,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “This funding is incredible news and will ensure New York families have access to all the resources needed to provide a brighter future for their children. I want to thank Assemblymember Sayegh for his unwavering dedication to New York’s families as the Assembly Majority continues to work with our state and community partners to provide opportunities for all children to grow and learn with their peers.”
“Thank you to our State leaders for investing in our city and children’s future,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “By upgrading the Yonkers PAL, we are upgrading the services, programs and opportunities provided to our families. The PAL has long been a home and safe haven for our youth and this injection of funding promises to continue that for years to come.”
The announcement took place during a tour of PAL’s facility at 127 N Broadway in Yonkers. PAL representatives highlighted the need for capital investment in significant renovations on the organization’s ability to support local youth and thanked Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Sayegh for delivering crucial funds to empower the project.
“In 2021, when I took over as executive director, from the moment I walked through the building, the conditions were very concerning. Here we are today, filled with gratitude to Gov Kathy Hochul, Sen Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh and the Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, for their support,” said Yonkers PAL Executive Director Marisol Mancebo. “Our young people need us now, they need leaders who are willing to do more than talk, but are ready to act. I want to thank each one of you for being part of this journey. Together, we can help our youth make a brighter future, a brighter city and a brighter nation.”
“$4 million for the PAL is unprecedented. On behalf of the Board of the PAL, thank you Sen. Stewart-Cousins, thank you Assemblyman Sayegh, and thank you to all of the legislature for your support,” said Yonkers PAL Executive Board Member Lenny Spano.
