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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Urgent capital funding needs for Brooklyn Public Library infrastructure
0:16:24
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120 sec
Johnson outlines the extensive capital funding needs of Brooklyn Public Library, highlighting the urgent necessity for infrastructure improvements and repairs across the library system.
- States that unfunded capital needs exceed $400 million, with one-third being urgent projects
- Mentions that 19 libraries are over a century old and face frequent infrastructure malfunctions
- Appreciates the $50 million allocated in the executive budget but notes it covers only a fraction of the $307.7 million request in the ten-year capital plan
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive branch overhauls rather than crisis management
Linda Johnson
0:16:24
But what truly keeps me up at night is the staggering capital funding we need to bring our buildings into a state of good repair.
0:16:33
Brooklyn Public Library's unfunded capital needs now exceed $400,000,000, 1 third of which are urgent projects like roofs, HVAC systems, fire safety, and accessibility upgrades.
0:16:50
Of our aging libraries, 19 are over a century old, and last year due to failed HVAC elevators and other basic infrastructure malfunctions, we lost more than six seventy hours of service borough wide.
0:17:09
The $50,000,000 allocated in the executive budget for Brooklyn Public Library is a strong start, and we're grateful to the administration for providing this funding.
0:17:21
However this amount covers only a fraction of our 307,700,000 request in the ten year capital plan.
0:17:30
We also require adequate funding to initiate comprehensive and cost effective branch overhauls instead of moving from crisis to crisis.
0:17:41
New Yorkers deserve public spaces that match the creativity, drive, and resilience of our communities.
0:17:50
Thank you speaker Adams, chairs Brennan and Rivera, and our Brooklyn delegation for supporting library capital projects in your districts and helping create spaces that inspire our patrons.
0:18:04
Over the years the council's lump sum capital funding has been a lifeline allowing us to address urgent repairs and fill shortfalls in stalled projects.
0:18:15
Your capital funding has been instrumental and we would appreciate receiving these vital unrestricted capital funds from you once again this year.