The Big Apple’s first Italian American cultural community center will be in Bensonhurst.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg donned his hard hat and joined a distinguished roster of local notables to break ground on Il Centro, 8703-8711 18th Avenue, a state-of-the-art facility which will serve the entire community and provide social programs, recreation and education in addition to cultural initiatives and a senior citizens center. An indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, and a performing arts auditorium will complete the facility, which is scheduled to open in 2011.
Hizzoner was accompanied by Borough President Marty Markowitz and officials from the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO) at the ceremony.