Canarsie, Brooklyn – On Friday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) announced he secured $2,000,000 for the New York City Department of Transportation as part of the government funding law. 

The federal funds include $1,000,000 for the Jamaica Bay Greenway to build out a missing segment of New York’s bike network, bringing safer cycling opportunities to Canarsie residents, and another $1,000,000 in funding for the B82 Select Bus Service project to upgrade bus reliability and improve pedestrian safety along the route. 

Jeffries was joined by State Senator Roxanne Persaud (SD 19), Assembly Member Nikki Lucas (AD 60), Council Member Mercedes Narcisse (CD 46), the New York City Department of Transportation, Department of Design and Construction and the National Parks Conservation Association to discuss the two projects.

“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 House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “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. And so, it was my honor to work to secure Community Project Funding in the amount of $2 million to support this effort.”

“Leader Jeffries fights for the community! He’s been fighting, fighting, fighting to bring funds here,” said State Senator Roxanne Persaud (SD 19). “He promises that he will do it, and he comes back and brings the money home so that we can make sure our communities are safer, safer busways, safer bike paths, safer parks. That’s what it’s all about.”

“Transportation is a lifeline of my district which geographically sits at the furthermost tip of our borough. It connects our residents to business, employment, educational and social opportunities,” said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas (AD 60). “I thank our leader, Congressman Jeffries for prioritizing safety and quality of life in District 60 through this $2 million Community Project Funding.” 

“That $2 million means so much to us in Canarsie. Everyone here, I’m sure, that lives in this part of town knows how important it is to invest in this area,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse (CD 46). “So, thank you, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. You know how challenging it is now more than ever. It is a difficult time. But I truly believe coming from Brooklyn, you’re resilient, you’re persistent, you’re consistent. We’re still going to be delivering a lot more for our community.”

“Leader Jeffries delivers for Brooklyn pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders yet again,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez. “These much sought after and competitive capital funds will provide for an enhanced connection from Canarsie to the Jamaica Bay Greenway, and will improve B82 SBS service for thousands of daily riders on one of Brooklyn’s busiest bus routes, serving Flatlands, Canarsie, and beyond. Brooklyn and New York City are fortunate to have a champion like Leader Jeffries in Washington.”

“We are very grateful to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for securing $2 million in federal funds for two important street safety projects in Brooklyn,” said NYC DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “One of the projects will revitalize the B82 Select Bus Service corridor, one of the busiest corridors in Brooklyn, and the other will construct a two-way greenway path that will help cyclists and pedestrians recreational spaces along Jamaica Bay. We look forward to working with DOT, DEP and our other government partners to complete the work quickly and make good use of the money.”

“There’s over 9 million people that come to visit Gateway every year. And in the organizing that I’ve done over the last decade, I’ve found that the local residents struggle to get there.” said Lauren Cosgrove, National Parks Conservation Association. “So, these two projects are a tremendous celebration for all of us today. Better bus service, the B82, will allow seamless connections to buses that go down south Flatbush Avenue to connect to Jamaica Bay and the Jamaica Bay Greenway connection will allow for pedestrians and cyclists to connect to the Jamaica Bay Greenway loop that circles all around the park.”

The Jamaica Bay Greenway is a bike and pedestrian path connecting major Jamaica Bay attractions like Floyd Bennett Field, the Rockaways and Gateway Center Mall. Funding for this project will be used to construct a two-way, grade-separated path along Flatlands Avenue from Ralph Avenue to East 76th Street, and Paerdegat Avenue North, from Flatlands Avenue to Paerdegat 1st Street and to construct a concrete pedestrian island at the intersection of Paerdegat Avenue North and Seaview Avenue, providing a safer crossing to Canarsie Park. 

The B82 provides a continuous east-west connection across southern Brooklyn, serving 32,000 riders including residents of East New York and Canarsie. Funding for this project will be used to build 16 median bus stops, 19 bus bulbs, 19 bus pads, 70 median extensions, 36 median reconstructions, 10 pedestrian islands, 34 curb extensions and one protected bike path, improving bus efficiency and pedestrian safety across the route.

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