Italian-American group marks progress in community center construction
The U.S. and Italian flags were both raised to commemorate the big moment, as a Bensonhurst-based community group founded by Italian-Americans held a ceremony to mark the progress it has made in the construction of a recreational and educational center in the neighborhood.
The Federation of Italian-American Organizations (FIAO) is constructing a six-story building, to be called Il Centro, at 8711 18th Ave. in Bensonhurst. On Oct. 18, a “topping out” ceremony was held at mark the fact that work on the building’s top floor had begun.
More than 200 civic and business leaders and elected officials attended the topping out ceremony. To commemorate the progress, FIAO leaders raised the American and Italian flags to the top of the building as a tribute to the Italian-American community, officials said.