House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has secured $2 million in federal funding to improve transportation infrastructure in eastern Brooklyn, enhancing safety and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders alike.
The $2 million in Community Projects Funds will be split between two projects: an enhancement to the Jamaica Bay Greenway, and upgrades to B82 Select Bus Service (SBS).
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. Further south along the corridor, cyclists will benefit from parking protection. The project will also build out a concrete pedestrian island at Seaview Avenue, providing safer access to Canarsie Park and the Gateway National Recreation Area.
The projects will furthermore include various upgrades for pedestrians, among them median extensions, refuge islands, and curb extensions.
"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 Congressman 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."