Having been removed from their base in 2017 over safety concerns, the Washington Greys Military Cadets are one step closer to returning to the annex abutting the Kingsbridge Armory which they’ve called home for decades.

Community Board 7 has approved a critical letter advocating for the group’s return which would relieve the military group of any rent it would have to pay to stay at the annex.

Known also as “the Greys,” the non-profit organization operates to instill discipline in youth who have been involved with or at risk of juvenile delinquency. Without the support of the community board, the group would have to pay about $10,000 in rent to remain in the annex, which has served as its headquarters for more than 20 years.

According to Col. Hector Santana, commanding officer of the Greys, the National Guard, which oversees such groups operating at military bases, including at the Kingsbridge Armory, recommended that the Greys obtain the letter in order to be relieved of paying rent. However, the move doesn’t exempt the Greys from hiring a mandated security guard.

Getting the letter was easy. Santana went to Community Board 7’s Nov. 21 executive committee meeting, where board members agreed to send a letter of support. General board members approved the letter unanimously at its Nov. 26 general board meeting.

Two years ago, the group was forced to vacate after traces of lead paint were found. Though the organization still maintains an office there, cadets currently conduct their operational training and drills at neighboring locations, including P.S. 86, Walton High School, and the Fort Independence Community Center. “It’s tough because of lack of space, but we’re grateful for what [these locations] provide,” says Santana. “We definitely are appreciative.”

Santana emphasizes that the DMNA has been very helpful in the process of moving back into the annex, following the removal of the lead.

Serving as a Washington Grey cadet during the 1980s and ‘90s, Dave Laguer, commanding officer of the New York Grey Cadets, an offshoot of the Washington Greys, credits the person he is today to the organization. “They were a big part of the community. I give my existence to the original program,” he explains, highlighting leniency he received from a judge during his adolescence after an incident he described as “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” At his court date, the presiding judge let him off scot free because of his clean record and Washington Greys membership.

The Washington Greys, originally established inside the armory in 1954, work with cadets at ages 10 to 18. Cadets undergo field training exercises that include rappelling, hiking and kayaking at Harriman State Park in upstate New York. Kayaking equipment was provided by the Panda Express on Fordham Road.

Santana says he recently led cadets up Mt. Marcy, the highest mountain peak in the state, and plans to add some of the state’s other natural apexes to the list. “A lot of these kids will never have been to these places,” he says.

The cadets are not only being prepared for the various rigors that life will throw at them, but also for higher education, says Santana. “The focus is on the cadets going to college.”

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story misidentified Col. Hector Santana. This article corrects that. An earlier version of this story also referred incorrectly to Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA), rather than the National Guard as being the entity which was supportive of the petition. This version also corrects that.