New benches at World Trade Center are crafted with care
NEW YORK (PIX11) — A place to sit down is a welcome sight for busy people in New York City.
Some new seats have a story in Lower Manhattan around the World Trade Center.
Twelve wooden benches have been crafted with care at Brooklyn Woods. The shop offers free training to unemployed and low-income New Yorkers in woodworking, cabinet making and fabrication.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey partnered with the non-profit organization to hire seven people who were formerly incarcerated to build the furniture.
Abolitionist Place Park opens to public in Downtown Brooklyn
The agency funded salaries for the workers. The training for the regular seven-week course is not usually paid. It includes classroom and hands-on shop work.
The tools help change people’s lives. The lumber isn’t the only thing being reshaped.
“It gave me confidence,” said Eric, a craftsman on the project.
Brooklyn Woods Director Scott Peltzer called it an iconic location and emphasized the importance of vocational training.
A sign by the benches tells the story. Visitors say it gives them a place to reflect.
“One of the things I think about is how this place has come back with a lot of vibrancy,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
The pilot program could be a model for other projects. It ran 10 weeks.
Graduates also get assistance with job placement. Many are hired for entry-level positions with firms in the city. Brooklyn Woods graduates about 70 people a year.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
