STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City is restoring dozens of after school seats at a New Brighton community center following public backlash to recently announced cuts.

The contract cuts sparked backlash from community members and elected officials, including State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who sent a letter to the commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development urging them to reconsider.

The senator announced Friday that her efforts have been successful, with the city informing the Children’s Aid Society that it has been awarded an additional 68 seats, for a total of 128, for next year’s after school programming at the Goodhue Center.

“Our students and families deserve access to high-quality, consistent afterschool care and programming, and I am proud that after my advocacy, DYCD has reconsidered their initial allocation,” said Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore and parts of southern Brooklyn.

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