A significant investment is headed to Astoria, as Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $5 million state funding initiative to expand youth programming in Queens. The funding will support the development of a new clubhouse for the Variety Boys & Girls Club, which is on track to become the largest facility of its kind in New York State. This initiative builds on a previous $3 million contribution from Empire State Development and aligns with the Governor’s broader goal of encouraging more outdoor and offline engagement among young people.
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, the project is part of a broader $300 million expansion that includes more than just a clubhouse. The development will feature over 200 affordable housing units, retail space, and a charter school. The clubhouse will include amenities such as an athletic arena, swimming pool, planetarium, and dedicated workspaces for nonprofit organizations. Hochul stated, "I’ll never stop fighting to help our kids succeed and build more of the housing our communities need." Highlighting the project's broader scope, Empire State Development's President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said that such investments are crucial for creating communities where "families can live, learn, and succeed together."
The new club is projected to serve approximately 16,000 young people each year, an increase from current participation numbers. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with completion and opening planned for 2028. CEO of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, Costa Constantinides, praised the financial support, saying in the press release, "Governor Hochul’s generous support of the new Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens will ensure 16,000 children per year have the necessary tools to become tomorrow’s leaders."
Backing the educational aspect, State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris mentioned the importance of such a clubhouse for the kids of Queens. And when it comes to hands-on governance, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. has put a $10 million allocation on the table for this state-of-the-art facility. He told the Governor's office, "Community centers like the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens are true lifelines and life-savers for so many neighbors, regardless of age."
Established in 1955, the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens has a long history of providing programs and services for youth development.
