SUNSET PARK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani paid a visit to the United Senior Center of Sunset Park, at 475 53rd St., along with Community Board 7 members, Councilmember Alexa Avilés and Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes on July 17.
In the morning, Mamdani greeted members of the center and discussed its importance following previous threats of permanent closure.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits the United Senior Center in Sunset Park. Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Last year, the landlord of the building requested a rent increase of 70%, or $86,800, for the first three years of a 10-year lease term, another 7.6% or $16,800 increase for the three years after and another rent increase of 8.4% or $18,200 for the last four years.
The lease for the center expired at the end of June 2025, and the center closed.
Due to State Assembly and City Council discretionary funding, local officials were able to allocate money to reopen it.
“When their landlord tried to raise the rent by more than 70%, the largest multilingual senior center in Sunset Park was forced to close its doors,” wrote Mamdani on X.
Sunset Park fought back, and the United Senior Center was ultimately saved by funding secured through the leadership of Avilés and Mitaynes.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits the United Senior Center in Sunset Park. Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“Today, the seniors of Sunset Park reminded us what it’s all about: a packed dance floor, games with friends and a community that sticks together,” Mamdani’s post reads.
A celebration was held at the center in October 2025 where it was officially announced $1.1 million was allocated to save the facility through this year’s Fiscal Year 2026 state and city budgets.
“The United Senior Center of Sunset Park was truly alive today as older adults gathered to meet Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani,” said Avilés. “Last year, we were battling to keep this vital center open. United Senior is a community resource that serves every part of our neighborhood.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits the United Senior Center in Sunset Park. Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“Places like this bring joy, health and togetherness. Working alongside Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes to secure $1.1 million last year to keep the center open was an honor,” she continued. “Having the Mayor pay respect to the wise people who made Sunset Park what it is today was so important for our community. I’m so glad leaders of Brooklyn Community Board 7 were also able to join us for this fantastic celebration.”
The center has been open for 52 years and provides meals, recreation, fitness, cultural activities and transportation to seniors.
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