GRASMERE — P.S. 48 officially moved into its new school building Wednesday.
After an assembly with songs by students, Councilman James Oddo joined teachers, students and staff to cut a ribbon on building that replaced P.S. 48's old location across Targee Street.
"This is probably the best thing that I will be apart of in my political career," Oddo said. "To actually see the school, and see how great it is. I think we're all still in a little disbelief."
P.S. 48 parents, teachers and Oddo pleaded with the city since 2008 to replace their old, overcrowded building by knocking down a vacant Doctor's Hospital and constructing a new building.
The $53 million four-story school first opened in September with pre-kindergarten through eight grade classes.
While the other building was crammed for space — and had a cafeteria, gym and auditorium in one room — the new school has a large library with a view of the Freedom Tower, an auditorium and playground.
Oddo said the project has been an important one for him and his staff during his term, and said he was blown away when he first walked into the building.
"It's like that scene from the 'Wizard of Oz,' when it goes from black-and-white to color, that's walking into this building," Oddo said.
