Project Overview

PS 84 has been selected by the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS)’ Office of District Planning to become a fully accessible school. This is a major capital improvement project that is overseen by the School Construction Authority (SCA). Becoming a fully accessible school means that our building and environment is becoming completely free of physical barriers, allowing people with mobility or sensory impairments to enter, navigate, and use every part of it independently and safely. This will allow our school to serve both students with and without physical abilities, host visitors with accessibility needs, and create a more inclusive school environment for all. Our school district, District 14, currently only has one other fully accessible school which is far away on the other side of the district. By transforming PS 84 into a barrier-free facility, students with accessibility needs in the neighborhood will be able to attend school closer to home.

Some of the upgrades included in this project are:

  • addition of an elevator & construction of an elevator shaft

  • renovation of all bathrooms to become fully accessible, including widening of doorways

  • construction of ramps to facilitate travel between the main lobby and auditorium/cafeteria

  • renovation of our auditorium to become fully accessible

  • construction of ramps in the early childhood courtyard to facilitate entrance to classrooms and the courtyard itself

Impact on School Life

Living with a construction project is never easy! As PS 84’s accessibility upgrade progresses, different areas of the school will be impacted. At present, the 3rd floor student and staff bathrooms are closed while being renovated. Work is also occurring to create an elevator shaft and required structural supports along the interior courtyard.

Students are being supported in this process by:

  • using student bathrooms on the 2nd floor (grades 5-8)

  • early childhood continues to have daily recess through a combination of outdoor and indoor recreation

    • early childhood outdoor recess support funded by the PTA

    • early childhood indoor recess occurs in the little gym and fitness room

When Does Work Occur?

All work on PS 84’s accessibility upgrade occurs when students are not at school. The School Construction Authority (SCA) oversees the design, construction and renovation of school facilities in New York City. Ensuring work is done safely and in a manner that is minimally disruptive to school life is a top priority. Work on our accessibility upgrade occurs after school has ended for the day and all in-house after school programming has ended. Work also occurs on weekends and during school holidays. The School Construction Authority and its vendors adhere to the strictest protocols and safety regulations regarding dust mitigation, safe and quick disposal of construction debris, and securing of sites on school premises that are currently being worked on. Students will never be exposed to active construction.