[title]
For south Brooklyn natives like yours truly, the long-abandoned hangars at Floyd Bennett Field have been an eyesore for, well, ever really: Opened in 1931 as New York City's first municipal airport, the area has been decommissioned from active military and commercial aviation service for 55 years and is now a 1,300-acre public park, nature preserve and historic site as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. But, save for a recent move to turn the hangars into an emergency tent complex for migrant families in 2023 through 2025, several of the historic Art Deco hangars have largely remained unused—until now.
RECOMMENDED: An NYC airport is getting a massive $3 billion renovation—and you’ve probably never heard of it
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10 million in state funding to the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to support the restoration and reactivation of historic Hangars 3 and 4 at Floyd Bennett Field. (Hangars 5-8 were converted into the Aviator Sports and Events Center back in 2006, while Hangers 1 and 2 currently operate as a natural-gas metering and regulating station.)
"The State grant will assist in the continued transformation of the historic aviation hub into a year-round public space for community engagement which will include education services, workforce development, technological innovation and park programming," per the announcement.
That means, as part of the two-part plan, the addition of logistical necessities to the crumbling structures, including renewable energy and solar power, as well as new onsite bathrooms and other upgrades to necessitate large cultural events like live concerts, food halls and more, reports Gothamist. Construction will break ground in early 2028, after the National Park Service completes renovations on the exterior of the buildings
“Floyd Bennett Field is a true New York treasure. It was once a place where legends like Amelia Earhart took to the skies, and today it’s where families come to explore, play and connect with nature,” Governor Hochul said. “With this $10 million investment, we are turning these historic hangars into a place for learning, opportunity and fun. As a mom, I want every family in this city to be able to enjoy this iconic place well into the future.”
It's an especially exciting development given the sheer history of those hangars: Everyone from Amelia Earhart to Howard Hughes took air from Floyd Bennett Field, and the transit hub was a cornerstone of American aviation and military history. Plus, selfishly, it will be much more enjoyable to see the hangars operating as vibrant community centers rather than the decaying relics they've been all these years.
“This $10 million commitment from Governor Hochul represents a transformative investment in the future of Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay," said Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy Chairman Tom Secunda. "Restoring Hangars 3 and 4 is an ambitious undertaking, and investments of this scale build the momentum needed to turn a bold vision into reality."