A Brooklyn preschool that cost taxpayers more than $10 million but remained vacant for years will finally open its doors this fall. The nine-classroom facility at 129 Van Brunt St . in the Columbia Street Waterfront District is set to welcome 45 three-year-olds and 18 four-year-olds in September, following persistent advocacy from local parents.

The $10 Million Preschool That Sat Empty

The 129 Van Brunt St. schoolhouse, designed to accommodate 135 students, has been a symbol of inefficiency and unmet demand in Brooklyn's early childhood education system. Despite its completion, the facility remained shuttered under previous mayoral administrations, leaving parents in the transit-sparse neighborhood struggling to find affordable childcare options.

Parental Advocacy and the Push for Accessibility

Local parents, including Jessica Setton, have been vocal in their frustration over the lack of accessible early childhood education options. Many families were forced to either pay exorbitant fees for privaate care or travel long distances to secure spots for their children.. The opening of the preschool comes as a relief, providing a much-needed alternative in an area where demand far outstrips supply.

Mayor Mamdani's Commitment to Childcare

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the opening as part of his administration's commitment to fixing the city's 3-K system. Since taking office, Mamdani has prioritized stabilizing providers and increasing enrollment, rather than simply expanding capacity. The city has opened nine previously vacant child care centers and added thousands of 3-K seats where families need them most.

Unmet Demand and the Road Ahead

Despite the progress,challenges remain. The nearest preschools in the area continue to see applications far outpace the number of available seats. The city has acknowledged the unmet demad for early childhood seats, but the opening of the 129 Van Brunt St. schoolhouse marks a significant step forward in addressing the issue.