MOTT HAVEN — Bronxites hope to see a science and technology center replace the 40th Precinct when it moves from its current spot in a historic buidling to a new location.
Mayor Bill de Blasio's first $73.9 billion city budget, released earlier this month, included money to build a new facility in the 40th Precinct in the South Bronx.
Although the city has not made a decision yet about the location of this new facility, Community Board 1, which the 40th Precinct serves, already has an idea for what to do with the old building after it is vacated.
"I think there's a need for a science and technology center here," said Cedric Loftin, district manager of the community board.
Loftin pointed out that the center would be located across the street from public housing developments and close to the Mott Haven Library. He also maintained that it would help the neighborhood with economic development and be a strong asset for the community's younger residents.
“Science and technology and business, young people need to embrace that no matter where they are now in their life,” he said. “They’re going to have to deal with technology.”
The center could help the neighborhood's youth as they grow up as well, Loftin added.
"Science and technology, it’s not leaving us," he said. "It’s here to stay."
The mayor's office looks forward to hearing input from the community, according to spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick. She declined to comment specifically about the idea for a science and technology center at the 40th Precinct.
It was not clear where the precinct stationhouse will be moving.
Loftin envisions the center as a place that would offer classes in subjects like computer science, animation, social media and coding.
"We just want the young people to be on the cutting edge of what everyone else has the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of," he said.
