House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday said he secured $2 million in federal funding to improve transportation infrastructure in eastern Brooklyn, enhancing safety and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders.
The funds will be divided between two major projects: the Jamaica Bay Greenway and upgrades to the B82 Select Bus Service (SBS), according to a press release.
The Jamaica Bay Greenway project will receive $1 million to construct a two-way, grade-separated bike and pedestrian path along Flatlands Avenue and Paerdegat Avenue North in Canarsie. The upgrades include a concrete pedestrian island at Seaview Avenue, providing safer access to Canarsie Park. The greenway connects local residents to major Jamaica Bay attractions such as Floyd Bennett Field and Gateway Center Mall.
Another $1 million will fund enhancements along the B82 SBS route, serving 32,000 daily riders across southern Brooklyn. Planned improvements include 16 median bus stops, 19 bus bulbs, 70 median extensions and 34 curb extensions, among other upgrades. The project aims to improve bus reliability and pedestrian safety in communities such as East New York, Flatlands and Canarsie.
"We’ve got to do all that we can to improve the pedestrian experience, improve pedestrian safety, improve resident connectivity to the Gateway National Park and all of its incredible components,” said Jeffries. “The more that we can do to increase access to public transportation, to improve the bike riding experience and the pedestrian experience, the better it is as it relates to improving the quality of life of our residents here in Canarsie and Flatlands and beyond."
Lauren Cosgrove, a campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association, said over nine million people visit Jamaica Bay Greenway every year, but research found that local residents struggled to get there.
“So, these two projects are a tremendous celebration for all of us today," she said.
City and state officials who thanked Jeffries included State Senator Roxanne Persaud, State Assembly Member Nikki Lucas, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez, NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley.
