Whitman Houses Breaks Ground for Upgraded Recreation Space  

On June 15, the Whitman Houses community celebrated the future opening of a revitalized recreation area, featuring both basketball and handball courts.  

Resident leaders and community members were joined by NYCHA representatives and local elected officials, including City Councilmember Crystal Hudson and Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, to ceremoniously break ground for the renovation project at the Brooklyn development that is home to nearly 3,500 residents.  

Former Councilmember Laurie Cumbo, who also attended the kickoff celebration, and former Assemblymember Walter Mosley provided initial funding for the $925,000 project, which also received some federal funds. 

As part of the renovations, the basketball court area will receive new painting and surfacing, new hoops, seating areas, enhanced lighting, and surrounding landscaping. The future recreation space will also feature a new handball court. Empire Control Abatement, Inc. is the project contractor. 

Whitman Houses Resident Association President Julie Sharpton hailed the coming capital improvements, saying they offer community members a sense of optimism.   

“It gives our community hope that somebody’s considering and thinking about something just for [us],” said Ms. Sharpton, a 50-year resident of Whitman Houses.  

She noted that residents have been calling for expanded outdoor areas, including new play spaces where they can be active, enjoy fresh air, and interact with neighbors. Residents took part in meetings and surveys to provide feedback on the project amenities, while youth gave input for the court design.  

“It’s a long time coming; residents have been asking for this,” she said, thanking the officials who provided project funding.   

The Whitman project groundbreaking comes after refurbished basketball courts have opened in recent years at other sites across NYCHA, providing opportunities for youth to stay active in their neighborhood and explore their passion for sports and competition.  

“It gives our young adults another outlet that they can come to outside and enjoy after school,” Ms. Sharpton said.