Mayor announces nearly $9 million in new funds for Brownsville after playground shooting
BROWNVILLE, Brooklyn (WABC) -- New York City is providing new funding to the Brownsville community following the recent shooting on a playground that left one person dead and 11 others injured.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced nearly $9 million in funding to support youth, health, and anti-violence services.
The shooting happened July 27 towards the end of the annual Old Timers Day community event.
The crowd at the celebration, which features musical performances from former residents and current local talent, was dispersing when the shooting began in a playground area. 38-year-old Jason Pagan was killed.
Police say 15 shots were fired from two guns, which they have now recovered.
The mayor said the funding includes over $5 million to renovate a community center, $1 million to expand a program that aims to disrupt violence, and $1 million to boost the city's response to violence and other crises in the area.
"Our hearts ache for Brownsville; but this community will be defined by resilience, not tragedy," said de Blasio. "These programs will build on our commitment to end the epidemic of gun violence and lend much needed support to the local leaders and activists who work to bring positive, enduring change to the Brownsville community each and every day."
"We are doing well but we can do a lot better and we have to make sure we take care of our young people going forward, keep them safe," said NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill.
New security cameras and lighting are planned for the playground and a nearby recreation center is getting a dozen new staffers.
----------
