LaGuardia Community College Recognizes Council Member Julie Won for $3 Million Investment in ADA and Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
LONG ISLAND CITY: LaGuardia Community College/CUNY President Kenneth Adams thanked New York City Council Member Julie Won (District 26) for a $3 million allocation on behalf of the New York City Council. The funding will support major capital upgrades to the primary entrances of LaGuardia’s E‑Building and improvements to the campus’s Cobblestone Courtyard. Together, these projects will significantly enhance ADA accessibility, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen the experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
“We are deeply grateful to Council Member Julie Won and the New York City Council for their $3 million investment in LaGuardia Community College,” said President Kenneth Adams. “This critical funding will allow us to modernize our campus, strengthen accessibility for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and improve overall energy efficiency. Upgrades to the two primary entrances of our E-Building will transform the experience of entering our campus and significantly reduce energy loss during periods of extreme temperatures. Enhancements to our Cobblestone Courtyard—including new pathways, improved lighting, and other renovations—will make it easier and more comfortable for people of all abilities to attend college events in one of our community’s favorite gathering and outdoor performance spaces.”
“This $3 million investment will support capital improvements for accessible infrastructure in both the E-Building and the Cobblestone Courtyard for the LaGuardia community,” said Council Member Julie Won, in a statement. “This investment will directly improve the daily experience of every student, faculty member, and visitor who walks through LaGuardia’s doors.”
Council Member Won was represented at today’s check presentation by Farah Salam, Chief of Staff, and Neily Vera Martinez, Deputy Chief of Staff/Budget Director.
LaGuardia students were represented by Keneshia Hoyte, Fine Arts major and President of the LaGuardia chapter of Delta Alpha Pi (ΔΑΠ), affiliated with the Office of Accessibility.
“Accessibility is not just about buildings or pathways. It’s about dignity, independence, and ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed,” said Keneshia. “For many students, something as simple as getting to class, entering a building, or finding a safe place to sit outside can be a daily challenge. When spaces are not accessible, it creates barriers that go beyond the physical—it can affect confidence, participation, and a student’s sense of belonging. For students with mobility challenges, chronic health conditions, or temporary injuries, simply entering a building can sometimes feel like an obstacle. Creating accessible ramps, doors, and safer entryways sends a powerful message that every student matters and that our campus is committed to inclusion.”
“On a personal note, this project means a lot to me,” she continued. “Last year, I underwent surgery and dealt with a complicated recovery. I understand what it feels like to manage health challenges while trying to stay focused on school and future goals. An accessible campus isn’t just helpful, it removes stress, increases independence, and allows students to focus on what truly matters: their education. Thank you Council Member Julie Won. Today’s investment is not just about infrastructure it is an investment in students, equity, and opportunity. These improvements will help ensure that LaGuardia continues to be a place where every student, regardless of ability, can move freely, feel supported, and thrive.
The $3 million investment includes $1.5 million for renovations to the E‑Building entryways—LaGuardia’s main public access points—and $1.5 million for essential ADA upgrades to the Cobblestone Courtyard, an outdoor gathering and performance space.
The E-Building, originally a factory building, was renovated for college use in 1988. The 31-10 Thomson Avenue entrance serves as the college’s primary entry point, and the 45-50 Van Dam Street entrance provides convenient access to the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center. For the past six years, sidewalk bridges have been in place due to the deterioration of the five‑story glass block façade above the Thomson Avenue entrance. Both entrances also need modernization to meet current ADA standards and address energy inefficiencies.
With the new funding, LaGuardia will replace the aging glass block façade with durable, energy‑efficient cladding and install new vestibule air curtain systems to reduce energy loss during periods of extreme heat and cold. Twelve sets of double doors, along with associated cladding and structural supports, will be replaced.
The Cobblestone Courtyard—once a city street de‑mapped for LaGuardia in 1988—will also undergo major accessibility improvements. Currently, uneven surfaces and gaps between stones pose challenges for all users, including people with mobility and vision impairments, parents with strollers, and older adults. Planned upgrades include accessible pathways, new ramps, railings, doors, improved lighting, and new seating to enhance comfort and usability.
Both the E‑Building entrance project and the courtyard renovation will comply with ADA requirements and all relevant New York City building and fire safety regulations.
Council Member Won has been a steadfast supporter of LaGuardia. She championed the transformation of 29th Street between Skillman Avenue and 47th Avenue into a closed-to-traffic public plaza now known as the LaGuardia Community Greenway. In September 2024, she secured $4.5 million to upgrade the cooling system in Shenker Hall and repair the college’s pool. In 2022, she allocated $3 million to support LaGuardia’s initiative to expand the training and graduation of frontline healthcare workers.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.