For Immediate Release: 05/21/24

Contact: media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935

New York Power Authority and Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens

Celebrate Opening of New Rooftop Farm

Rooftop Farm to Engage Community Members in

Sustainable Food Practices

See Photos of the Rooftop Farm Here

QUEENS—Representatives from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens today cut a ribbon to celebrate the expansion of Sky Farm LIC, a rooftop farm located at 37-18 Northern Blvd. in Queens, that will provide intergenerational learning opportunities for students and community members. The $485,000 project included the installation of a new food production area, walking paths and farming supplies and materials. The expansion advances the Power Authority’s longstanding commitment to support disadvantaged communities within New York, including the development of urban agriculture to create a more sustainable state. NYPA first announced its intention to design and finance a fully functioning rooftop farming space for the Variety Boys and Girls Club last September.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens has made a tremendous impact in their community, and we at NYPA are proud to support the organization as they continue to engage New Yorkers in topics such as sustainability and climate action. The newly expanded rooftop farm will also grow innovation, ideas and community connections.”

CEO of the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens Costa Constantinides said, “Sky Farm LIC is officially open! Our team at Variety is thrilled to begin agricultural programming on our renovated rooftop farm and bring together youth from all over Queens. With the help of our wonderful partners like Hydro Quebec, TDI and New York Power Authority, Sky Farm LIC will be an educational pathway for our youth.”

NYPA will offer community workshops and learning sessions at the farm to educate students and local community members on sustainability and climate justice, also providing farm materials and supplies to facilitate the program. The learning sessions will provide hands-on STEM opportunities for students and community members to learn more about topics pertaining to sustainability, renewable energy, and climate change, as well as urban agriculture topics.

The Variety Boys and Girls Club is also collaborating with LaGuardia Community College to support and develop a new curriculum that focuses on urban farming and sustainable agriculture practices, as well as food justice topics. Variety Boys and Girls Club young people will have the opportunity to participate in these learning programs, along with other community members.

LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams said, “LaGuardia is proud to participate in the development of urban farms and gardens which are using a variety of hydroponics and regenerative agricultural practices to bring fresh produce to New Yorkers while also providing educational programming for NYC residents of all ages. The New York Power Authority and the Boys and Girls Club from Queens are tremendous partners in bringing more sustainable urban agriculture for our community to enjoy.”

The Power Authority has worked closely with schools and community organizations throughout Queens over the last several years, including NYPA’s Green Classrooms program at schools in Astoria, establishing programs at The Steinway, Henry David Thoreau, The Judge Charles J. Vallone School, Mamie Fay School and the New York City Housing Authority’s Astoria Houses Environmental Learning Lab.

NYPA is committed to being a good neighbor to the historically underserved and marginalized communities located near its statewide facilities and assets. The Power Authority’s environmental justice programs promote curiosity, increase students’ confidence, and help to enhance educational equity by improving STEM learning programming outside a traditional classroom setting.

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Green rooftop farms are great examples of green infrastructure that lowers energy prices, decreases pollution, and makes our city more eco-friendly. In addition, this new green rooftop will yield local, organically grown food for the people of Western Queens while also creating educational opportunities for sustainability and the fight against climate change. I am so excited to see the Sky Farm LIC Rooftop finally open to the community.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said, “I’m thrilled to see the Sky Farm LIC Rooftop finally open its doors to the community!” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This innovative new rooftop farm will help our Western Queens residents have more access to fresh produce and learn more about how to take care of our ecosystem. Together, we are pushing forward on our mission to create a greener, more sustainable Queens.”

NYC Council Member James F. Gennaro, Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency & Waterfronts said, “Sky Farm LIC is a wonderful addition to Queens, fostering sustainable urban agriculture all while supporting disadvantaged communities in New York. This newly expanded rooftop farm, made possible thanks to NYPA, will not only improve food access, but also educate our youth and plant the seeds for a greener tomorrow.”

NYC Council Member Julie Won said, “I’m thrilled to celebrate the start of programming at the newly opened Sky Farm LIC, which will give thousands of our scholars access to lessons on urban agriculture, STEM, and sustainability right in their own backyard. This partnership between New York Power Authority and Variety Boys and Girls Club will provide hands-on learning opportunities for our children, allow our neighbors to access fresh, locally grown produce, and help New York City move toward the greener future we all deserve.”

NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan said, "The Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens is doing what once seemed impossible in a big, dense city like New York: growing and distributing locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost to Queens families. And beyond providing access to fresh produce, Sky Farm LIC will also deliver STEM programming on urban agriculture and sustainability to the surrounding community. I'm proud to be here for this launch, and I'm excited to see more Sky Farms across Queens and New York City.”

Chief Operating Officer of Hydro-Québec Energy Services Serge Abergel said, “The Sky Farm will connect New Yorkers with their food and teach them about sustainable agriculture – all while enabling them to earn credits at LaGuardia Community College. It’s great to see this innovative initiative empowering young people with valuable knowledge.”

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.