Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.

Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician in New York, and a member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn, representing the 47th Council District, which includes Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Early Life

Councilman Recchia was born in Gravesend and graduated from local public schools – P.S. 215, David A. Boody Intermediate School, and John Dewey High School. He earned a bachelor's degree at Kent State University in criminal justice, before getting his juris doctor from Atlanta Law School.

After graduation, Councilman Recchia returned to Brooklyn, and in 1989 took the first step toward fulfilling his passion for public service when he was elected to Community School Board 21. He served first as a member, then vice-president and finally, president. He also previously served as a member of Community Board 13.

He has remained a passionate advocate for education, and constantly fights for increased funding and support for the classroom.

City Council

In January 2010, Recchia was appointed by Council Speaker Christine Quinn as the Chairman of the New York City Council Finance Committee. He previously chaired Cultural Affairs, as well as Small Business Services, and has been a member of the committees on Education, Environmental Protection, Public Safety, Aging and Governmental Operations. He is currently a member of the following committees: Cultural Affairs, Governmental Operations, Education, Civil Service & Labor and State & Federal Legislation.

As chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee, Councilman Recchia worked to ensure that New York City remained the hub of world culture. In that position he created the Cultural After School Adventure program, in conjunction with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Youth and Community Development, to encourage the city’s youth to explore their artistic interests and talents.

Coney Island

In 2009, the City Council overwhelmingly passed the rezoning of Coney Island. After years of negotiations, Councilman Recchia successfully guided the plan to completion, winning major victories for the community – including year-round jobs and affordable housing – while at the same time protecting amusements and retaining the spirit of what makes Coney Island an iconic entertainment destination.

So far, the Coney Island Revitalization Project has created 400 jobs but is slated to generate more than 25,000 construction jobs and 6,000 permanent jobs. Construction began in November 2011 on Steeplechase Plaza, a new feature of the Coney Island boardwalk that will offer retail opportunities, new concessions, and will house the oldest carved wooden carousal in the country, the B&B carousel. Speed Zone is another project to be built during the winter of 2012. It will feature new cafes, retail opportunities, and new rides.

Furthermore, Coney Island Commons is mixed use development which will include affordable housing and a community center operated by the YMCA of Greater New York. The project will contain 196 rental apartments for low and middle income families. The YMCA will provide South Brooklyn residents with much-needed recreational and community facilities.

External links

• City Hall News: Domenic Recchia Takes Finance Chair
• Official NYC Council Website about Domenic Recchia